This Cinnamon Apple Bread with Streusel Topping is the perfect cozy treat for fall! Packed with tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a crunchy streusel topping, it’s an easy quick bread recipe that will fill your home with the smell of autumn.
Whether you’re looking for a sweet breakfast, a snack, or a treat to bring to a fall gathering, this apple bread is a winner every time.
Why This Cinnamon Apple Bread Works
This recipe is a quick bread, meaning it doesn’t require yeast or rising time. Instead, a combination of baking soda and baking powder makes the bread light and fluffy. This is great if you want a delicious loaf on the table in under two hours.
You can enjoy it warm, right out of the oven, or cooled and sliced for later. Kids and adults alike love it, and it pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread
Here’s a simple overview of how this quick bread comes together. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and step-by-step instructions.
1. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed and the spices are well-mixed.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, beaten eggs, yogurt (or sour cream), and vanilla extract. The yogurt keeps the bread moist and tender.
3. Fold Wet into Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense. Next, fold in diced apples; the batter will be thick, but that’s exactly what we want.
4. Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle it evenly over the unbaked bread. This topping will bake into a golden, crunchy layer that perfectly complements the soft apple bread.
5. Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs. Let it cool slightly in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Best Apples for Baking
Not all apples are created equal when it comes to baking. For this cinnamon apple bread, choose apples that hold their shape in the oven:
- Gala – sweet and tender, balances the cinnamon well.
- Granny Smith – tart, adds a refreshing tang.
- Honeycrisp – crisp and juicy, great for a single-variety loaf.
Peel and dice the apples before adding them to the batter for even baking and a uniform texture.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Apple Bread
- Room Temperature Eggs – Bring eggs to room temperature to prevent cooling the batter. Placing them in warm water for a few minutes works well.
- Butter Temperature – The melted butter should be warm, not hot. Hot butter can start cooking the eggs and affect the texture.
- Fresh Leavening Agents – Baking soda and baking powder lose effectiveness over time. Test them with vinegar and water if you’re unsure.
- Measure Flour Correctly – Too much flour can make the bread dry. Whisk, spoon, and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the container.
- Yogurt Substitute – If your family doesn’t enjoy yogurt, sour cream works just as well. It keeps the bread moist and tender.
Storing and Freezing Cinnamon Apple Bread
Store your bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Because it contains fresh apples, it’s best eaten sooner rather than later.
To freeze, you can:
- Freeze whole – Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to two months.
- Freeze slices – Lay slices on a parchment-lined tray for a few hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
Thaw before eating for a fresh-baked taste any time!
This bread is also a wonderful way to use up freshly picked apples from the orchard. Pair it with a hot drink, and it’s the ultimate fall comfort food.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, stir together melted butter, granulated sugar, beaten eggs, yogurt, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients: Fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined. Gently stir in the diced apples. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Prepare Streusel: In a small bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon using a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs.
- Cool: Remove from the pan after 10 minutes and place on a wire rack. Allow to cool completely before slicing.
- Store or Freeze: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze whole or sliced for up to 2 months.
Notes
- Apple Choice: Gala and Granny Smith are ideal together for a balance of sweet and tart. Honeycrisp works well too.
- Yogurt Substitute: Sour cream can replace yogurt if desired.
- Measuring Flour: Always whisk, spoon, and level your flour for accurate measurement.
- Butter Temperature: Make sure melted butter is warm but not hot to avoid cooking eggs.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Helps the batter stay smooth and bake evenly.