If you’re on the hunt for that perfect fall treat that feels like a big warm hug, you’ve come to the right place. This Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe is everything you want—a tender, flavorful loaf packed with cinnamon spice and juicy apples that stay wonderfully moist. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it won’t just be breakfast or snack anymore; it’ll be your new go-to comfort food for chilly mornings or cozy afternoons.

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Why This Recipe Works

Moisture Balance: Using unsweetened applesauce and real apples keeps the bread amazingly moist without being soggy.
Flavor Harmony: The blend of cinnamon with tart Granny Smith apples hits the perfect sweet-spicy-tart note every time.
Gentle Baking Temperature: Baking at 300°F makes sure the bread cooks low and slow, avoiding dryness or over-browning.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy extras needed—just basic pantry staples that you likely have on hand, making it an easy and approachable bake.

Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread, apple cinnamon loaf, fall breakfast bread, moist apple bread recipe, cinnamon apple cake - A loaf of brown apple bread with a textured crust sits on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. The bread is sliced, showing two thick slices in front of the loaf with visible small chunks of light green apple inside. Behind the bread are shiny green apples slightly out of focus, and a blue and white striped cloth in the background adds soft detail. The bread's crust looks slightly rough with small cracks, and the inside is dense but soft with apple pieces spread throughout. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients behind this Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe come together to create that ideal texture and flavor, while being super accessible for any home baker. Let me break down each key component and what it brings to the loaf.

Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread, apple cinnamon loaf, fall breakfast bread, moist apple bread recipe, cinnamon apple cake - Flat lay of a small bowl of unsweetened applesauce, three large brown eggs, a small glass bottle of vanilla extract, a small bowl of white granulated sugar, a small bowl of brown sugar, a medium pile of all-purpose flour, a few teaspoons of baking soda and salt in small ceramic spoons, two teaspoons of ground cinnamon scattered lightly, and a generous pile of diced green Granny Smith apples with some peeled apple halves placed nearby, arranged artfully on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness without extra fat, keeping the bread tender and soft.
Eggs: Binder that gives structure and helps the bread rise with a light crumb.
Vanilla extract: Brings a gentle aromatic sweetness that rounds out the cinnamon perfectly.
Granulated sugar: For balanced sweetness and a bit of texture in the crust.
Brown sugar: Adds rich, molasses undertones and extra moisture.
All-purpose flour: The base, providing structure; easy to find and versatile.
Baking soda: Gives the bread a lift and helps the crumb stay light.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors—you don’t want to skip this!
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that makes this bread cozy and aromatic.
Granny Smith apples: Tart and firm, they hold their texture well and balance the sweetness beautifully.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe is how easy it is to customize it just the way you like. Whether you want to amp up the spice, swap apples, or accommodate dietary needs, there’s room to make it your own.

Variation: I once added a handful of chopped walnuts for a lovely crunch, which was a hit at brunch. You could also toss in some raisins or dried cranberries if you prefer a sweeter bite.
Dietary modification: For a gluten-free version, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The applesauce helps keep the bread moist even with the flour swap.
Spice boost: If you love warm spices, adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves really elevates the bread to something special during chilly months.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe

Step 1: Get everything ready

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F and greasing two 9×5-inch loaf pans with nonstick spray—this low baking temperature is key to a super moist crumb. While the oven warms up, dice your Granny Smith apples. I like to peel them too, but leaving the peel on works if you want a more rustic texture.

Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then stir in both sugars until the mixture feels silky—this step helps dissolve the sugars for an even sweet flavor throughout.

Step 3: Add the dry ingredients

Next, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl, then gradually add this to your wet mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir just until everything is combined—don’t overmix, or you risk a dense loaf.

Step 4: Fold in the apples and pour batter

Now gently fold in the diced apples, distributing the juicy pieces evenly through the batter. Divide the batter between your two pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake low and slow

Pop the pans in the oven and bake for about 90 minutes. The long bake time at this lower temperature makes all the difference—it keeps the bread tender without drying it out. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and enjoy

Let the loaves cool in the pans for 10 to 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This step stops the cooking gently and helps the bread release easily. Once cooled completely, slice and dig in!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Skip the Low Heat: Baking at 300°F instead of the usual 350°F is a game changer for moistness—trust me, I learned the hard way!
Fold Gently: Overmixing makes the bread tough, so fold in your flour and apples just until combined.
Use Tart Apples: Granny Smiths stay firm and add a lovely tartness that balances out the sweetness perfectly.
Cool Before Slicing: Resist the urge to cut hot bread—it can crumble. Letting it cool fully keeps those slices looking and tasting fantastic.

How to Serve Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I like to add a light drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a simple, pretty touch. Sometimes, French-press whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns it into an indulgent dessert.

Side Dishes

Breakfast or brunch? Pair this bread with scrambled eggs and a fresh fruit salad. Afternoon treat? A hot cup of chai tea or coffee really complements the cinnamon and apple spices beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve gifted mini loaves wrapped in parchment and tied with twine during holiday seasons—it’s such a thoughtful and easy present. You could also create a beautiful bread board spread topped with slices, apple slices, nuts, and a seasonal jam for brunch guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover apple bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It keeps soft and flavorful, though I prefer to consume it quickly because it’s hard to resist!

Freezing

If you want to freeze, slice the bread first and wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. This way you can thaw just a slice or two at a time for a quick treat. I’ve found it freezes beautifully without drying out.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a slice in the toaster oven or microwave for 20-30 seconds—it comes back warm and soft, just like fresh. Adding a bit of butter or cream cheese on top melts into all those nooks and crannies wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this bread?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are my favorite for their tartness and firmness, but you can swap in Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala if you want a sweeter, softer bite. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples might make your bread taste a bit sweeter overall.
Why do you bake the bread at 300 degrees Fahrenheit?

Baking at 300°F allows the bread to cook slowly and evenly, which helps maintain moisture and prevents it from drying out or burning before the center is done. It does take longer, but the tender, moist result is totally worth the wait.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Because the recipe includes applesauce and fresh apples, it stays moist and tasty even with this swap.
How long will this bread keep fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this bread stays fresh for about 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely. Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans adds a lovely texture contrast. Dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries also work well. Just fold them in alongside the apples to distribute evenly.

Final Thoughts

This Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially when the weather starts turning crisp outside. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but special enough to share with friends and family. I really hope you enjoy baking and snacking on it as much as I do—after all, the best part of cooking (and baking) is passing along those cozy moments one slice at a time.