Name: Apple Cinnamon Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 9
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; /2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted and cooled; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 large); 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

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Last Updated on July 16, 2026 by Kiersten James

This homemade apple cinnamon bread is soft, buttery, and filled with fresh apples and a cinnamon swirl. An easy, quick bread for breakfast or coffee.

By the time apple season rolls around, there’s almost always a loaf of something sitting on our kitchen counter.

Some weeks, it’s chocolate chip banana bread. Other weeks, it’s zucchini bread from the garden.

But once the weather starts cooling off and we begin bringing home bags of fresh apples from the orchard, this apple cinnamon bread quickly becomes the family favorite.

It’s soft, buttery, and filled with chunks of fresh apples, with a ribbon of cinnamon sugar running through the middle of every slice.

As it bakes, the cinnamon swirl creates little pockets of brown sugar throughout the loaf that make every slice feel like a treat without being overly sweet.

I love recipes like this because they’re just as welcome on a quiet Saturday morning with a cup of coffee as they are wrapped up for friends, or set out after Sunday dinner when everyone is still lingering around the table.

There’s no stand mixer and no complicated steps to follow. Just simple ingredients and fresh apples coming together to remind me why I love baking this time of year.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Bread

Soft, buttery, and filled with fresh apples. Every slice is packed with tender apples and warm cinnamon flavor.
A ribbon of cinnamon sugar runs through the center. It creates sweet swirls in every slice without making the bread overly rich.
Made with simple pantry ingredients. No stand mixer or complicated techniques.
Perfect any time of day. Enjoy a slice for breakfast, an afternoon coffee break, or an easy dessert after dinner.
A wonderful way to use fresh apples. Whether you picked them yourself or grabbed a bag at the grocery store, this recipe helps them shine.

Tips for the Best Results

Dice the apples into small, even pieces so they bake at the same rate throughout the loaf.
Stir the batter just until the flour disappears to keep the bread soft and tender.
Swirl the cinnamon sugar only a few times to keep beautiful ribbons throughout the loaf.
Allow the bread to cool before slicing so it holds together and doesn’t break apart.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best apples for apple cinnamon bread?

I usually use Granny Smith because they hold their shape well while baking, but Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Braeburn, Fuji, and Cortland are all excellent choices.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes. I actually think the flavor is better the next day after everything has had a chance to settle.

Do I have to peel the apples?

I recommend peeling them for the softest texture, but leaving the skins on will still work if you don’t mind a little extra texture.

Can I freeze apple cinnamon bread?

Absolutely. Once the loaf has cooled completely, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months.

Why did my bread sink in the middle?

Apple quick breads are naturally heavy because of all the fruit. Make sure the center is fully baked before removing it from the oven.

A toothpick should come out mostly clean, or the center should register around 205°F.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Bread

Ingredients:

Apple Cinnamon Bread:

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
6 tablespoons salted butter, melted and slightly cooled
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 large)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cinnamon Swirl:

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.

Toss the diced apples with the flour and cinnamon until evenly coated.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugars, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.

Spread half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Add half of the apples on top of the batter.

Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter.

Add the remaining batter, then the apples, then finish with the remaining cinnamon sugar.

Use a butter knife to gently swirl it through the batter two or three times.

Bake for 75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean or the center reaches about 205°F.

Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage & Freezing:

Store the bread tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 1 week.

This bread also freezes really well. Wrap the whole loaf (or individual slices) tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter before serving.

More Cozy Apple Recipes

If you still have apples waiting on the counter, here are a few more of our favorite ways to use them:

Apple season always seems to go by too quickly, so I try to make the most of it while it lasts!