Calling all apple lovers, because Cinnamon Apple Bread is the perfect treat for apple season. We’ve packed it full of diced Granny Smith apples, so every bite has that tart apple flavor. But we didn’t stop there—we also swapped out the oil for applesauce to double down on that apple goodness and keep the bread irresistibly moist.
For more quick bread, be sure to check out our master quick bread recipe so you can make any flavor your heart desires.
Why Our Recipe
- Packed with Granny Smith apples for all that apple goodness.
- We add more apple flavor by using applesauce instead of oil to keep this bread super moist.
- A batter so simple it’s ready for the oven in under 15 minutes.
This Apple Quick Bread is super moist. Many quick bread recipes use vegetable oil to keep the loaf moist, but that adds quite a few calories and a whole lot of fat. Instead, this recipe uses applesauce for a lighter version that’s just as moist. Plus, more delicious apple flavor!
Ingredient Notes
- Unsweetened Applesauce: This adds an extra layer of apple flavor and moisture, replacing oil or butter.
- Eggs: Eggs provide structure. Using the grade AA large variety.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract has the best flavor, but imitation vanilla will work too.
- Sugar: If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you could use a sugar substitute, but be aware that it might affect the texture.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a touch of molasses flavor and keeps the bread moist. Light or dark brown sugar can be used, but dark will give a richer flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the bread, providing structure.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda helps the bread rise. Make sure your baking soda is fresh for the best results.
- Salt: Flavor enhancer.
- Ground Cinnamon: The perfect compliment to apples. For a variation, you could add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves.
- Granny Smith Apples: These apples are ideal for baking because they hold their shape and add a tart contrast to the sweet bread. Be sure to peel, core, and dice them evenly for the best texture. If you want a sweeter taste, you could use a different variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji, but the bread will be less tart.
Unsweetened Applesauce vs. Sweetened
This recipe calls for unsweetened applesauce. If you try to use sweetened you may want to reduce the amount of additional sugar you add or your bread may end up quite sweet. Use unsweetened applesauce for best results and complete control over your bread.
Granny Smith Apples
This recipe uses green Granny Smith apples. Why? Granny Smith apples are tart which provides a great balance to the sweetness of the bread. Granny Smith apples also bake up nicely without becoming mushy which makes them a great candidate for baking inside of a bread.
When preparing your apples, start by peeling and coring them. You can do this by using a peeler corer slicer or simply peel using a knife or potato peeler and then cut the core out. Be sure to cut up your apple pieces quite small. I hate having large chunks in my bread. I keep my pieces 1/4 of an inch or less.
Pan Size and Mini Loaves
This recipe is designed for two standard 9×5-inch loaf pans, but you can easily adjust it to make mini loaves if you prefer. If you’re using mini loaf pans (usually around 5.75×3 inches), the batter will yield approximately 6 mini loaves. Keep in mind that mini loaves will bake faster—check for doneness around the 45-50 minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your mini loaves are ready! Mini loaves are perfect for gifting.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap for about 3 days.
Refrigeration: If you prefer to keep the bread longer, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Keep in mind that refrigeration may slightly dry out the bread.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bread. Wrap each loaf or slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a resealable freezer bag. The bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw it at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
More apple recipes…
Homemade Apple Butter
1 hr 15 mins
Toffee Apple Dip
10 mins
Easy Apple Pancakes
15 mins
How to Make Applesauce
50 mins
Watch the video below where we will walk you through every step of the recipe with a video demonstration.
Was really easy to make I’m a 15-yr old and my mom wanted me to make something with the old apples. I didn’t have applesauce so I used butter and it was just the same. My family loved the smell when it was cooking.
I like that the recipe didnt call for oil. It smell so good in the oven and tastes awesome.
Delicious! I followed the recipe exactly.
I’m making it again today! I think I’ll add some nuts this time.
Thank you for the recipe for apple bread. I didn’t have Granny Smith apple, but have honeycrisp apples. The cut recipe in half and half of that sugar the bread came out perfect only made one more thank you for the best recipe
I made this today. Oh my goodness is it great!
Yummy! Easy to make, moist , and delicious. This will be a staple fall recipe in my home.
Great recipe. I usually add raisins to give it more texture.
made this recipe actually doubled it and added pecans it was delicious gave 3 loaves away and froze 1.
I made this last night and it is the most amazing bread of this type I have ever Made . I doubled the recipe and it turned out to be fantastic . I ask everyone to try this very simple but great recipe . Thank You so Much for sharing this and so many more of your great recipes . I watch everyone I can and try most of them
I also made gluten free for granddaughter and I just substituted gluten free flour (Bob’s mill) for all purpose flour and I was told that’s the best bread ever!