Perfect Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe: Easy & Delicious

This reliable apple cinnamon bread recipe delivers moist, flavorful results with simple ingredients. You'll need 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1½ tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, 2 eggs, 1 cup sugar, ½ cup oil, 1 cup applesauce, and 2 cups diced apples. Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes for perfect texture. This tested recipe includes professional baking tips to ensure success on your first try.

There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked apple cinnamon bread filling your kitchen. This classic recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spice, creating a moist loaf that's ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting afternoon snack. Unlike many online recipes that promise perfection but deliver dry or overly sweet results, this version has been refined through extensive testing to guarantee success every time you bake it.

Why This Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe Works

Most apple bread recipes fail because they either use too much liquid from the apples or don't properly balance the spices. This perfected version addresses both issues with precise measurements and technique. The combination of applesauce and fresh diced apples provides consistent moisture without making the bread soggy. The cinnamon-to-apple ratio has been carefully calibrated to enhance rather than overwhelm the natural fruit flavor.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
20 minutes	55 minutes	1 hour 15 minutes	12 slices

Ingredients for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Bread

Use these exact measurements for best results. Precision matters in baking, especially when creating the ideal texture for apple cinnamon bread:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 3 medium)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Dry Ingredients Preparation

Whisk together 3 cups flour, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1½ tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt in a large bowl. Properly aerating your dry ingredients prevents dense bread and ensures even spice distribution. Don't skip sifting if your flour is compacted—this simple step makes a noticeable difference in texture.

Wet Ingredients Mixing

In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs until light yellow. Add 1 cup sugar and ½ cup oil, mixing until well combined. Stir in 1 cup applesauce until smooth. The applesauce adds moisture while keeping the bread tender without excessive fat.

Combining Ingredients

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which leads to tough bread. Then fold in 2 cups diced apples and optional ½ cup nuts. The apples should be evenly distributed but not crushed.

Baking Process

Pour batter into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking. Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Professional Baking Tips for Best Results

Certain techniques make the difference between good and exceptional apple cinnamon bread:

• Apple selection matters: Use firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith that hold their shape during baking
• Dice apples uniformly: Cut to ¼-inch pieces for even distribution and texture
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensures proper emulsification and rise
• Don't overbake: Remove when center is just set to maintain moisture
• Cool properly: Allowing bread to cool in the pan first prevents collapse

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Apple Cinnamon Bread

Many home bakers encounter these issues when making apple cinnamon bread recipes:

• Soggy bottom: Caused by excess moisture from apples—toss diced apples with 1 tbsp flour before adding
• Dry texture: Usually from overbaking or too much flour—measure flour properly using the spoon-and-level method
• Sunken center: Often due to underbaking or opening oven too early—use an oven thermometer for accuracy
• Bland flavor: Insufficient spice or using old cinnamon—use fresh spices and consider adding a pinch of nutmeg

Variations for Dietary Needs

This versatile apple cinnamon bread recipe adapts well to various dietary requirements:

• Gluten-free version: Substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add ½ tsp xanthan gum
• Reduced sugar: Decrease to ¾ cup sugar or use maple syrup with reduced applesauce
• Vegan adaptation: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use coconut oil
• Nut-free option: Simply omit nuts or substitute with sunflower seeds
• Spice variations: Add ¼ tsp each of nutmeg and allspice for deeper flavor complexity

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Proper storage maintains your apple cinnamon bread's quality:

• Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
• For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months
• Thaw frozen bread at room temperature for 2 hours before serving
• Enhance flavor by toasting slices and adding a thin spread of butter
• Pair with vanilla yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert

Troubleshooting Your Apple Cinnamon Bread

Encountering issues with your baked loaf? Try these solutions:

• If bread is too dense: Check your leavening agents—baking powder loses potency after 6 months
• If top cracks excessively: Reduce oven temperature by 25°F or cover with foil during last 15 minutes
• If edges burn but center is raw: Use light-colored metal pans and rotate position in oven
• If flavor is bland: Increase cinnamon to 2½ tsp or add 1 tsp vanilla extract to wet ingredients
• If bread sticks to pan: Grease thoroughly and consider lining bottom with parchment paper

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of apples in this apple cinnamon bread recipe?

Yes, but choose firm baking apples like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Granny Smith for best results. Avoid Red Delicious as they become mushy when baked. A combination of sweet and tart varieties creates the most complex flavor profile.

Why does my apple cinnamon bread fall in the center after baking?

Center collapse usually occurs from underbaking, too much leavening agent, or opening the oven door too early. Ensure your baking powder is fresh (replace every 6 months), bake until a toothpick comes out clean, and avoid opening the oven during the first 40 minutes of baking.

How can I make my apple cinnamon bread more moist?

For extra moist apple cinnamon bread, don't overbake (remove when center is just set), use both applesauce and fresh apples, and allow proper cooling in the pan before removing. You can also brush the warm loaf with simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved) for added moisture.

Can I make this apple cinnamon bread recipe without eggs?

Yes, substitute each egg with 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, allowed to sit for 5 minutes. Alternatively, use ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce per egg. Note that egg substitutes may create a slightly denser texture, so don't overmix the batter.

What's the best way to measure flour for this recipe?

For accurate measurements, spoon flour into your measuring cup and level off with a straight edge—don't scoop directly from the bag. Scooping compacts the flour, leading to dry bread. For most reliable results, use a kitchen scale: 3 cups all-purpose flour equals 384 grams.