Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread is a delightful treat that fills your kitchen with the inviting aromas of fall. This bread combines tender apples, warm spices, and a hint of sweetness, making it perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. Whether you are enjoying a slice with a warm cup of tea or sharing it with friends, this apple bread is bound to bring smiles and warmth to your table.
Why We Love This Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread Recipe
There’s something truly comforting about warm cinnamon-spiced apple bread. This recipe not only showcases the natural sweetness of apples but also merges fragrant spices that elevate its flavor to new heights. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The blend of spices, combined with the moistness of the bread, creates a delightful experience with every bite. Perfect for any occasion, this bread can easily be adapted for breakfast, tea time, or even dessert, making it one of those versatile recipes you will find yourself going back to again and again.
Ingredients about Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread
To create your very own warm cinnamon-spiced apple bread, you will need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups finely chopped apples (preferably Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (for topping)
How to Make Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread Directions
Making warm cinnamon-spiced apple bread is a straightforward process that anyone can manage. Follow these steps to create a bread that fills your home with delightful scents.
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it generously with butter or spray, then lightly flour it to prevent sticking.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed. Set this bowl aside for later use.
- In a large mixing bowl, take your softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a mixer to cream them together until light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Next, add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture. Make sure to beat well after each addition. Once both eggs are incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is blended smoothly.
- Now, it’s time to mix your dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the large bowl, mixing gently until just combined. Alternate this with the sour cream, adding the remaining dry mix afterward. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to a denser texture.
- Fold in the finely chopped apples and, if you’re using them, the nuts. Gently mix them into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking down the apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the turbinado sugar generously on top, adding a delightful crunch as it bakes.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to make sure it doesn’t over-brown.
- Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it carefully to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing, as this helps the flavors settle.
How to Serve Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread
Now that your warm cinnamon-spiced apple bread is complete, you might wonder how to enjoy it best. One way is to slice it while it’s still warm, revealing its soft and moist interior. You can serve it plain or with a pat of butter for extra richness.
For a delightful touch, consider pairing your bread with fresh whipped cream or a dollop of cream cheese frosting for a treat that feels a little more indulgent. You could also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an elegant presentation.
If you’re serving it as breakfast, it pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate. For a dessert option, enjoying a slice with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of your favorite frozen yogurt creates a heavenly combination. No matter how you choose to serve it, this apple bread will surely impress friends and family.
Expert Tips: Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread
To ensure your warm cinnamon-spiced apple bread turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples, like Granny Smith, as they hold up well during baking and add a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the bread.
- Don’t Over-Mix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix them just until combined to maintain the bread’s tender texture. Over-mixing can lead to a dense loaf.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so always check the bread a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center.
- Let It Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan first before moving it to a wire rack. This prevents it from becoming too moist and helps it maintain shape.
- Experiment with Spices: While this recipe uses cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, feel free to play around with spices like allspice or ginger for a unique flavor profile.
How to Store Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread
Storing your warm cinnamon-spiced apple bread is simple and will keep it delicious for days. Once the bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. You can also store it in an airtight container.
If you want to make it last longer, consider freezing it. Simply slice the bread and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. It can last in the freezer for up to three months.
When you are ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature. You can also reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly-baked taste.
Variation of Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread
There are plenty of ways to customize your warm cinnamon-spiced apple bread to suit your taste or use up available ingredients. Here are some tasty variations:
- Add Dried Fruits: Consider mixing in dried cranberries or raisins along with the apples for an extra layer of flavor.
- Switch Up the Nuts: If you prefer, substitute walnuts with chopped pecans or omit them completely to cater to nut allergies.
- Make It Whole Wheat: For a healthier twist, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Just balance it with additional liquid if needed.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Create a cinnamon sugar swirl by mixing cinnamon and sugar together and layering it into the batter before baking for a delightful surprise.
- Stuff it with Cream Cheese: For a rich variation, consider integrating a cream cheese filling made from softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla into the batter.
FAQ about Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread
What makes this warm cinnamon-spiced apple bread so special?
This warm cinnamon-spiced apple bread stands out due to its blend of fresh apples and aromatic spices, creating a comforting flavor profile ideal for any time of year.
Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples work best for their tartness and texture, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter taste.
How do I ensure my bread is moist?
To keep your warm cinnamon-spiced apple bread moist, avoid over-mixing your batter and make sure to incorporate enough fat, such as the butter, and wet ingredients like sour cream.
Can I use this recipe for muffins instead of bread?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to make muffins! Pour the batter into a muffin tin and adjust the baking time to about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
How long does this apple bread last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, warm cinnamon-spiced apple bread can last for up to four days at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer.
Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Add-ins
- 2 cups finely chopped apples (preferably Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (for topping)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or spray, then lightly flour it.
- In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Whisk together and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in half of the dry ingredient mixture, alternating with the sour cream, followed by the remaining dry mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the finely chopped apples and nuts (if using) gently into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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