Name: Sweet and Spiced Homemade Apple Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups flour (spelt, white, or oat); 2 tsp baking powder; 3/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 3/4 cup sugar; 2 cups finely diced apple; 1 cup milk of choice; 3 1/2 tbsp oil or applesauce; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 1 review

If you are looking for a comforting treat that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of warm spices and sweet apples, the Sweet and Spiced Homemade Apple Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. This bread is a delightful combination of tender texture and rich apple cinnamon flavor, making each slice a cozy bite perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a sweet addition to any gathering. What makes this recipe truly special is how simple ingredients transform into a moist, flavorful loaf that’s as versatile as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a creamy mixture that has a thick, chunky texture. The mixture is thick off-white with visible small pieces of light yellow corn evenly spread throughout. A silver spoon is partially buried in the bowl on the right side, with a textured handle reflecting light. The sides of the bowl show remnants of the creamy mixture, slightly smeared. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients, each adding a unique element to the bread’s flavor and texture. From the tender apples to the warming cinnamon and the subtle sweetness, every ingredient works in harmony to create the perfect loaf.

2 cups finely diced apple: Fresh apples bring natural sweetness and moisture, keeping the bread tender.
2 cups flour (spelt, white, or oat): Choose your favorite all-purpose alternative to provide structure and a tender crumb.
2 tsp baking powder: This helps the bread rise and stay light.
3/4 tsp salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors in the bread.
1/2 tsp baking soda: Works with the baking powder to aid leavening and texture.
1/2 tsp cinnamon: A classic spice that infuses the bread with warm, sweet notes.
3/4 cup sugar: Provides the essential sweetness that balances with the apple’s tartness.
1 cup milk of choice: Adds moisture and richness, and you can easily swap for plant-based options.
3 1/2 tbsp oil or applesauce: Keeps the bread moist; applesauce adds extra apple flavor and reduces fat.
2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Deepens the overall flavor with a luscious aromatic hint.

How to Make Sweet and Spiced Homemade Apple Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F for the perfect baking environment. While it warms up, combine your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and sugar—in a large bowl. Mixing these thoroughly ensures an even distribution of flavors and leavening agents, creating the right foundation for your bread.

Step 2: Combine with Wet Ingredients

Next, add the milk, oil (or applesauce), and vanilla extract to the bowl with your dry mixture. Stir gently until the batter just comes together; overmixing can make the bread tough, so a few lumps are perfectly fine. Then fold in the finely diced apples carefully to spread out those juicy bursts of sweetness throughout the loaf.

Step 3: Add a Cinnamon Swirl for Extra Charm (Optional)

If you want to take this bread a notch higher, mix a bit of cinnamon with two tablespoons of milk and swirl it into the batter just before baking. This step creates beautiful cinnamon ribbons that elevate the tasting experience, making each slice feel just a bit more special.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan and smooth the top with the back of a spoon. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs attached—don’t worry, it should be perfectly tender inside!

Step 5: Cool and Let the Flavors Develop

Once your apple bread is baked, allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For an incredible texture and flavor boost, cover it with a cloth overnight and let it rest. This step is a favorite of mine because the spices meld beautifully, and the bread becomes even more moist and delicious by the next day.

How to Serve Sweet and Spiced Homemade Apple Bread Recipe

The image shows a loaf of cake with four thick slices laid out in a stack. Each slice has a crumbly, soft texture with a pale yellow color mixed with small bits of a darker yellow ingredient. The top layer of the loaf is covered with a white icing that looks slightly cracked and uneven, adding texture to the surface. The edges of the icing drip slightly down the sides of the slices. The cake is placed on a flat surface with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To serve your bread, think about complementing its cozy flavors. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and vanilla adds a touch of sweetness and elegance. Alternatively, spread some softened butter or cream cheese for a rich finishing touch that melts into every warm slice.

Side Dishes

This apple bread pairs wonderfully with hot beverages like spiced chai, coffee, or even a cup of hot cocoa. For a well-rounded breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a creamy yogurt parfait topped with granola and fresh fruit. The bread’s sweet and spiced profile adds delightful contrast to savory dishes or creamy textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress friends or family by turning your apple bread into a layered dessert with whipped cream and caramel sauce drizzled on top. You can also toast individual slices and serve them with honey or nut butter for a quick snack. Wrapping slices in parchment paper tied with twine makes for a charming homemade gift too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Sweet and Spiced Homemade Apple Bread Recipe keeps beautifully for several days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Keeping it covered prevents it from drying out while maintaining its tender crumb and scrumptious flavor.

Freezing

If you find yourself with more bread than you can eat right away, don’t worry! This bread freezes exceptionally well. Slice it first, then wrap individual pieces or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you want a cozy treat later, it’s ready to thaw whenever you are.

Reheating

To enjoy your bread warm, pop slices in the toaster or microwave for a few seconds. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness and enhances the sweet and spiced aroma, making every bite feel freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?

Absolutely! Firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work great because they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

Is the bread gluten-free?

This particular recipe isn’t gluten-free as written, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends that measure cup-for-cup like regular flour. Just keep in mind the texture might vary slightly.

Can I substitute the oil with something else?

Yes! You can replace the oil with an equal amount of applesauce for a lower-fat option, which also amps up the apple flavor and keeps the bread moist.

Do I need to peel the apples?

It’s up to you! Leaving the skins on contributes extra fiber and texture, but if you prefer a smoother crumb or have tougher apple skins, peeling is a fine choice.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the bread. If it comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs attached, your bread is perfectly baked. Be careful not to overbake, or it may dry out.

Final Thoughts

The Sweet and Spiced Homemade Apple Bread Recipe is a reliable crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with cozy warmth and satisfying flavors every time you bake it. Whether you are looking for a comforting breakfast, a tasty snack, or a thoughtful gift, this bread’s tender crumb and inviting aroma make it a cherished staple. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!

Sweet and Spiced Homemade Apple Bread Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Sweet and Spiced Homemade Apple Bread Recipe