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Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

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3.8 from 5 reviews

This Apple Cinnamon Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread featuring tender chunks of Honeycrisp apples infused with warm cinnamon spices. A perfect cozy treat for fall or any time you crave a sweet, buttery baked good with a tender crumb and subtle tartness from apple cider vinegar. It’s baked in a loaf pan and topped with a swirl of cinnamon-buttered apples and a light sprinkle of raw sugar for extra texture and sweetness.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups peeled and finely diced Honeycrisp apples, divided
  • 3/4 cup (185g) milk
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cups (265g) all-purpose flour or gluten free baking flour
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon, divided
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup (113g) + 1 tbsp unsalted butter, room temp (use a high butterfat or “European style” butter for best flavor and texture)
  • 1/2 cup (105g) + 1 tbsp light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (62g) unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • Demerara or raw sugar, for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease the inside of a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line it with a sheet of parchment paper that covers the bottom and the two long sides for easy removal.
  2. Prepare Buttered Apples: Place 1 cup of diced apples in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Add 1 tablespoon butter and microwave for 30-60 seconds until melted. Toss in 1 tablespoon light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set aside to let flavors meld.
  3. Make Buttermilk Substitute: In a measuring cup, combine the milk with apple cider vinegar. Stir and let it sit while you prepare other components. This will curdle slightly to create a buttermilk substitute, adding tenderness.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, the other 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set aside.
  5. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to cream the remaining 1/2 cup softened butter with 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until fluffy and well combined.
  6. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the applesauce, egg, and vanilla bean paste until smooth and incorporated.
  7. Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk Mixture: Add half of the dry ingredients and mix lightly. Before fully incorporating, pour in the milk and vinegar mixture and stir to combine. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  8. Fold in Apples: Just before the batter is completely mixed, fold in the remaining 1 cup of diced apples gently to distribute evenly without overmixing.
  9. Assemble Batter in Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Spoon the buttered cinnamon apples over the top of the batter and loosely swirl them in with a knife or spatula. Sprinkle a few pinches of raw or Demerara sugar over the surface if desired, for a crunchy topping.
  10. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep moistness.
  11. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 45 minutes. Remove from the pan using the parchment edges, slice, and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Using Honeycrisp apples gives a nice balance of sweetness and tartness; other sweet-tart apples like Fuji or Gala can also work.
  • If gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to maintain texture.
  • Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the bread tender.
  • The apple cider vinegar in milk creates a makeshift buttermilk that adds moisture and tenderness.
  • Butter or oil can be used for a slightly different texture; butter provides a richer flavor.
  • Swirling the cinnamon buttered apples on top adds delicious pockets of cinnamon flavor and extra moistness.
  • Store leftover bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Great served toasted with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/apple-cinnamon-bread-recipe/