Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with vinegar) - 2 cups apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - ¼ cup brown sugar (for topping) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping) I love baking this apple cinnamon bread. The mix of flavors is just right. You start with the dry ingredients. They lay the base for the bread. You need all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Each of these helps the bread rise and taste great. Next, you prepare the wet ingredients. This part adds richness and moisture. So, use softened butter. Cream it with sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. The buttermilk helps keep the bread tender. If you don't have buttermilk, mix regular milk with vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes. Now, for the best part: the apples. I recommend using Granny Smith for a tart bite or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Dice them up and fold them into the batter. Finally, sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon on top before baking. This creates a sweet crust that makes each slice special. Each bite will be a mix of soft bread, tart apples, and a hint of spice. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms up the oven for even baking. Next, grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan. This keeps the bread from sticking. In a medium bowl, mix the dry ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon salt Whisk these together until well blended. Set this bowl aside for later. Now, in a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat for about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should look light and fluffy. Next, add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. This helps add air to the batter. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it is well combined. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Alternate this with 1 cup of buttermilk. Start with the flour mix, then add the buttermilk, and finish with the flour. Mix until just combined; do not overmix. Overmixing can make the bread tough. Carefully fold in 2 cups of diced apples with a spatula. Make sure the apple pieces are evenly spread in the batter. This ensures every slice has apple flavor. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. For the topping, mix ¼ cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the batter. Now, your bread is ready for the oven! To ensure even baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your loaf pan well. This helps the bread rise evenly and not stick. When you bake, place the pan in the center of the oven. This allows heat to circulate around it. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes. Always trust your senses; the bread should smell sweet and golden. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute. Use regular milk and add 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes. This will mimic buttermilk’s tangy flavor. You can also use different apple types in the recipe. Granny Smith apples give a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp apples add sweetness. For a fun twist, try using a mix of both. Each apple brings unique flavors to the bread. To boost flavor, add extra spices. Nutmeg or allspice can bring warmth and depth. Start with a pinch and adjust to your taste. For serving suggestions, enjoy the bread warm with a pat of butter. This adds richness. You can also sprinkle extra cinnamon on top or add thin apple slices for a pretty touch. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can take it to the next level. {{image_4}} You can add nuts for more texture. Walnuts or pecans work great. They add a nice crunch and flavor. You might also try different fruits. Pears or berries can change the taste and feel of the bread. If you want to cut back on sugar, use less sugar in the recipe. You can still get great flavor without it being too sweet. Try using honey or maple syrup for a sweeter taste. For those who need gluten-free options, use gluten-free flour. It can replace regular flour in equal amounts. You can enjoy this bread for dessert or breakfast. It works well at any time of day. If you toast the slices, they get a nice crunch. Add butter or spread cream cheese for extra taste. Each bite will feel special and comforting. To keep your apple cinnamon bread fresh, let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain moisture and flavor. For long-term storage, freezing is best. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This will prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it, take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. This keeps the bread moist and tasty. To reheat your bread, slice it first. You can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes. This will crisp the edges and warm the center. If using the microwave, heat each slice for about 15-20 seconds. This method is quick but may soften the crust. Enjoy your warm apple cinnamon bread for the best flavor! To avoid dry apple cinnamon bread, check a few common mistakes: - Overmixing: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bread. - Too much flour: Measure flour correctly. Use the spoon-and-level method for accuracy. - Baking time: Do not bake too long. Check for doneness with a toothpick. Yes, you can make this recipe vegan. Here are some suggestions for substitutions: - Butter: Use coconut oil or vegan butter. - Eggs: Replace each egg with 1/4 cup applesauce or 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water. - Buttermilk: Use almond milk or soy milk with vinegar for a vegan version. Apple cinnamon bread lasts about 3-4 days at room temperature. Store it in an airtight container for freshness. For longer storage, freeze it. Wrapped well, it can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Absolutely! You can swap apples for other fruits. Here are some ideas: - Pears: Use diced pears for a sweet twist. - Berries: Add blueberries or raspberries for a burst of flavor. - Peaches: Diced peaches work great in summer for a fresh taste. This blog post covered everything you need to know to make delicious apple cinnamon bread. We discussed the ingredients, including dry and wet components, as well as tasty add-ins. I shared tips for baking, ingredient swaps, and ways to enhance flavor. You also learned about storage options and how to reheat leftovers. With this guide, you can bake a warm, flavorful bread that suits your taste and lifestyle. Enjoy baking and sharing this treat with friends and family!$

Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread

Bake the perfect Classic Apple Cinnamon Bread that will fill your home with irresistible aromas! This easy recipe features a moist, fluffy loaf packed with juicy apples and a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delightful treat ideal for breakfast or dessert. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy making this delicious bread that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk (or use regular milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar added and let sit for 5 minutes)

2 cups apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness)

¼ cup brown sugar (for topping)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk together until well blended, then set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition. It’s important to incorporate air, so take your time with this step. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start with the flour mixture (dry), incorporating it into the wet ingredients, and finish with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Carefully fold in the diced apples with a spatula, ensuring that the pieces are evenly distributed throughout the batter for balanced flavor in every slice.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top for an even bake.

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the loaf pan to create a delightful sugary crust.

Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is ready.

Once finished baking, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 10 slices

- Presentation Tips: Slice the bread into warm or room-temperature pieces and serve with a pat of butter on top for added richness. For an extra beautiful presentation, garnish each slice with a sprinkle of additional ground cinnamon or a few thin apple slices. Enjoy every bite!