Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe – A Warm and Spiced Loaf

March 29, 2025

Craving a cozy and spiced treat? Create an unforgettable apple cinnamon bread with all-purpose flour, brown sugar, unsalted butter, and fresh eggs to form the perfect base. For an aromatic twist, add cinnamon that complements the sweetness and tartness of Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, whisking the dry ingredients, and creaming the butter and sugar to achieve the desired texture. Fold in chopped apples before baking for around an hour. With about 185 calories per slice, enjoy a moist loaf that balances flavor with mindful calorie management. More awaits beyond the basics.

Core Components for Flavorful Loaf

essential ingredients for bread

To craft a truly flavorful apple cinnamon loaf, you'll need to focus on quality ingredients that pack a punch.

Start by selecting fresh ingredients, guaranteeing each component enhances the overall taste. Pay attention to the following core elements that will elevate your loaf:

  • Flour: Opt for all-purpose flour for a balanced texture.
  • Sugar: Use brown sugar to add depth and a hint of molasses.
  • Butter: Choose unsalted butter for control over saltiness and rich flavor.
  • Eggs: Fresh eggs will provide structure and help bind ingredients.

These ingredients form the foundation of your loaf, creating a delightful base.

They'll guarantee your bread isn't only aromatic but also moist and tender.

With these essentials, you're on your way to baking a loaf that impresses every time.

Fresh Apples, Cinnamon Highlight

When making apple cinnamon bread, start by choosing the freshest apples you can find to enhance the overall flavor.

Cinnamon's warm spice complements the apples beautifully, creating a comforting aroma and taste.

To achieve the perfect balance, carefully adjust the sweetness to guarantee it doesn't overpower the natural flavors.

Choosing Fresh Apples

A successful apple cinnamon bread begins with selecting the right apples, as their freshness and flavor greatly impact the taste.

When you're at the store or farmer's market, look for apples that are firm and free from blemishes or soft spots. This guarantees they're crisp and full of flavor. Opt for varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which balance sweetness and tartness beautifully. Their firmness helps retain texture during baking, preventing a mushy loaf.

Avoid overly soft or mealy apples, as they lack the needed structure. Smell the apple; a fresh one should have a pleasant, sweet aroma.

Always store them in a cool place until you're ready to bake, keeping them fresh and ready for your delicious loaf.

Cinnamon's Flavor Impact

The magic of cinnamon lies in its ability to transform a simple apple bread into a warm, aromatic delight. When you sprinkle cinnamon into your batter, you're infusing it with a cozy, inviting scent that fills your kitchen.

Cinnamon doesn't just add aroma; it enhances the sweetness of the apples, making each bite more flavorful. As the bread bakes, the cinnamon's earthy spice mingles with the juicy apple chunks, creating a harmonious blend that's both comforting and irresistible.

Cinnamon has a unique way of highlighting the natural flavors of fresh apples, bringing out their tangy sweetness. It's not overpowering but adds a subtle complexity to your loaf.

Balancing Sweetness Perfectly

Achieving the perfect balance of sweetness in your apple cinnamon bread can elevate it from good to unforgettable.

Begin by choosing the right apples. Opt for sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp, which naturally enhance the bread's flavor. Their natural sugars work harmoniously with cinnamon, offering a warm, spicy note without overwhelming the palate.

Be mindful of sugar quantity. Too much sugar can mask the apple's freshness and cinnamon's spice. Use just enough to complement these ingredients, allowing their true flavors to shine.

Consider adding a touch of brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.

Taste your batter before baking, adjusting if necessary. This guarantees each slice delivers the perfect blend of sweetness and spice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

detailed instruction guide

Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients
    • Action: Gather and measure all necessary ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (softened), 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 2 cups of peeled and chopped apples, and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts (optional).
    • Tools: Measuring cups and spoons, a small bowl for the apples.
    • Tip: Pre-measure all ingredients before you start mixing to guarantee a smooth cooking process.
  2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
    • Action: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
    • Tools: Oven, loaf pan, non-stick spray or butter.
    • Tip: Make sure the oven is fully preheated before placing the bread inside to assure even baking.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients
    • Action: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
    • Tools: Medium mixing bowl, whisk.
    • Tip: Whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly to break up any clumps and guarantee even distribution of the baking soda and cinnamon.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugar
    • Action: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
    • Tools: Large mixing bowl, electric mixer or stand mixer.
    • Tip: Take your time with this step; creaming properly is key to a light and airy bread texture.
  5. Add Eggs and Vanilla
    • Action: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
    • Tools: Electric mixer or stand mixer.
    • Tip: Scrape down the sides of the bowl regularly to guarantee all ingredients are well incorporated.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
    • Action: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
    • Tools: Spatula or mixer on low speed.
    • Tip: Avoid over-mixing, as this can lead to a dense bread texture.
  7. Fold in Apples and Walnuts
    • Action: Gently fold in the chopped apples and walnuts (if using) with a spatula.
    • Tools: Spatula.
    • Tip: Guarantee the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter for consistent flavor in every slice.
  8. Transfer to Pan and Bake
    • Action: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
    • Tools: Spatula, loaf pan.
    • Tip: Lightly tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
  9. Bake
    • Action: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    • Tools: Oven, toothpick.
    • Tip: Start checking for doneness at the 50-minute mark to avoid over-baking.
  10. Cool and Serve
    • Action: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
    • Tools: Wire rack.
    • Tip: Wait until the bread is completely cool before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.

Gather Ingredients and Tools

Before you plunge into baking, it's crucial to gather all your ingredients and tools to guarantee a smooth process.

Start by collecting 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. You'll also need 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened. For sweetness, have 1 cup of granulated sugar ready. Grab 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Don't forget 1 1/2 cups of peeled, chopped apples.

As for tools, you'll need a large mixing bowl, a medium bowl, and a whisk. Have a wooden spoon or spatula for mixing, and a 9x5-inch loaf pan for baking.

Make sure your oven is preheated to 350 degrees.

[DIRECTIONS]:

Baking at 350 Degrees

Start by combining the dry ingredients in a medium bowl: whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well mixed.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the applesauce, until just combined.

Fold in the chopped apples gently. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly.

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool before slicing. Enjoy!

Calorie Content Per Slice

Understanding the calorie content of each slice of apple cinnamon bread is essential if you're watching your intake. A standard slice can pack a flavorful punch, but remember that calories can add up quickly. By knowing the ingredients and their contributions, you can enjoy a slice without guilt. The table below provides a breakdown of approximate calorie content per slice based on common ingredients.

Ingredient Calories per Slice
Flour 50
Sugar 40
Apples 15
Butter 70
Cinnamon & Others 10

Each slice totals around 185 calories. Adjusting portions or substituting ingredients can help manage the calorie count. For instance, using a sugar substitute or reducing butter can lower it without compromising taste. Enjoy your loaf with balance!

Conclusion

You've just crafted a comforting apple cinnamon bread, perfect for cozy mornings. Did you know that cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels? It's not just delicious; it's beneficial too! Each slice of your homemade loaf is around 150 calories, making it a guilt-free treat. Enjoy the delightful blend of fresh apples and warming spices, knowing you're indulging in something that's both tasty and nutritious. Your kitchen smells amazing, and your heart feels full!