Easy Apple Bread – Moist, Cinnamon-Spiced Fall Favorite

There’s something special about the smell of freshly baked Easy Apple Bread filling your kitchen. Warm cinnamon, tender chunks of apple, and buttery sweetness come together in a soft, moist loaf that tastes just like autumn in every bite.

This recipe is simple, quick, and foolproof — no mixer required! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll love how easily this apple cinnamon loaf comes together. It’s perfect for cozy breakfasts, afternoon snacks, or even dessert.

What makes this easy apple bread recipe shine is its balance — not too sweet, perfectly spiced, and bursting with real apple flavor. Drizzle it with a simple cinnamon glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and shine, or enjoy it plain with a warm cup of coffee or tea.

JUMP TO

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Bread

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

This recipe transforms everyday pantry staples — flour, sugar, butter, and eggs — into something incredible. Add a couple of fresh apples, and you’ve got a soft, fragrant loaf that feels like a bakery treat without any fancy techniques.

Cozy and Aromatic

The blend of cinnamon and apple is the essence of comfort baking. As your apple bread bakes, your home will be filled with the warm, inviting aroma that instantly feels like fall. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone into the kitchen.

Perfect for Breakfast or Dessert

This versatile loaf is perfect any time of day — enjoy a slice warm in the morning with butter, or serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert. It’s also ideal for gifting during the holidays or for family gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Easy Apple Bread

For the Apple Bread

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
All-purpose flour	2 cups (250 g)	Forms the structure of the bread
Baking soda	1 tsp	Helps the loaf rise
Salt	½ tsp	Balances sweetness
Ground cinnamon	1 ½ tsp	Adds warmth and fall flavor
Ground nutmeg (optional)	¼ tsp	Enhances the spice profile
Granulated sugar	¾ cup (150 g)	Sweetens the bread
Light brown sugar	¼ cup (50 g)	Adds moisture and caramel flavor
Unsalted butter, melted	½ cup (115 g)	Keeps the crumb tender
Large eggs	2	Binds the ingredients and adds richness
Vanilla extract	2 tsp	Adds aroma and flavor depth
Milk or buttermilk	½ cup (120 ml)	Keeps the bread moist
Apples (peeled, cored, diced)	2 cups (about 2 medium apples)	Fresh flavor and juicy texture

For the Cinnamon Glaze (Optional but Delicious)

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Powdered sugar	¾ cup (90 g)	Base of the glaze
Ground cinnamon	¼ tsp	Adds warmth
Vanilla extract	½ tsp	For aroma
Milk	1–2 tbsp	Thins the glaze to drizzle consistency

Best Apples for Baking

The best apples for apple bread are firm, slightly tart varieties that hold their shape when baked. Try:

• Honeycrisp – naturally sweet and juicy
• Granny Smith – tart with a bright flavor

You can even mix different apple types for a more complex flavor and texture.

Pro Tip:
Toss your diced apples in 1 tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking and ensures even distribution throughout the loaf.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Apple Bread

1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

This ensures your apple bread doesn’t stick and comes out beautifully golden.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg (optional)

Whisking helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and prevents clumps, giving your bread an even rise and consistent texture.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth and slightly glossy.

Finally, stir in the milk (or buttermilk) until the mixture is fully blended.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined — the batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.

Pro Tip:
Do not overmix! Overmixing will make the loaf dense instead of tender. Mix only until you no longer see dry flour.

5. Fold in the Apples

Gently fold in the diced apples using a spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

If you’re adding extras like chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips, now’s the time to stir them in.

The fresh apples will keep the bread moist while adding bursts of juicy sweetness throughout.

6. Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.

If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely tent the bread with foil halfway through baking.

7. Cool and Glaze

Allow the apple bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack.

While it cools slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, cinnamon, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze.
Drizzle it over the warm loaf for a shiny, sweet finish that seeps just slightly into the crust — pure perfection.

Let the glaze set for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips for the Best Apple Bread

Use the Right Apples

Firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are ideal because they hold their texture during baking. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious — they can make the loaf mushy.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

Mix only until ingredients are combined to keep your easy apple bread fluffy and soft. Overmixing can result in a dense texture.

Use Room-Temperature Ingredients

Let your eggs and milk sit out for about 30 minutes before baking. Room-temperature ingredients mix more evenly and help the bread rise better.

Add a Crunchy Topping (Optional)

For extra texture, sprinkle a mix of brown sugar and cinnamon on top of the batter before baking. It forms a caramelized crust that adds a bakery-style finish.

Make Mini Loaves or Muffins

This recipe works great as mini loaves or apple bread muffins. Simply divide the batter into smaller pans or muffin tins and bake at the same temperature for 18–22 minutes.

Avoid Soggy Bottoms

Make sure your bread is fully cooled before storing it. Moisture can collect at the bottom if wrapped while still warm.

Chef’s Tip:
For a decadent twist, drizzle your cooled apple bread with warm caramel sauce and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts — it tastes just like a caramel apple in loaf form!

Storage and Serving Ideas

Storage

To keep your Easy Apple Bread soft and moist, let it cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.

It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.

Pro Tip: Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven texture.

Freezing

This apple bread freezes beautifully! Wrap the cooled loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then again in foil or a freezer-safe bag.

Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature. You can reheat slices in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 10 minutes to restore the fresh-baked feel.

Serving Ideas

This sweet, cinnamon-spiced loaf is incredibly versatile — here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• For breakfast: Toast a slice and spread with butter or cream cheese.
• For dessert: Top with vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce.
• For gatherings: Slice and serve with a light glaze and coffee for an easy crowd-pleaser.
• For gifting: Wrap in parchment paper and tie with twine — it makes a beautiful homemade present.

FAQ – Easy Apple Bread

Conclusion

Nothing says comfort like a warm slice of Easy Apple Bread fresh from the oven. With its moist crumb, sweet apple chunks, and cozy cinnamon aroma, this simple loaf delivers all the flavors of fall in every bite.

It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again — whether for breakfast, a sweet afternoon snack, or dessert after dinner. The best part? It’s easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve to guests.

Make it once, and you’ll have a new favorite fall baking tradition — a soft, sweet, and aromatic apple bread recipe that’s as simple as it is irresistible.

Print