This Cinnamon Apple Bread with Vanilla Glaze is a soft, moist, bakery-style quick bread packed with tender apples, warm cinnamon sugar swirls, and finished with a sweet vanilla drizzle. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or afternoon coffee, this homemade apple bread tastes like fall comfort in every bite.
Unlike yeast breads, this easy quick bread recipe comes together with simple pantry ingredients and requires no rising time, making it ideal for beginners and busy home bakers. The cinnamon-apple filling melts into the batter as it bakes, creating rich layers of flavor and a beautifully marbled crumb. Whether you’re looking for easy dessert recipes, fall baking ideas, or family-friendly homemade bread, this recipe checks every box.
Ingredients
For the Bread
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
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2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
For the Cinnamon Swirl
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â…“ cup brown sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Vanilla Glaze
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal. -
Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside. -
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create a tender crumb. -
Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and sour cream. The sour cream adds moisture and richness, making this one of the best moist apple bread recipes you’ll try. -
Combine Batter
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix. -
Add Apples
Gently fold in the diced apples, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter. -
Create Cinnamon Layers
Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar. -
Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil. -
Cool and Glaze
Allow the bread to cool for 15 minutes before removing from the pan. Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over the cooled loaf.
Baking Tips for Perfect Results
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Use firm apples to prevent sogginess
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Let the bread cool fully before slicing for clean cuts
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Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture
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Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe balances sweetness, spice, and moisture, making it ideal for homemade dessert bread, holiday baking, and easy brunch recipes. The cinnamon swirl caramelizes during baking, while the glaze adds a bakery-quality finish that makes this loaf visually stunning and irresistible.
Related Questions (High-CPM SEO Keywords)
Can I make apple cinnamon bread ahead of time?
Yes! This bread tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or holiday baking.
What are the best apples for apple bread recipes?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples work best because they hold their shape and balance sweetness.
Is apple bread a breakfast or dessert?
Both! This versatile quick bread works as a breakfast loaf, snack cake, or easy dessert recipe.
Can I freeze homemade apple bread?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
How do I keep quick bread moist?
Using sour cream, yogurt, or applesauce ensures a soft, moist texture every time.
Is this a healthy apple bread recipe?
While indulgent, you can reduce sugar or substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
