If you’re on the hunt for a fall-inspired treat that’s bursting with cozy flavors and has a texture that practically melts in your mouth, you’re going to want to try this Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to when the craving for something sweet and comforting hits—plus it fills the kitchen with the most incredible aroma. Trust me, you’ll love how perfectly balanced the cinnamon spice is with fresh apples, all wrapped up in a tender, moist crumb. Let me walk you through exactly how to get this right on your first try.

🖤

Why This Recipe Works

Moisture Balance: Unsweetened applesauce keeps the bread super moist without weighing it down or making it greasy.
Warm Spices: The cinnamon is perfectly measured to bring that classic cozy flavor without overpowering the apples.
Tender Crumb: Baking at a low temperature for longer ensures an even bake and soft texture inside.
Fresh Apples: Using Granny Smith apples adds just the right amount of tartness and a nice texture contrast.

Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread, cinnamon apple bread, fall apple bread, moist apple bread, cozy cinnamon bread - A loaf of brown apple bread with a textured crust sits on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. The bread is sliced, showing two thick slices in front of the loaf with visible small chunks of light green apple inside. Behind the bread are shiny green apples slightly out of focus, and a blue and white striped cloth in the background adds soft detail. The bread's crust looks slightly rough with small cracks, and the inside is dense but soft with apple pieces spread throughout. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe uses simple pantry staples blended with fresh applesauce and tart Granny Smith apples, making it approachable yet delicious. Each ingredient plays a role in building that perfect tender crumb and flavor harmony.

Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread, cinnamon apple bread, fall apple bread, moist apple bread, cozy cinnamon bread - Flat lay of a small bowl of unsweetened applesauce, three large brown eggs, a small glass bottle of vanilla extract, a small bowl of white granulated sugar, a small bowl of brown sugar, a medium pile of all-purpose flour, a few teaspoons of baking soda and salt in small ceramic spoons, two teaspoons of ground cinnamon scattered lightly, and a generous pile of diced green Granny Smith apples with some peeled apple halves placed nearby, arranged artfully on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Unsweetened applesauce: Acts as a natural sweetener and moisture booster without extra fat.
Eggs: Provide structure and help keep the bread light and fluffy.
Vanilla extract: Brings out sweetness and adds subtle depth of flavor.
Granulated sugar: Gives a clean, sweet base.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel richness.
All-purpose flour: Your bread’s foundation, combining with eggs and leavening for structure.
Baking soda: Works with the acidic applesauce to help the bread rise evenly.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor overall.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warm, aromatic notes.
Granny Smith apples: Crisp and tart, they hold up well in baking and cut through the sweetness.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to boost the spices, add something crunchy, or keep it allergy-friendly, there’s room to make it your own.

Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for a little extra warmth, especially around the holidays.
Nuts and seeds: Chopped walnuts or pecans are amazing stirred into the batter for added texture and a nutty flavor punch.
Dairy-free version: Simply swap the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg), and you’re good to go.
Sweetness adjustment: If you prefer less sugar, try cutting back the granulated sugar by a quarter; I found it still tastes great.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Wet Ingredients

First things first—preheat your oven to 300°F and grease your loaf pans. In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This part is key because thorough mixing ensures the flavors blend well and the texture turns out tender. Then add both sugars and whisk until there are no lumps. I like to use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment here, but a good old balloon whisk works just fine.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Stir Into Wet

In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step helps evenly distribute the cinnamon and leavening, so your bread rises uniformly and tastes balanced. Slowly add the dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—don’t overmix, or the bread could become tough.

Step 3: Fold in Apples & Divide Batter

Here’s where the star ingredient comes in: fold in the diced Granny Smith apples with a rubber spatula. Apples can release moisture while baking, so folding them in gently helps keep that perfect crumb without making the batter watery. Divide the batter evenly into your two prepared loaf pans so they bake evenly, then pop them in the oven.

Step 4: Bake Low and Slow

Bake at 300°F for about 90 minutes. Yes, that’s a longer bake time than you might expect for bread, but this low, slow method ensures a tender loaf that’s evenly cooked inside and out. Use a toothpick inserted in the center to check—if it comes out clean, you’re good! After baking, let the loaves cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

Low Temp Baking: Baking at a lower temperature makes the bread softer and less likely to crack on top.
Uniform Apple Pieces: Cutting apples into consistent small cubes helps them cook evenly, avoiding bites that are too mushy or raw.
Don’t Overmix: Mixing dry and wet ingredients only until combined keeps the loaf tender instead of dense.
Cooling Time: Patience is key—letting the bread cool completely before slicing preserves moisture and flavor.

How to Serve Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe

Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread, cinnamon apple bread, fall apple bread, moist apple bread, cozy cinnamon bread - A loaf of brown apple bread with a soft, cracked crust sits on a wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. The bread is sliced into thick pieces, revealing a moist inside with chunks of green apple and nuts scattered throughout. The background has a few whole green apples and a light blue kitchen towel, slightly blurred to keep the focus on the bread. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to keep it simple and authentic, so a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey is my go-to. Sometimes I spread a little cinnamon cream cheese or butter on warm slices—it turns the experience up a notch without stealing the show from those tender apple pieces.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or coffee. For brunch, I like serving it alongside some Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh fruit. The tartness from the apples complements creamy sides beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve layered thick slices with mascarpone and thin apple slices for a rustic apple bread “sandwich.” Also, wrapping individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming, edible gift or party favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I know I won’t finish it that fast, I slice it first to make grabbing a piece easier and to help it thaw evenly later.

Freezing

This Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread freezes beautifully. I wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. It keeps well for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 20-30 seconds. Adding a bit of butter before warming enhances the moistness and flavor. I avoid microwaving whole loaves to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this bread?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are my favorite for their tartness and firmness during baking, you can use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for a sweeter bread. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples might reduce the overall tart balance.
Why do I bake this bread at 300°F instead of a higher temperature?

Baking at a lower temperature for longer helps the bread cook through evenly without burning the outer crust or drying out. It results in a soft, moist crumb that holds those juicy apple chunks perfectly.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

You can substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but keep in mind it will make the bread denser and give a nuttier flavor. I recommend trying a 50/50 mix first to see how you like it.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your bread is done. Because of the apples and applesauce, it might be slightly moist but not sticky.

Final Thoughts

This Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those rare recipes that’s simple yet feels incredibly indulgent. Whether I’m baking for quiet mornings, gifting to neighbors, or bringing something cozy to a friend’s gathering, it always delivers. I hope you enjoy baking it as much as I enjoy sharing it—after all, there’s nothing better than pulling a loaf out of the oven that’s bursting with cinnamon warmth and fresh apple goodness. Go ahead, give it a try—I think you’ll be hooked!