There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apple Bread fresh from the oven. This delightful loaf brings together the gentle sweetness of juicy apples with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a taste that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day. It’s exactly what you need when you’re craving something homey, fragrant, and utterly irresistible. The quick-bread format means you can whip it up in about 15 minutes of prep time before letting your oven do the magic, filling your kitchen with subtle hints of spice and sweetness.
What I absolutely adore about this recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast treat or a relaxed dessert to serve after dinner, this bread hits the spot. Its tender crumb makes each slice melt-in-your-mouth, while the chopped apples scattered throughout add juicy bursts of flavor and texture. Beginner bakers will appreciate the straightforward steps and pantry-friendly ingredients, and seasoned home cooks can have fun customizing it with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top or swapping in different apple varieties. Easy, crowd-pleasing, and brimming with fall-inspired flavors, this bread is destined to become a regular in your baking rotation.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN WARM CINNAMON-SPICED BAKED APPLE BREAD
Before diving into the method, let’s talk about the star players in our Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apple Bread. Each ingredient lends its own special magic—whether it’s lifting the loaf to a golden height, imparting cozy warm spices, or keeping every bite tender and moist. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component matters:
- All-purpose flour
Provides the foundational structure and body of the bread, giving it that tender, sliceable crumb you adore.
- Baking powder
Acts as a primary leavening agent, creating lift and fluffiness so each slice is light and airy.
- Baking soda
Works alongside baking powder to boost rise, neutralize acidity, and help achieve a perfect golden crust.
- Salt
Balances sweetness, enhances the aroma of spices, and sharpens the overall flavor profile.
- Ground cinnamon
Infuses the bread with warm, aromatic spice, evoking cozy memories of autumn and comforting baked goods.
- Ground nutmeg
Adds a subtle earthiness and depth, complementing the cinnamon for a rich, well-rounded spice blend.
- Granulated sugar
Sweetens the loaf and helps tenderize the crumb, while also encouraging a lightly caramelized exterior.
- Vegetable oil
Keeps the bread moist and soft, creating a supple texture that stays tender even days after baking.
- Eggs
Bind the wet and dry ingredients together, enrich the flavor, and contribute to a stable yet tender structure.
- Vanilla extract
Rounds out the sweet and spicy notes with its warm, fragrant flavor, pulling all the flavors into harmony.
- Unsweetened applesauce
Adds moisture, a hint of natural apple sweetness, and tenderizes the crumb without extra fat.
- Peeled and chopped apples
Provide pockets of juicy sweetness and delightful texture, giving every bite a fresh apple moment.
- Milk
Helps create a smooth, pourable batter and contributes to a tender, moist texture once baked.
HOW TO MAKE WARM CINNAMON-SPICED BAKED APPLE BREAD
Baking this Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apple Bread is a breeze once you’ve gathered your ingredients. Follow these detailed steps and you’ll soon be slicing into a loaf that’s tender, flavorful, and brimming with warm spice notes.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step ensures the bread won’t stick and will release cleanly once baked.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until they’re evenly combined. A uniform spice distribution prevents pockets of intense flavor.
3. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk to beat together the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until the mixture turns slightly fluffy and pale in color. This aerates the batter for a light texture.
4. Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Carefully mix in the unsweetened applesauce and milk, stirring until the wet ingredients become smooth and homogenous.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be cautious not to over-mix—overworking the batter leads to a dense loaf.
7. Fold the peeled and chopped apples into the batter, using a spatula to ensure they are evenly dispersed. This keeps the loaf balanced and prevents apples from sinking to the bottom.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then use a spatula to smooth the top for an even rise.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
10. Allow the bread to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Carefully remove the loaf from the pan, then let it cool completely on the rack before slicing. This resting time helps set the crumb and makes for cleaner slices.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR WARM CINNAMON-SPICED BAKED APPLE BREAD
Serving this Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apple Bread is half the fun—you can dress it up depending on the occasion, time of day, or craving you’re satisfying. From indulgent dessert-style presentations to simple, wholesome breakfasts, here are some ideas to make each moment special:
- Serve slices warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. The contrast between the soft, spice-laden bread and the cloud-like cream elevates it to a sweet treat that feels truly decadent.
- Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert. As the ice cream melts into the warm bread, it creates a luscious, creamy sauce that makes this simple loaf feel absolutely gourmet.
- Lightly toast individual slices in a toaster oven or under the broiler until edges turn slightly crisp, then spread with butter or a smear of cream cheese. The toasted surface adds a satisfying crunch to every tender bite.
- Enjoy alongside a steaming mug of coffee or spiced chai tea. The warm beverage complements the cinnamon and nutmeg undertones, making it an ideal pairing for breakfast or afternoon breaks.
HOW TO STORE WARM CINNAMON-SPICED BAKED APPLE BREAD
Keeping your Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apple Bread fresh and flavorful is easy with a few simple storage strategies. Whether you plan to enjoy it over the next day or freeze portions for later, these tips will help maintain moisture, preserve spice fragrance, and prevent staleness:
- At room temperature, store slices in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents the crumb from drying out and keeps the spiced aromas locked in.
- For longer freshness, place the wrapped loaf in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and maintain its texture for up to a week. Let slices come to room temperature or warm them briefly before serving.
- To freeze for future enjoyment, slice the bread and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. Frozen slices can last up to three months; thaw at room temperature or pop them in the toaster for a quick breakfast fix.
- If you notice the top starting to lose its spice punch, lightly refresh by toasting slices and sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon sugar before serving. This revives both flavor and crunch.
CONCLUSION
This Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apple Bread is a testament to how simple ingredients can yield extraordinary comfort and flavor. By combining pantry staples like flour, sugar, and warm spices with juicy apples and applesauce, you’ve created a loaf that suits any moment—be it a hearty breakfast on a crisp morning or a cozy dessert after dinner. The step-by-step method ensures success for beginner bakers, while the aromatic combination of cinnamon and nutmeg transports you straight into holiday-season bliss. With just 15 minutes of prep and under an hour of baking time, you’ve got a versatile quick bread ready to impress family, friends, or just yourself when a sweet craving hits. Don’t forget: you can print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder or digital archive for easy reference. You’ll also find an FAQ below to help with any common questions you might have on texture, spice swaps, or storage.
I hope you’ll try this recipe soon and make it your own! If you give it a go, I’d love to hear how it turned out—whether you experimented with different apple varieties, added a crunchy topping, or served it with your favorite hot drink. Please leave any comments, questions, or feedback below; I’m always here to help you tweak the recipe or troubleshoot any baking hiccups. Your thoughts and experiences not only guide me but also help fellow home cooks create a perfect slice of this warm, spiced bread. Enjoy every cozy bite and happy baking!
Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apple Bread
Description
This delightful bread combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with juicy apples, creating a comforting treat that's perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
-
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until they are well combined.
-
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat together the sugar and vegetable oil until the mixture is slightly fluffy and pale in color.
-
Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is combined.
-
Carefully mix in the applesauce and milk until the wet ingredients are smooth and homogenous.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to a dense bread.
-
Fold the chopped apples into the batter using a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
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Allow the bread to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove the bread from the pan and allow it to cool completely on the wire rack.
Note
- For added texture, consider sprinkling a cinnamon-sugar topping on the bread before baking.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
- This bread pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Store the bread in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 5 days.
