Cinnamon Apple Bread: A Sweet and Spiced Treat for Fall

Nothing says comfort quite like the smell of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven. This Cinnamon Apple Bread is a moist, buttery loaf filled with tender apple chunks and spiced with cinnamon sugar swirls. Topped with a sweet cinnamon glaze, it’s the perfect cozy recipe for autumn mornings, afternoon snacks, or as a crowd-pleasing dessert. Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven or enjoying a slice with a hot cup of tea, this bread will bring warmth and joy to any table.

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk

For the Apple Mixture:

• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan to ensure the bread releases easily.
2. Mix the dry ingredients:
   In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar:
   Using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes smooth and pale, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.
4. Incorporate the eggs:
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing each until fully incorporated.
5. Add the dry ingredients and milk:
   With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding half of the flour mixture with half of the milk, starting with the flour. Once combined, add the remaining flour mixture and milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Prepare the apple mixture:
   In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped apples. Set aside.
7. Prepare the topping:
   In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Set aside.
8. Assemble the bread:
   Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and top with half of the apple mixture. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl through the batter to create a marbled effect. Pour the remaining batter on top and add the rest of the apple mixture. Swirl again lightly, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping evenly over the batter.
9. Bake the bread:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. A few moist crumbs are fine, but it should not be wet.
10. Cool and glaze the bread:
    Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. While it cools, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, and water to make the glaze. Once the bread has cooled slightly, transfer it to a wire rack, drizzle the glaze over the top, and allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Cooking Tips:

• Use fresh apples: Choose a firm apple like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweet and tart.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a denser loaf, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Swirling the batter: When swirling the apple mixture into the batter, don’t overdo it—leaving thick layers of cinnamon and apple will give each slice a flavorful, fruity center.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Apples: A great source of fiber, apples add not only a delicious flavor but also important nutrients like vitamin C and potassium.
• Cinnamon: Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, cinnamon adds flavor and health benefits to the bread.
• Whole ingredients: This recipe uses real butter, milk, and fresh apples, which means fewer processed ingredients compared to store-bought versions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Warm and comforting: The combination of cinnamon and apples creates a cozy aroma that fills your home while baking.
• Perfectly moist: Thanks to the butter and milk, this bread stays moist and tender with each bite.
• Versatile treat: Enjoy it as a breakfast option, snack, or dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this bread is easy to prepare even for beginners.

Dietary Information:

• Vegetarian: This recipe contains no meat or animal by-products except for butter and eggs, making it suitable for vegetarians.
• No artificial flavors: Everything is made with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
• Moderate sugar: While this bread contains both granulated and brown sugar, you can substitute honey for a more natural sweetness.

Why This Recipe Works:
The balance of sweetness from the apples and brown sugar, combined with the warmth of cinnamon, makes this bread a standout. The swirling technique ensures that each bite is bursting with cinnamon and apple flavor, while the soft, moist texture of the bread keeps it light. The cinnamon sugar topping adds a slight crunch, while the glaze offers an extra layer of sweetness to tie everything together.

Conclusion:
Cinnamon Apple Bread is the perfect fall treat that brings together the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of fresh apples in every bite. Whether you’re baking it for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, this bread is a guaranteed hit. It’s easy to prepare, comforting to eat, and full of seasonal flavors that will have you coming back for more.

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