Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread Recipe

Introduction

Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread is a cozy treat perfect for chilly days. Bursting with tender apples and a blend of aromatic spices, this bread offers a comforting balance of sweet and spice in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups finely chopped apples (preferably Granny Smith)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Step 5: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
6. Step 6: Fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar for a crunchy topping.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Step 9: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firm texture which hold up well during baking.
• For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans.
• Try adding a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity twist.
• Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What type of apples are best for this Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread?

Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness balances the sweetness and their firmness helps them hold their shape during baking.

Can I make this recipe without nuts?

Yes, you can omit the walnuts or pecans if you prefer a nut-free version or have allergies. The bread will still be delicious and moist.

Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 59 reviews

This Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread is a cozy, moist loaf bursting with autumnal flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, complemented by tart Granny Smith apples and a crunchy turbinado sugar topping. Perfect for a comforting snack paired with tea or coffee, this easy-to-make bread features a tender crumb enriched with sour cream and optionally studded with nuts for added texture.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Other Ingredients

• 2 cups finely chopped apples (preferably Granny Smith)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread once baked.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes. This creates a creamy base for the bread.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
5. Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients to maintain batter consistency, mixing just until combined; do not overmix.
6. Add apples and nuts: Gently fold in the finely chopped apples and the optional chopped walnuts or pecans until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Fill loaf pan and top: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the surface evenly with turbinado sugar to create a crunchy topping after baking.
8. Bake the bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool the bread: Allow the apple bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely to set properly and enhance slicing.

Notes

• Granny Smith apples are ideal for baking because their tartness balances the sweet spices and their firmness holds texture during baking.
• Feel free to omit the walnuts or pecans to accommodate nut-free diets or personal preference.
• This apple bread is excellent served warm with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect cozy treat for fall or winter.
• Store leftover bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped tightly.

Keywords: apple bread, cinnamon bread, baking recipe, warm desserts, homemade bread, fall flavors