Warm spices, sweet apples, perfect together! This cinnamon apple bread is quick, easy and delicious — a cozy treat for any time of day, plus five tasty twists on the classic.
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The Classic RecipeQuick • Easy • Delicious
Classic Cinnamon Apple Bread
The Original + Brown Sugar Topping + Cozy
The beloved classic: moist cinnamon bread packed with diced apples and a crunchy brown sugar top.
You need: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 2 cups apples (peeled and diced), 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional), 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
Make it: Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Whisk wet ingredients in another. Combine wet and dry, fold in apples, pour into a greased loaf pan, sprinkle with brown sugar and nuts, and bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Delicious Twists5 Ways to Make It Yours
Glazed Cinnamon Apple Bread
Sweet + Shiny + Bakery Style
The classic recipe finished with a drippy vanilla glaze.
You need: classic cinnamon apple bread batter, 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract
Make it: Bake the classic recipe and cool 15 minutes, whisk the glaze ingredients, and drizzle over the warm loaf.
Nutty Walnut Apple Bread
Crunchy + Rich + Extra Nuts
The classic batter loaded with walnuts inside and a crunchy walnut crumb on top.
You need: classic cinnamon apple bread batter, 1 cup chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup brown sugar (extra for topping)
Make it: Fold walnuts into the batter, pour into the pan, and top with brown sugar and extra walnuts before baking.
Caramel Drizzle Apple Bread
Decadent + Gooey + Dessert Bread
The classic recipe drizzled with warm caramel sauce.
You need: classic cinnamon apple bread batter, 1/2 cup caramel sauce, flaky sea salt (optional)
Make it: Bake the classic recipe, cool 10 minutes, warm the caramel, and drizzle generously over each slice.
Spiced Apple Pecan Bread
Warm Spices + Toasty Pecans + Fall Favorite
The classic batter boosted with nutmeg and allspice plus toasted pecans.
You need: classic cinnamon apple bread batter, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp allspice, 3/4 cup toasted pecans
Make it: Add the extra spices to the dry ingredients, fold in pecans with the apples, and bake as usual.
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Portable + Grab and Go + Snack Size
The same beloved batter baked as tender cinnamon-sugar muffins.
You need: classic cinnamon apple bread batter, 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar (for topping)
Make it: Divide the batter among 12 lined muffin cups, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.
Bread Baking Success Tips
- Do not overmix. Stir just until the flour disappears — overmixing makes quick bread tough.
- Dice apples small. Small, even pieces bake through and distribute perfectly in every slice.
- Check with a toothpick. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool before slicing. Let the loaf rest 15 minutes in the pan, then cool on a rack for clean slices.
- Store airtight. Keeps 3 days at room temperature, 1 week in the fridge, or 3 months in the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best apples for apple bread?
Firm, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith or Fuji hold their shape and give the best flavor.
Can I make this bread without nuts?
Yes — the nuts are optional. Just leave them out; the bread is still moist and delicious.
How do I keep apple bread moist?
Measure the oil accurately, do not overbake, and store it wrapped airtight once completely cool.
Can I freeze cinnamon apple bread?
Yes — wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I turn the batter into muffins?
Yes — that is recipe 6 above. Fill muffin cups two-thirds full and bake 18-20 minutes.