Apple Cinnamon Loaf | Plated Magic

Apple Cinnamon Loaf

Apple Cinnamon Loaf is a moist, spiced quick bread filled with cinnamon-sugar-coated apple chunks, making it the ultimate cozy treat for fall. Bursting with warm spices and sweet apple flavor, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—especially during apple season or holiday gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple cinnamon loaf is tender, flavorful, and easy to make. Each bite features soft, buttery crumb infused with aromatic cinnamon and dotted with juicy apple chunks. The brown sugar and cinnamon coating on the apples caramelizes slightly during baking, creating rich flavor and texture. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with the comforting scent of fall and is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Unsalted butter, softened
  • Granulated sugar
  • Large eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Milk
  • Apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • Brown sugar (for coating apples)
  • Ground cinnamon (for coating apples)

Directions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Coat the Apples:
In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Set aside to allow the flavors to absorb.

3. Prepare the Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender loaf.

4. Assemble the Loaf:
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Evenly spread half of the apple mixture over the batter.
Top with the remaining batter, then finish with the rest of the apple mixture on top.

5. Bake the Loaf:
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8–10 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Approximate Calories per Serving: 250 kcal

Variations

  • Nutty twist: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple mixture or batter for added crunch.
  • Glaze it: Drizzle with a simple vanilla or maple glaze after cooling for extra sweetness.
  • Whole grain option: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
  • Spiced upgrade: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for deeper autumn flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cooled loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well for this loaf.

How do I know when the loaf is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done.

Can I use applesauce instead of chopped apples?

Applesauce will change the texture and won’t provide the same bite. For best results, stick with chopped apples.

What’s the best way to peel and core apples quickly?

Use a vegetable peeler and an apple corer or small paring knife to speed up prep time.

Can I make this loaf gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute for the all-purpose flour.

Is this loaf sweet enough without a glaze?

Yes, the brown sugar-coated apples provide plenty of sweetness, but a glaze is a nice touch if desired.

Can I make this into muffins?

Yes, divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.

How can I prevent the loaf from overbrowning?

If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with foil during the final 15–20 minutes of baking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans. Adjust the baking time as needed.

What can I serve with this loaf?

It’s perfect with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and pairs well with whipped cream, yogurt, or a pat of butter.

Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Loaf is a comforting, aromatic treat that captures the essence of fall in every slice. With its tender crumb, spiced batter, and juicy apple topping, it’s perfect for cozy mornings, holiday spreads, or a homemade gift. Easy to bake and full of seasonal flavor, this loaf is sure to warm hearts and kitchens alike.

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Apple Cinnamon Loaf

Apple Cinnamon Loaf


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8–10 slices
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Apple Cinnamon Loaf is a cozy, moist loaf cake loaded with cinnamon-sugar apple chunks. With warm spices and tender texture, it’s the perfect fall recipe for breakfast, dessert, or Thanksgiving gatherings. An irresistible apple cinnamon bread you’ll bake again and again.


Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/2 cup milk

  • 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

 

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating apples)


Instructions

  • Prepare the Oven & Pan:

    • Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

  • Coat the Apples:

    • Toss diced apples with brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.

  • Make the Batter:

    • Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon in a medium bowl.

    • In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.

    • Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.

    • Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.

  • Assemble the Loaf:

    • Pour half the batter into the pan. Layer with half the apple mixture.

    • Add remaining batter, then top with the rest of the apples.

 

  • Bake:

    • Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

    • Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweet and tangy flavor.

  • Add a streusel topping or glaze for an extra treat.

 

  • Great for gifting during the holidays!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
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