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Apple Cinnamon Bread: A Slice of Autumn in Every Bite

Craving a comforting, aromatic treat that fills your kitchen with warmth and spice? Look no further than Apple Cinnamon Bread! This recipe yields a moist, flavorful loaf packed with juicy apples and a generous swirl of cinnamon sugar. This article provides a comprehensive guide to baking the perfect apple cinnamon bread. Starting with a detailed list of ingredients, followed by simple, step-by-step instructions, you’ll discover how easy it is to create this delightful bread. The recipe card and nutrition card offer convenient summaries of key information. Finally, the FAQ section addresses common questions and concerns, ensuring a smooth baking experience. We aim to empower you to recreate this delectable treat, bringing a slice of autumn into your home, any time of the year.

Ingredients: The Key to Deliciousness

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking a perfect loaf of apple cinnamon bread. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (360g), plus more for dusting
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g)
• Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g), packed
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Ground Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons, plus more for swirling
• Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for added warmth)
• Eggs: 2 large
• Vegetable Oil: 1/2 cup (120ml), or melted coconut oil
• Applesauce: 1/2 cup (120ml), unsweetened
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• Milk or Buttermilk: 1/4 cup (60ml)
• Apples: 2 cups (about 2 medium), peeled, cored, and diced. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji varieties work well.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Made Easy

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious apple cinnamon bread:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the milk or buttermilk until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
5. Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Create the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
7. Layer and Swirl: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer, and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter.
8. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil.
9. Cool and Slice: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Loaf

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients helps them to combine more easily, creating a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry bread. Check for doneness using a wooden skewer.
• Add Nuts (Optional): For added flavor and texture, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
• Glaze It: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled bread for extra sweetness.

Recipe Card: Apple Cinnamon Bread

Here’s a quick reference to the key information for this recipe:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition Card: Apple Cinnamon Bread

Estimated nutritional information per slice (based on 12 slices per loaf):

• Calories: 250-300 (estimated)
• Sugar: 25-30g (estimated)
• Fat: 10-15g (estimated)
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g (estimated)
• Fiber: 1-2g (estimated)
• Protein: 3-4g (estimated)
• Yields: 1 loaf (12 slices)

Variations to Spice Things Up

• Cranberry Apple Cinnamon Bread: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a festive twist.
• Caramel Apple Cinnamon Bread: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the bread before baking.
• Apple Cinnamon Streusel Bread: Top the bread with a streusel topping made from flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, absolutely! Granny Smith apples are a classic choice for baking due to their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the bread. However, you can also use other varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. A combination of different apples can add depth and complexity to the flavor.

How do I prevent the bread from being too dry?

Several factors can contribute to dry bread. First, avoid overbaking. Check for doneness using a wooden skewer, and remove the bread from the oven as soon as the skewer comes out clean. Second, ensure accurate measurements of ingredients, especially flour. Too much flour can lead to a dry texture. Finally, storing the bread properly in an airtight container will help retain moisture.

Can I freeze apple cinnamon bread?

Yes, apple cinnamon bread freezes well. Allow the bread to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before slicing and serving.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately, as it acts as a binding agent in the absence of gluten. The baking time may need to be adjusted slightly, so keep a close eye on the bread as it bakes.

How do I store apple cinnamon bread?

To keep your apple cinnamon bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will typically stay moist for 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it, but be aware that refrigeration may slightly dry out the bread. If refrigerating, wrap the bread well to prevent it from absorbing odors from the refrigerator.

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