Description
This Apple Cinnamon Quick Bread is a moist and flavorful treat perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. Packed with tender chunks of apples and warm cinnamon spice, this quick bread combines the ease of a no-yeast batter with the comforting taste of classic fall flavors. Made with simple pantry ingredients and baked to golden perfection, it's an irresistible loaf that’s wonderfully spiced and slightly sweet.
Ingredients
Apples Mixture
- 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) peeled & chopped apples (1/2 inch chunks; about 2 medium apples)
- 1/3 cup (67g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup (80g) unsweetened applesauce, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position (just below center) and preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Apples: In a bowl, stir together the peeled, chopped apples, brown sugar, and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside to let the flavors meld.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Setting this aside prepares the dry mix for the batter.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on high speed until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and pale, approximately 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs to the creamed butter mixture one at a time, beating on medium speed until combined after each addition. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Then beat in the applesauce and vanilla extract on medium speed until incorporated. The mixture will appear chunky and slightly curdled—that's expected.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low mixer speed. While the mixer is running, gradually pour in the whole milk. Beat just until combined, being careful not to overmix. If needed, use a whisk to ensure there are no lumps at the bottom. The resulting batter will be thick and sticky, yielding about 3 cups.
- Layer Batter and Apples: Pour and spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon the apple and cinnamon brown sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the apples, carefully spreading it out and scraping the bowl to get every bit. Use a knife to swirl the batter down the center of the loaf for a marbled effect.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the loaf for 60-75 minutes at 350°F (177°C). After 30 minutes of baking, loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning on top and sides. Because it’s a heavy loaf, baking times may vary—check for doneness starting at 60 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. The recipe typically takes about 70 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Slice only after it has cooled or nearly cooled, as warm bread tends to fall apart.
- Store Properly: Store the bread covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Using room temperature ingredients helps the batter blend more smoothly and results in better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour mixture and milk; this prevents a dense, tough bread.
- If you prefer, unsweetened applesauce can be swapped with another fruit puree, but it might slightly alter the flavor.
- Covering the bread with foil halfway through baking helps avoid over-browning while ensuring it cooks fully.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing for best texture and easier cutting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American