If you’re craving a cozy, fall-flavored treat that doubles as breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, you’ve got to try this Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe. I promise, it’s packed with tender crumb, juicy cinnamon-spiced apples, and just the right sweetness to make your kitchen smell like heaven. Stick with me because I’m about to share all my secrets for getting this bread perfectly moist every single time—plus some tips to make it your own!

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Why This Recipe Works

Applesauce Magic: Using unsweetened applesauce boosts moisture without extra fat, keeping the bread tender.
Extra Apples: Adding diced Granny Smith apples gives each bite a burst of fresh, tart flavor and juicy texture.
Gentle Baking Temperature: Baking low and slow at 300°F prevents dryness and ensures even cooking.
Cinnamon Blend: Two teaspoons of cinnamon provide just the right warm spice without overpowering the sweet apple notes.

Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread, cinnamon apple bread, fall apple bread, cozy apple dessert, easy apple 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

These ingredients come together to give you a bread that’s both flavorful and moist. I’ve found that the balance of sugars and spices, combined with fresh apples and applesauce, is key. Grab Granny Smith apples for tartness that cuts through the sweetness, and make sure to pick fresh cinnamon for the best aroma.

Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread, cinnamon apple bread, fall apple bread, cozy apple dessert, easy apple 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: Adds natural moisture and subtle sweetness without extra fat or sugar.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness, helping the bread rise properly.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, sweet note.
Granulated sugar: Offers clean sweetness and helps with caramelization.
Brown sugar: Brings moisture and deeper caramel notes for complexity.
All-purpose flour: The base for the bread, creating structure without weighing it down.
Baking soda: Acts as the leavening agent, making sure your bread rises nicely.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Gives that signature warm, spicy flavor that pairs beautifully with apples.
Granny Smith apples: Their tartness and firmness hold up well in baking and add juiciness to every bite.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want it sweeter, spicier, or need a gluten-free option, there’s always a way to adjust without losing that signature moistness.

Variation: I sometimes swap half the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice during fall—the warmth is incredible and perfect with the apple flavor.
Dietary swap: For gluten-free, try using a 1-to-1 baking flour blend. It works well here, just be gentle with mixing to keep texture soft.
Extra crunch: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty contrast that adds crunch to the moist crumb.
Raisin addition: Adding golden raisins gives bursts of chewy sweet surprises that are especially nice if you like variety.

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

Step 1: Mixing the Wet Ingredients

I start by preheating my oven to 300°F and greasing two 9×5-inch loaf pans—trust me, the greasing step saves you from a dreaded stuck bread later! In a large bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then I add both sugars, whisking until the mix is velvety and even. This wet base is what keeps the bread so wonderfully moist.

Step 2: Adding the Dry Ingredients

Next, I sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon before stirring them into the wet ingredients. I use a gentle folding motion here, careful not to overmix since that can make the bread tough. Just stir until everything is combined.

Step 3: Folding in the Apples

Now comes my favorite part—folding in the diced Granny Smith apples. I love how these little chunks bring texture and a fresh bite to the bread. Make sure your apples are peeled, cored, and diced evenly so they bake uniformly and don’t sink to the bottom.

Step 4: Baking Low and Slow

I divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and pop them in the oven. This bread bakes at a low 300°F for a full 90 minutes—yes, it’s a slow bake but SO worth it. Low heat means no drying out, and you get a tender, moist loaf. When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, you know it’s done.

Step 5: Cooling and Serving

Once out of the oven, I let the loaves cool in their pans for 10-15 minutes. This rest time helps the bread set so it doesn’t crumble when you slice it. Then I turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely—if you can resist, that is! I find this cooling period crucial before slicing, to keep the bread moist and perfectly textured inside.

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Pro Tips for Making Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe

Dice Apples Uniformly: I use a small mandoline or sharp knife to cut apples evenly, so they bake uniformly and don’t create soggy pockets.
Avoid Overmixing: Mixing too long develops gluten and can make bread dense; I stir just until ingredients are combined.
Check with Toothpick: Test for doneness right at 90 minutes—if it’s wet, give it a few more minutes, but don’t overbake.
Use Fresh Cinnamon: I found fresh ground cinnamon makes a noticeable difference in aroma and flavor compared to older spices.

How to Serve Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe

Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread, cinnamon apple bread, fall apple bread, cozy apple dessert, easy apple 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 a light dusting of powdered sugar for a simple, pretty touch. Sometimes I spread a thin layer of butter or cream cheese on warm slices—it melts in and elevates that cozy vibe. For a special brunch, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup works wonders.

Side Dishes

Pairing this bread with a hot cup of chai tea or cinnamon-spiced coffee is my go-to. It also pairs beautifully with whipped yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re leaning dessert-style. Fresh fruit or a simple green salad make it a balanced breakfast spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I slice the bread thick, stack slices on a wooden board, and garnish with fresh apple slices and sprigs of rosemary or thyme. It makes a stunning centerpiece. I’ve even served it with layers of cream cheese frosting for an impromptu apple cinnamon “cake.”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover loaves tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature—this keeps them moist for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, a cool spot or the fridge works well but can firm them up a bit.

Freezing

Freezing works beautifully for this bread. I slice it before freezing, then layer parchment paper between slices in a freezer bag. This way, you can grab just what you need without thawing the whole loaf.

Reheating

I like to reheat slices in the toaster oven or microwave for 20-30 seconds, which revives that fresh-baked warmth without drying out the bread. Adding a dab of butter right after warms helps maintain moistness.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples work best because of their tartness and firmness, but you can also try Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for a sweeter, softer bite. Just be mindful that softer apples may release more juice during baking.
What can I substitute for applesauce if I don’t have any?

If you’re out of applesauce, mashed banana or pumpkin puree are good alternatives that keep the bread moist. Just remember they’ll add their own distinct flavors.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The best test is the toothpick test: insert it into the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. Also, the bread will start pulling away slightly from the sides of the pan.
Can I make just one loaf instead of two?

Yes! Simply halve the ingredients and bake in one loaf pan. The baking time might be slightly shorter, so start testing around 70-80 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Moist Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe is a personal favorite I come back to whenever I want something comforting and uncomplicated. Whether it’s a chilly morning or you need a sweet snack that still feels wholesome, this bread delivers every time. I hope you’ll enjoy baking and sharing it as much as I do—it’s one of those recipes that just feels like a warm hug from the inside out.