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