Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe That’s Moist, Easy & Bursting with Flavor

Apple cinnamon bread recipe that’s the one I always come back to, no matter where in the world I’ve cooked. From my very first days in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, where I watched her fold diced apples into cinnamon-swirled batter, to the street food stalls I worked in across Asia and Europe, this simple loaf has followed me. Back then, it was all about warmth, comfort, and using what we had crisp apples, pantry staples, and love.

At Fresh Leaf Rezepte, I share more than just steps and ingredients. I bring you recipes like this apple cinnamon bread recipe that are rooted in real kitchens, tested through time, and meant to fit your everyday life. This isn’t some fancy bakery trick. It’s the kind of recipe anyone can make no special tools, no complicated methods. Just honest flavor, a moist crumb, and a swirl of cinnamon that makes every bite feel like home.

Why This Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe Feels Like Home

The cozy comfort behind every slice

This apple cinnamon bread recipe isn’t just another quick loaf it’s one of those nostalgic, soul-warming bakes that brings people together. Whether you’re making it on a crisp fall morning or during a weekend reset, the scent alone can turn a quiet kitchen into the heart of the home.

What makes this version special? It’s soft and moist from the first bite to the last slice, thanks to simple tricks like using Greek yogurt or buttermilk. It holds together without being dense. And the cinnamon sugar swirl? It gives every piece a tender crunch and just the right level of sweetness. No fuss, no fancy glaze just a reliable loaf that delivers every time.

Over the years, I’ve tweaked this apple cinnamon bread recipe in kitchens from Berlin to Bangkok. I’ve made it with tart Granny Smiths, sweet Fujis, and even local heirlooms. Wherever I baked, the result was always the same: empty plates and happy people.

If you’re looking for a moist apple cinnamon bread that bakes evenly and slices beautifully, you’re in the right place. It’s beginner-friendly but still impressive especially when paired with coffee or shared with neighbors. And for those wanting a flavor twist, you’ll love this sweet sourdough pumpkin bread with cinnamon and pecans or the cozy texture of apple pumpkin streusel muffins, both made for cooler seasons.

Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

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• Author: Sam
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices)

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Description

A moist, comforting apple cinnamon bread recipe that’s followed me from my grandmother’s kitchen to food stalls across the globe. Simple, reliable, and always a favorite.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute 1 cup with whole wheat flour)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil)
• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or buttermilk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups peeled, finely chopped apples
• ¼ cup brown sugar (for swirl)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for swirl)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• Optional: ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, mix oil, sugars, eggs, yogurt, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Gently fold in the dry ingredients. Do not overmix.
5. Stir in chopped apples and any optional add-ins.
6. Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar swirl. Repeat with remaining batter and swirl.
7. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the top layer.
8. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool in pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Best made with crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Keeps moist for days with oil and Greek yogurt. Store airtight at room temperature or freeze for later.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Quick Bread
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

How to Make This Moist Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Gather the right ingredients for perfect texture and taste

To make this apple cinnamon bread recipe truly shine, you’ll want fresh, crisp apples and a few pantry staples. Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are my top choices they add balance between sweet and tart. The rich, soft texture of this loaf comes from using oil and either Greek yogurt or buttermilk. These ingredients work together to keep the bread moist for days, without making it greasy or heavy.

If you’ve tried our apple banana bread or the incredibly rich chocolate zucchini bread, you already know how powerful moisture control is in quick breads. This recipe uses that same logic: get the balance right and you’ll have the perfect slice every time.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute 1 cup with whole wheat flour)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil)
• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or buttermilk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups peeled, finely chopped apples

For the cinnamon swirl:

• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries

Step-by-step: This is how the apple cinnamon bread recipe works

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine oil, sugars, eggs, yogurt, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
4. Gently fold in the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
5. Add in the chopped apples and any optional mix-ins like nuts or raisins.
6. Layer half the batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar swirl. Repeat with remaining batter and swirl on top.
7. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the top layer only.
8. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Who This Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe Helps & Why It Works

Who will love this recipe and why it’s made for real life

This apple cinnamon bread recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a delicious homemade bake without stress. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first quick bread, a busy parent needing a snack that lasts the week, or just someone who wants a cozy fall treat, this recipe fits your lifestyle.

What makes it especially helpful? You don’t need a mixer, a stand-up kitchen, or hours of free time. It’s the kind of recipe you can prep in 10 minutes, and it comes out moist and flavorful even if you’ve never baked a loaf in your life. It’s also great for lunchboxes, coffee breaks, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

If you enjoy recipes that are flexible and forgiving, you’ll also love the banana chocolate chip pumpkin bread for its rich fall twist or our zucchini bread collection that’s packed with creative spins for any season.

This recipe helps those who:

• Struggle with dry quick breads
• Want reliable results without a mixer
• Bake with kids or limited equipment
• Need a make-ahead snack that holds moisture

Why this apple cinnamon bread recipe works every single time

Let’s break it down: the combination of yogurt or buttermilk with oil keeps the crumb soft without being soggy. The sugar swirl is added in layers not mixed in so you get a beautiful marbled effect and pockets of cinnamon flavor. Plus, using chopped apples (not shredded) helps the fruit hold its texture during baking.

Unlike overly sweet loaves, this one strikes the right balance. It’s sweet, but not cake-like. That means it’s perfect for breakfast, not just dessert. And because it uses simple ingredients, you can adapt it easily without sacrificing structure.

Variations, E-E-A-T, and Storage Tips for Apple Cinnamon Bread

Try these tasty twists on the apple cinnamon bread recipe

One reason this apple cinnamon bread recipe stands out is its versatility. Once you’ve baked it once, you’ll want to try new spins seasonal or just for fun. The base batter is solid, so it welcomes creative swaps without falling apart or losing flavor.

Want more texture? Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Looking for a bolder fall flavor? A few tablespoons of pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice blend beautifully with cinnamon. You can even top the loaf with a simple maple glaze or a brown sugar streusel if you want it sweeter.

This recipe also works as muffins or mini loaves just adjust the baking time accordingly. If you’re baking for dairy-free friends, swap Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt or applesauce. Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 baking flour blend and add an extra tablespoon of yogurt for moisture.

For more warm and spiced loaf ideas, check out our pumpkin bread with cream cheese or a simpler classic like this pumpkin bread that’s just as easy and cozy.

Why you can trust this apple cinnamon bread recipe

At Fresh Leaf Rezepte, everything I share comes from real kitchens mine and many others I’ve worked in over the years. With 20+ years of hands-on cooking experience from diners to food stalls across continents, I know what it takes to make a recipe work not just once, but every single time.

This apple cinnamon bread recipe has been tested with different ovens, flours, and fruit varieties. It’s built for home bakers who want reliable results without unnecessary steps, strange ingredients, or technical stress. What I bring to every recipe here is more than just instructions it’s the care, curiosity, and clarity I learned while cooking for people from all walks of life.

And when it comes to safety? From proper cooling to shelf life, every part of the process is considered. You can bake this confidently, knowing it’s been crafted with care and tested with purpose.

Storage Tips:

• Store tightly wrapped at room temp for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 5–6 days.
• Freeze slices in a sealed container for up to 2 months—toast or microwave to reheat.

Conclusion: A Go-To Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe You’ll Bake Again and Again

If you’ve been searching for a no-fail, moist, and flavorful apple cinnamon bread recipe, this one has you covered. From the tender apple chunks to the warm cinnamon swirl, every bite brings the kind of comfort you can only get from a homemade loaf. Whether you’re baking for family, gifting a neighbor, or treating yourself to a fall-flavored snack, this quick bread fits the moment.

It’s flexible, forgiving, and full of heart just like the recipes I grew up with. And once you try it, I’m confident it’ll earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Have a favorite twist on it? Share your version in the comments I’d love to see how you make it yours.