I love how our Cinnamon Apple Bread blends fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and a luscious brown sugar swirl. I truly adore its irresistibly crisp topping and subtle tang from sour cream with glaze. This loaf brings autumn vibes and pure comfort in every bite, making it the perfect treat to share with friends or enjoy solo.

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I recently decided to try my hand at making Cinnamon Apple Bread because I wanted a simple apple bread recipe that brings real autumn comfort without too much fuss. I mixed together a few dry ingredients, like all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and ground cinnamon, with wet ingredients like melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs and a bit of sour cream that adds nice moisture to the loaf.

I love how the apples, combined with unsweetened applesauce, not only give the bread texture but also deliver some natural nutrients like fiber and vitamins. In the center, there is a swirl made with brown sugar and additional cinnamon that really makes the flavor pop.

I then topped it off with a crisp layer that uses brown sugar, a pinch of flour and cubes of cold butter, finished with a cinnamon glaze that ties it all together. Its like a cozy, fall dessert that is simple yet satisfying.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it reminds me of crisp autumn days, with its warm apple and cinnamon notes making me feel all cozy inside.
I really enjoy how the crunchy topping adds an awesome textural contrast to the soft, spiced bread, and it makes every bite interesting.
I appreciate that it’s not too complicated to whip up, so I can enjoy baking good bread even on a busy day.
I also like the glaze drizzled on top because it adds a perfect touch of sweetness that ties everything together.

Ingredients

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All-purpose flour provides structure with carbohydrates and a light, airy texture to the bread.
Apples are rich in fiber and natural sweetness, adding a satisfying crunch and flavor.
Cinnamon offers warm spice, antioxidants and a flavor boost that makes this bread amazin.
Eggs supply essential protein and act as a binder, helping ingredients meld perfectly together.
Unsweetened applesauce keeps the bread moist with a hint of natural, subtle sweetness.
Sour cream adds richness and tanginess while enhancing moisture, giving the perfect texture.

Ingredient Quantities

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled a bit

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs, beaten

1/2 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

3 medium apples, peeled, cored and chopped small

1/3 cup brown sugar (for the apple cinnamon swirl)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the apple filling)

1 tablespoon butter, melted (for the apple filling)

1/4 cup brown sugar (for the crisp topping)

1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for the crisp topping)

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the crisp topping)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed and cold (for the crisp topping)

1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (for the cinnamon glaze)

1 to 2 tablespoons milk (for the glaze, adjust for desired consistency)

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the glaze)

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

2. In a bowl, sift together 2 cups flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp ground cinnamon.

3. In a large bowl, whisk the melted 1/2 cup butter with 1 cup sugar until smooth, then add 2 beaten eggs, 1/2 cup sour cream (or yogurt) and 1 cup applesauce.

4. Gently stir in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until blended. Fold in the 3 chopped apples.

5. In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon and 1 tbsp melted butter then drizzle this apple cinnamon swirl evenly over half of the batter spread in the pan.

6. Pour over the rest of the batter to cover the swirl and then use a knife lightly to create a marbled effect.

7. For the crisp topping, combine 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Cut in 2 tbsp cold, cubed butter until the mixture is crumbly and then sprinkle evenly on top.

8. Bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. While the bread is baking, make the glaze by whisking together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tbsp milk (adjust to desired consistency) and 1/4 tsp cinnamon.

10. Once the bread has cooled a bit, drizzle the glaze on top and serve. Enjoy your delicious cinnamon apple bread!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven preheated to 350°F and a 9×5-inch loaf pan (greased)
2. Measuring cups and spoons for all the ingredients
3. A medium bowl for sifting the dry ingredients
4. A large mixing bowl for whisking the melted butter with sugar and for combining eggs, sour cream, and applesauce
5. A small bowl for mixing the apple cinnamon swirl
6. A knife to lightly swirl the batter and create a marbled effect
7. Another small bowl for preparing the crisp topping
8. A toothpick to test if the bread is done
9. A cooling rack for letting the bread cool before glazing

FAQ

Can I substitute sour cream with something else?
A: Yep, you can use plain yogurt as a 1 to 1 swap, its a good alternative.

What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
A: I usually use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp cause they hold up good while baking and add a nice tart flavor.

Do I have to make all the toppings?
A: Not really, the apple cinnamon swirl is optional, but it adds a great burst of flavor so its worth the extra effort.

How do I store leftovers?
A: Just keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I make this recipe dairy free?
A: Sure, you can swap the butter with a dairy free alternative and use coconut or almond yogurt instead of sour cream.

Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Sour Cream: You can try plain full fat yogurt instead, it works fine and gives a nice creamy feel.
Unsalted Butter: Use an equal amount of margarine or coconut oil. It might change the flavor a bit but still turns out tasty.
Powdered Sugar: If you dont have powdered sugar, icing sugar is a good swap (just sift it before using).
All-Purpose Flour: For a twist, substitute half with whole wheat flour but note that the bread may get a little denser.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your melted butter is cooled down a bit before mixing it with the sugar and eggs, cause if its too hot, it might cook the eggs a little and mess up the texture of the bread.
2. When you mix in the dry ingredients, do it gently! Overmixing can make your bread dense and tough so just stir until you barely see them disappear.
3. Keep a close eye on the baking time and test with a toothpick near the end, since every oven is different. If it comes out wet, give it a few more minutes, but be careful of overbaking.
4. Let the bread cool completely before drizzling the glaze on top. It might seem like a minor step, but if you do it too soon, the glaze can melt into the bread instead of sitting prettily on top.