Cinnamon Spiced Apple Bread

This cinnamon apple bread is very simple to make, makes your kitchen smell amazing and stores well. You will need two large apples to make it. Jump to the Easy Apple Bread Recipe

How to Make Apple Bread

This cinnamon apple quick bread recipe is easy! The ingredients are pretty straightforward. In addition to apples (we’ve shared more on choosing apples for baking below), you will also need some basic ingredients (the full recipe with ingredient amounts is below in the recipe area):

Sugar: We use both granulated and brown sugar in this. You can chose to use one or the other, but we’ve found the combination makes quick bread that’s moist and flavorful in the middle and golden brown on top.

Spices: We use a generous amount of ground cinnamon as well as a bit of ground ginger, nutmeg and salt.

Neutral oil: By neutral oil, I mean one that’s not very flavorful. Vegetable oil, avocado oil, grape seed oil, and even a very lightly flavored olive oil will work in this recipe.

Eggs: We use two eggs in the bread — just like when we make banana bread. They add structure, flavor and a dense, moist crumb to the inside of the bread.

Flour, baking powder and baking soda: All-purpose is our go-to, but swapping part or all of the flour for whole wheat will work (like what we did in this healthy banana bread). This bread is packed with apples, so we also need the help of both baking soda and baking powder to help it rise in the oven.

Vanilla and almond extract: It’s unlikely that we bake something around here without vanilla extract, but in this bread, we also like to add a tiny bit of almond extract. We don’t add enough to make the bread taste like almonds, but instead add just enough to make the bread taste sweeter and warmer. If you don’t have almond extract, you can still make the bread, but if you feel like experimenting, pick up a bottle and try it. I love it.

Nuts: These are optional, but add a nice texture to the bread. Any nuts will work. In the photos, I used a combination of pecans and walnuts, but use what you have on hand.

Making the bread

You don’t need any fancy equipment to make this apple bread. Start by letting shredded apples sit with the sugar, salt and spices. As the apples sit, the sugar and salt work on them to help them release their delicious liquid — we use this same strategy when making our favorite Apple Pie. It’s this liquid that then is mixed with the remaining ingredients to make such a flavorful, moist bread.

After 10 to 15 minutes, you can stir in the remaining ingredients, pour into a loaf pan and bake.

When the bread is done, let it cool completely. I know this is hard (I struggle with it every darn time I make it), but letting the bread cool all the way allows the bread to finish baking inside and prevents the middle from being too moist and gummy.

A note on loaf pan sizes: I prefer to bake this bread in a smaller 8 1/2-inch by 4 1/2-inch loaf pan. I find the bread bakes to be nice and tall in this pan size. If you only have a 9-inch by 5-inch pan, you can still bake the bread in it. The bread will take a little less time to bake in the larger pan. When using the larger pan, start checking for doneness 5 to 10 minutes earlier.

What are the best apples for baking?

To make this apple bread, we use approximately 1 pound of apples. We especially love the following varieties of apples for baking (this is the same list we use when making Homemade Apple Pie, Sautéed Apples, or this simple Applesauce):

• Granny Smith — Your standard, never-fails baking apple. Tart, crisp, and they keep their structure after time in the oven.
• Honeycrisp — Extra crisp and always holds firm after baking. One of our favorites!
• Jonagold — Tart with a bit of sweetness. They also hold up well in the oven.
• Braeburn — Crisp, sweet apples that hold up well in pie and other baked desserts.
• Mutsu — Big apples that look like a large Golden Delicious. Has a sweet honey flavor and holds up well in baked goods.
• Pink Lady — A good balance of sweet and tart. Will also hold its shape when baked.
• Golden Delicious — Sweet and flavorful apple that’s very versatile. Will hold up when baked, but will become softer than some of the varieties mentioned above.
• Jazz — Sweet and crisp flavor. Will hold up nicely in pie.

How many apples are in one pound?

One loaf of apple bread will require one pound of apples. There are approximately three medium apples in one pound (or two large apples in one pound). Once peeled and shredded, one pound of apples will fill approximately 3 cups.

With this apple bread recipe, if you have a little less or a little more shredded apple, you should be okay.

Storing the bread

Just like baked banana bread, this apple bread tastes even better on day two and three than on the first day you make it. I like to wrap the bread in some foil or store in an airtight container and leave it on the counter for a few days. If I’m planning on serving it later in the week or have made an extra loaf, I freeze it.

Store apple bread in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature and in the freezer for up to 1 month (maybe longer). When freezing the bread, make sure that you wrap it well to prevent any freezer smells from seeping into the bread.

More quick breads to look at

• Ridiculously Easy Homemade Banana Bread
• Guilt-Free Healthy Banana Bread
• Brie Stuffed Pull Apart Bread Rolls
• Chocolate Orange Pumpkin Bread
• Orange Coconut Bread
• Easy Zucchini Bread with Almonds
• Cheddar Beer Bread