Autumn has a way of sneaking into our hearts and kitchens, even if the weather outside is still clinging to the warmth of summer. The allure of apples, pumpkins, and cinnamon becomes irresistible as we anticipate the cozy months ahead. With the excitement of fall and the return of college football, I decided to bake a delightful treat that captures the essence of the season: Apple Cinnamon Bread. This recipe is a celebration of fall flavors, wrapped in a delicious, homemade bread that’s perfect for any occasion.
This Apple Cinnamon Bread is an absolute delight, and yes, it’s so delicious that it deserves its own superlatives!
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (not packed)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (softened, reduced fat, smooth)
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (imitation, no alcohol)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk (fat-free)
- 1 apple (peeled and chopped)
Preparation:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix them well and set aside. This will be your delightful cinnamon swirl.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the white sugar and softened butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring it’s fully incorporated into the mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Add the Milk: Pour the milk into the batter and stir until smooth. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable.
- Layer the Batter and Apples: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the chopped apples over the batter, followed by half of the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture. Lightly pat the apple-cinnamon mixture into the batter.
- Repeat the Layers: Pour the remaining batter over the apple layer, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining apples and sprinkle with the rest of the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture. Lightly pat the topping into the batter. To create a beautiful swirl effect, use a finger or spoon to gently swirl the brown sugar mixture through the apples and batter.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and your kitchen will be filled with the wonderful aroma of apples and cinnamon.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy this comforting treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
Conclusion:
Apple Cinnamon Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to embrace the warmth and comfort of autumn. The combination of tender apples, fragrant cinnamon, and moist, buttery bread makes it an irresistible treat for any time of day. Whether you’re enjoying a slice during a cozy breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or as a delightful dessert, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household. As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, let this recipe bring a taste of fall into your kitchen. Happy baking!
