There’s nothing quite like the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filling your kitchen on a chilly winter morning. This Warm Cinnamon Sugar Apple Loaf is a cozy quick bread with tender apple morsels, a soft moist crumb, and a sparkling cinnamon-sugar crust. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, gifting, or a comforting afternoon treat, this easy loaf uses simple pantry ingredients and is versatile enough to add nuts, dried fruit, or a glaze for extra flavor. Baked golden with a lightly crisp topping, it slices beautifully and delivers warm apple-cinnamon goodness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, tender crumb with juicy apple pieces
- Quick bread style—no yeast or long rising times
- Sweet, spiced topping adds texture and flavor
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or cozy snack time
- Easily adaptable with nuts, dried fruit, or a glaze
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the soft, sturdy base for the loaf.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup in batter + 1/4 cup for topping): Sweetens the bread and adds a sparkling crust.
- Baking powder (2 tsp): Helps the loaf rise and keeps it tender.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp in batter + 1 tsp for topping): Adds warmth and classic apple-cinnamon flavor.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the loaf moist; can swap half for melted butter for extra richness.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind ingredients and add structure.
- Milk (3/4 cup, whole or 2%): Adds moisture and richness.
- Peeled, diced apples (1 cup, about 1 medium apple): Provides juicy sweetness and texture.
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, 1/3 cup raisins or dried cranberries, 1 tsp vanilla extract.
How to Make Warm Cinnamon Sugar Apple Loaf
1. Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon until well combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, then add oil and milk, whisking until smooth.
4. Combine Batter
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the loaf tender.
5. Fold in Apples and Add-Ins
Gently fold in the diced apples and any optional ingredients like nuts, dried fruit, or vanilla extract, ensuring even distribution.
6. Prepare the Topping
Mix 1/4 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the batter.
7. Bake
Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then lift out with parchment and transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Success
- Use small, evenly diced apples to avoid wet spots in the loaf.
- If apples are very juicy, blot them dry before adding to the batter.
- Measure flour by spooning and leveling for a tender crumb.
- Avoid overmixing once flour is added; fold gently until just combined.
- Tent loosely with foil if the topping is browning too quickly.
- For extra richness, swap half the oil for melted butter or add 1/4 cup sour cream.
- Freeze slices individually for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature or warm briefly.
Equipment Needed
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Cooling rack
Recipe Variations
- Nutty Apple Loaf: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Fruit-Infused Loaf: Add 1/3 cup raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates.
- Vanilla Cinnamon Loaf: Add 1 tsp vanilla extract to the wet mixture.
- Glazed Apple Loaf: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze after cooling.
- Butter Swap: Replace half the oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread.
- Pair with coffee, chai, or hot apple cider for a cozy winter treat.
- Slice and wrap individually for gifting or lunchboxes.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a festive presentation.
FAQs
Can I make this loaf ahead of time?
Yes, it can be baked a day in advance and stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
How should I store leftovers?
Store at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze the loaf?
Yes—freeze whole or sliced in airtight packaging for up to 3 months.
What type of apples work best?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith apples are ideal.
Why is my loaf dense?
Overmixing or measuring flour incorrectly can cause a dense loaf.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
Warm Cinnamon Sugar Apple Loaf (Soft Winter Slice)
- Total Time: 65-75 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm Cinnamon Sugar Apple Loaf Soft Winter Slice — a cozy quick bread with tender apple morsels, a soft moist crumb, and a sparkling cinnamon-sugar crust. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, gifting, or a comforting afternoon treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (in batter)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or neutral oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup peeled, diced apples (about 1 medium apple)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, 1/3 cup raisins or dried cranberries, 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl whisk together flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon until evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl whisk the eggs, then add oil and milk and whisk until smooth.
- Pour the dry mixture into the wet and fold gently with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
- Fold in the diced apples and any optional add-ins like nuts or dried fruit, distributing them evenly.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Mix 1/4 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs; tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then lift out with parchment and cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use small, evenly diced apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith) to prevent heavy wet spots.
- If apples are very juicy, blot them dry on a paper towel before folding into batter.
- Measure flour by spooning and leveling to avoid a dense loaf.
- Do not overmix once flour is added; fold until just combined to keep the crumb tender.
- Tent loosely with foil if the topping is getting too dark before the center is done.
- For extra richness swap half the oil for melted butter, or add 1/4 cup sour cream for a moister crumb.
- Freeze slices individually for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in a toaster oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Warm Cinnamon Sugar Apple Loaf is the perfect cozy winter treat, combining tender, moist crumb with sweet, juicy apples and a crisp cinnamon-sugar crust. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, gifting, or an afternoon snack, this loaf delivers comforting flavors and beautiful slices every time. Make a batch, slice it up, and savor the warm apple-cinnamon goodness with every bite!