This Soft Cinnamon Sugar Apple Loaf is tender, moist, and packed with sweet apple flavor in every bite. Made with simple pantry ingredients and finished with a crisp cinnamon-sugar topping, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack.
Thanks to oil instead of butter, this apple loaf stays soft for days, while diced apples add natural sweetness and moisture. It’s an easy, no-fuss quick bread that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.
Servings
1 loaf (about 10 slices)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
Cinnamon Apple Loaf Batter
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
2 large eggs
3/4 cup milk
1 cup apples, peeled and finely diced
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Ingredient Notes & Best Choices
Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure while keeping the crumb soft. Avoid bread flour, which can make the loaf dense.
Sugar: White sugar keeps the loaf light and tender. Brown sugar may be used for deeper caramel notes but will darken the crumb.
Apples: Use firm apples that hold their shape while baking—Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady are ideal.
Oil: Oil creates a softer loaf with longer shelf life. Melted butter may be substituted for richer flavor.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk yields the best texture.
Cinnamon: High-quality cinnamon makes a big difference. Saigon cinnamon offers a warmer, sweeter spice.
Optional Add-Ins & Variations
This cinnamon apple loaf is incredibly versatile:
Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
Mix in 1/3 cup raisins or dried cranberries
Replace 1/4 cup milk with sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra tenderness
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla or maple extract
Substitute half the sugar with brown sugar for deeper flavor
Replace half the oil with applesauce for a lighter loaf
Use a streusel topping instead of cinnamon sugar
Swap milk for almond milk for a dairy-light option
Add a pinch of nutmeg or clove for a winter-spiced loaf
Make it gluten-free using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Apple Loaf
Step 1: Prepare the Pan & Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. For easy removal, line with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until lightly beaten. Add oil and milk, whisking until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Batter
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula just until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Fold in Apples
Gently fold in diced apples, distributing evenly throughout the batter.
Step 6: Fill the Pan
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Step 7: Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Mix sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle generously over the batter.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or the internal temperature reaches about 205°F.
Step 9: Cool & Serve
Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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