If you’re hunting for a delightfully spiced treat that feels like a warm hug in bread form, then this Moist Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender, juicy apple chunks with the perfect hint of cinnamon, all wrapped up in a soft, braided dough that bakes to golden perfection. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert, this bread promises a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and buttery goodness that simply melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for any occasion that calls for something homemade and heartfelt.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the magic of our Moist Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe. From the sweetness of the sugars to the tangy zest of lemon and the comforting warmth of cinnamon, every component works together to build layers of flavor and texture that make this bread unforgettable.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the apple topping beautifully.
- Cinnamon: Provides that classic warming spice that defines the bread’s aroma and taste.
- Apples (peeled and diced): Fresh fruit pieces give moisture and bursts of natural sweetness.
- Lemon juice: Keeps the apples vibrant and prevents browning while adding a subtle brightness.
- Cheddar cheese (shredded): Offers a savory twist balancing the sweet elements perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for our dough and the crumb topping, providing structure.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-rich sweetness to the crumb topping.
- Unsalted butter: Brings richness and tenderness to both the dough and crumb topping.
- Maple extract: A hint of maple elevates the flavor complexity with a subtle sweetness.
- Active dry yeast: The magic agent that makes the dough rise nice and fluffy.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- Water and buttermilk: Provide moisture and tenderness, with buttermilk adding a gentle tang.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients and enrich the dough’s texture.
- Egg white (beaten): Used for the glossy egg wash to achieve a beautiful golden crust.
- Powdered sugar, milk, and butter (for icing): Combine for a smooth glaze that adds a finishing touch of sweetness and shine.
How to Make Moist Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by mixing granulated sugar and cinnamon together to create a sweet and spicy coating. Then add the peeled, diced apples and a splash of lemon juice to keep them fresh and flavorful. Toss everything until the apple pieces are well-coated—this ensures every bite bursts with that perfect cinnamon-sugar apple goodness.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, butter, and maple extract. Cut the butter in with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture turns crumbly with small clumps. This topping will bake into a golden, buttery crust that adds irresistible texture to your bread.
Step 3: Start the Dough
Combine one cup of flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt in your mixer. Gently heat water, buttermilk, and butter to about 125°F, then add it to the dry ingredients slowly. Beat everything on medium speed, scraping the bowl as needed, until it comes together smoothly.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flour
Next, incorporate the eggs and one and a half cups of flour, beating until just combined. Then stir in the remaining flour to form a soft but workable dough. This gradual adding of flour helps develop the perfect dough texture—soft yet sturdy enough to shape.
Step 5: Knead and Rest the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it by hand for around 8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Cover it and let it rest for 15 minutes. This rest period lets the gluten develop and relax, making the dough easier to roll out and braid.
Step 6: Shape and Fill the Bread
Line baking sheets with parchment paper, then divide the dough into two halves. Roll each into a 12 x 14-inch rectangle. Spread half of the apple mixture down the center in a 3-inch-wide strip. On each end of the rectangle, make cuts about 3 inches long and 1 inch wide to create strips for braiding.
Step 7: Assemble the Braid
Sprinkle half the cheddar cheese over the apple filling, followed by half of the crumb topping. Then fold the strips alternately from each side across the filling to create a beautiful braid. Repeat with the second piece of dough, apple filling, cheese, and crumb topping.
Step 8: Final Rise and Bake
Cover the braided breads and let them rise for one hour until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F. Make an egg wash by mixing the beaten egg white with water, then brush it gently over the loaves for a glossy finish. Bake for 25 minutes or until the crust turns a lovely light brown color. Let them cool on wire racks.
Step 9: Drizzle the Icing
Mix powdered sugar, milk, butter, and maple extract until smooth and drizzle generously over the cooled braided breads. This sweet glaze adds a final touch of indulgence and balances the savory notes of cheddar and cinnamon perfectly.
How to Serve Moist Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of cinnamon sugar or extra shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving can be an irresistible finish. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans also pair beautifully for added texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This bread shines best with simple sides that complement its warm, sweet-spicy profile. Think creamy butter, honey, or a smooth vanilla yogurt. It also pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea for the ultimate cozy experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread thick and serving it warm with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for a decadent dessert. Or create finger sandwiches using the bread and cream cheese, perfect for entertaining. It also freezes beautifully for slicing later, making it great for gifting or breakfast entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Moist Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay perfectly soft for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy over multiple occasions.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead or save leftovers, wrap the cooled bread well with plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 months, ensuring you always have a delicious treat on hand whenever inspiration strikes.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F for 5 to 10 minutes. You can also microwave individual slices briefly, but be careful not to overdo it—too much heat can make the bread dry. A little butter or cream cheese spread helps bring back moistness.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with another cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar adds a wonderful sharpness and melty texture, you can try mozzarella for a milder flavor or gouda for a creamy, smoky twist. Just pick a cheese that melts well and complements the sweet apple filling.
Do I have to peel the apples for this recipe?
Peeling is recommended because it ensures a smoother texture in the filling and prevents the bread from becoming too chewy. However, if you prefer a bit of extra rustic texture and fiber, you can leave the skins on—just be sure to wash the apples well.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Because it dissolves and activates faster, you may need to reduce the rising time slightly. Also, mix instant yeast directly with the dry ingredients without proofing it in water first.
Is this recipe suitable for making smaller or larger loaves?
Definitely! This recipe is quite versatile. You can split the dough further for mini loaves or combine everything for a larger loaf. Just adjust rising and baking times accordingly and check for doneness with a toothpick.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
What a great idea! Toasted walnuts, pecans, or raisins would add a lovely crunch and extra bursts of flavor. Add nuts sparingly to keep the balance, and toss raisins with a bit of flour before mixing to prevent sinking.
Final Thoughts
This Moist Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe is one of those cherished creations that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Its balance of soft dough, sweet-spiced apples, cheesy layers, and crumbly topping makes it truly unforgettable. I urge you to dive in and make this beauty for your family or yourself—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears, and how often you’ll want to bake it again.
Print
Moist Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves (2 servings each, total 4 servings)
Description
This Moist Apple Cinnamon Bread recipe offers a delightful combination of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a crumbly topping, all braided into a soft, tender bread. Perfectly glazed with a smooth maple-infused icing, this baked treat is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting snack.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 cups apples, peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Crumb Topping
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp maple extract
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 packets active dry yeast (about 4 1/2 tsp)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg white, beaten
- 1 tbsp water
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/8 tsp maple extract
Additional
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare Apple Filling: Combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Add the peeled and diced apples along with the lemon juice. Toss thoroughly until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture, then set aside.
- Make Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, butter, and maple extract. Use a pastry blender or fork to cut in the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Set aside.
- Prepare Dough Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 1 cup of flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt, mixing well.
- Heat Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, heat the water, buttermilk, and butter until the mixture reaches approximately 125°F (warm, not hot). Slowly pour this warm liquid into the dry ingredients in the mixer bowl.
- Mix Dough: Beat the mixture on medium speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until thoroughly combined. Add the two large eggs and 1 1/2 cups of flour and mix until incorporated. Gradually stir in the remaining flour to form a dough.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead by hand until smooth and elastic, approximately 8 minutes.
- Let Dough Rest: Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Prepare for Shaping: Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each piece into a 12 x 14-inch rectangle and place them on the prepared sheets.
- Add Filling: Spoon half of the apple filling down the center of each rectangle, spreading it into a strip about 3 inches wide.
- Make Cuts for Braiding: From each long side of the rectangle, cut strips approximately 3 inches long and 1 inch wide down towards the filling, leaving the center intact. Repeat on both ends.
- Assemble Layers: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the apple filling, then top with half of the crumb topping.
- Braid Bread: Starting at one long end, fold the cut strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braid effect. Repeat with the second dough rectangle and remaining fillings.
- Allow Dough to Rise: Cover the braided breads with a cloth and let them rise in a warm place for 1 hour until slightly puffy.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Apply Egg Wash: Mix the beaten egg white with water to create an egg wash. Brush this evenly over the tops of the braided breads to promote a glossy finish.
- Bake Breads: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes or until the breads turn light golden brown.
- Cool Breads: Remove from the oven and transfer the breads to wire racks. Let them cool completely before icing.
- Prepare Icing: In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, and maple extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Drizzle Icing and Serve: Drizzle the icing generously over the cooled braided apple cinnamon breads. Slice and serve to enjoy the moist, flavorful bread.
Notes
- Ensure the wet ingredients are warm, not hot, when mixed with yeast to avoid killing the yeast.
- Pear or Fuji apples work best for baking as they hold their shape and provide sweetness.
- The cheddar cheese adds a subtle savory balance; use mild or sharp cheese depending on preference.
- Allow the bread to cool fully before icing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- This bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
