Apple Cinnamon Loaf – Easy Soft & Tender Apple Bread

Apple Cinnamon Loaf is a soft, tender quick bread filled with finely chopped apples, warm cinnamon, and vanilla. This easy apple loaf comes together with simple pantry ingredients and bakes in a 5 x 9-inch loaf pan for a cozy homemade treat. Lemon zest adds a subtle fresh note, while the combination of apples and cinnamon gives every slice a classic flavor. It is a simple choice for breakfast, an afternoon treat, or whenever you want an easy homemade apple bread.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 10
• Main Method: Baking
• Pan: 5 x 9-inch loaf pan
• Oven Temperature: 350°F

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and tender: The simple batter creates a moist, delicate loaf.
• Easy preparation: The wet and dry mixtures are prepared separately before being combined.
• Fresh apple flavor: Chopped apples are folded directly into the batter.
• Warm cinnamon: Ground cinnamon gives the loaf its classic spiced flavor.
• Simple ingredients: No complicated techniques or unusual ingredients are needed.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups apples, peeled and chopped into ¼-inch cubes, such as Braeburn, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp

Equipment

• 5 x 9-inch loaf pan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Cooling rack
• Wooden spoon

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Loaf

1. Prepare the Pan and Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 5 x 9-inch loaf pan.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

Whisk together the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well mixed.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the cinnamon, flour, salt, lemon zest, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined.

4. Combine the Batter

Add the cinnamon and flour mixture to the sugar mixture. Stir until just mixed.

Avoid overmixing the batter.

5. Add the Apples

Stir the chopped apples into the batter.

Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.

6. Bake

Bake for 45 minutes.

Remove the loaf pan from the oven and cover the loaf with foil. Return it to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool

Let the loaf cool briefly in the pan, then remove it and transfer it to a wire rack.

Allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Important Baking Tips

• Measure carefully: Accurate measurements help produce the intended loaf texture.
• Use room-temperature ingredients: Allow the eggs and other refrigerated ingredients to come to room temperature for better incorporation.
• Don’t overmix: Stir the wet and dry mixtures only until combined to help keep the loaf light and tender.
• Choose your apples: Braeburn, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp are all listed options. You can also use your preferred apples.
• Cover with foil: Cover the loaf after the first 45 minutes, then continue baking for another 15 minutes.
• Check the center: Insert a toothpick into the middle of the loaf. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs when the loaf is done.
• Cool before slicing: Allowing the loaf to cool properly helps prevent it from breaking apart.

Simple Variations

• Apple combination: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a varied apple flavor.
• Apple choice: Choose from Braeburn, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp, as suggested in the recipe.
• Cinnamon-forward flavor: Keep the full 1¼ teaspoons of ground cinnamon for the intended warm, spiced flavor.

Storage

Allow the loaf to cool completely before storing. Keep it covered or in an airtight container.

For the best texture, slice the loaf once completely cooled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What apples are best for Apple Cinnamon Loaf?

The recipe suggests Braeburn, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp apples. You can also use a combination of sweet and tart apples.

Why is the loaf covered with foil during baking?

The loaf is covered with foil after the first 45 minutes and then baked for another 15 minutes. This is part of the supplied baking method.

How do I know when the apple loaf is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs. If it is wet, continue baking.

Should I cool the loaf before slicing?

Yes. Let it cool briefly in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely.

Can I use room-temperature eggs?

Yes. The recipe notes that using room-temperature ingredients helps them incorporate better into the batter.

Nutrition

The supplied nutrition information is per serving:

• Calories: 178 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fat: 1 g
• Fiber: 1 g

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Loaf is a straightforward homemade bake with tender texture, chopped apples, vanilla, lemon zest, and plenty of warm cinnamon flavor. The batter comes together quickly, and the two-stage baking method helps the loaf finish evenly. Once completely cooled, it is ready to slice and enjoy as a simple homemade apple treat.

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