Apple Cinnamon Bread

Ingredients you'll need to make apple bread

Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.

• Apples – You’ll need two fresh apples for this quick bread recipe. I recommend Gala, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious varieties — they’re naturally sweet with a touch of tartness and hold their shape well when baked, giving the apple loaf great flavor and texture without turning mushy.
• Eggs – Use room temperature eggs if possible, as they incorporate more smoothly into the batter, helping the loaf bake evenly and rise properly.
• Butter – Melted butter adds richness, moisture, and depth of flavor. It also helps create a tender crumb while complementing the warm cinnamon notes in the bread.
• Leavening – A mix of baking powder and baking soda ensures a light, well-risen apple loaf. Baking soda reacts with the acidity from the apples, while baking powder gives an extra lift for a tall, fluffy crumb.
• Flavorings – Ground cinnamon brings that classic warm spice associated with fall baking, while a splash of vanilla enhances the sweetness and adds a subtle, cake-like aroma.
• Sugar – I use a mix of brown and white sugar for balance. Brown sugar adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon, while white sugar gives the loaf structure and sweetness.
• Flour – Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly here. It provides the right amount of structure without making the bread too dense.

Best apples for apple bread

The best apples for quick bread are firm, slightly sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji. They grate easily, hold their texture when baked, and release just enough juice to keep the loaf moist—without making the batter too wet.

I don’t recommend using Red Delicious, as their soft, mealy texture tends to break down too much in the oven. And if you're using tart Granny Smith apples, consider adding a little extra brown sugar to balance the flavor.

Should you peel apples for apple bread?

I usually skip peeling! The apple skin adds a bit of texture and color—and saves time. Just be sure to remove any large bits of the skin after grating to keep the texture smooth.

Recipe tips

• Choose the right apples: Opt for firm apples with a sweet-tart flavor, like Golden delicious, Honeycrisp, Fuji or Granny smith. These varieties hold their shape well when cooked.
• No need to peel the apples - It adds texture, flavor and nutrition.
• Remove any large pieces of skin after grating.

How to make apple cinnamon bread?

You can find full printable recipe below, but here is a quick overview of the procedure along with step-by-step photos.

How to store?

Like the persimmon bread, allow the apple quick bread to cool completely before storing it. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the bread soggy.

• Room temperature - Apple cinnamon loaf can be stored for up to 2-3 days, in a sealed container to preserve freshness.
• Freezer - For extended storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and then in an airtight freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature. It makes a great make ahead Mother's day brunch recipe.

More fall bread recipes

• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is incredibly soft and tender, loaded with gooey chocolate chips that stay perfectly distributed throughout.
• Heavenly Persimmon Bread with Coconut Oil smells and tastes divine! It is soft and moist, healthier made using Greek yogurt and grated Fuyu persimmons.
• Eggless Banana Bread recipe is soft, moist, and perfectly tender—made without eggs or butter! Prepped in under 10 minutes, it’s an easy banana loaf without eggs!