There comes a point every August when I am officially done with summer.
I still love a beautiful summer evening. However, the heat and humidity can pack their bags anytime now. By the last few days of August, I am dreaming about cool mornings, crisp air, changing leaves, and cozy sweaters.
Most of all, I am ready to bake again.
Apple Orchard Cinnamon Bread is the perfect recipe to welcome those first hints of fall. It is packed with fresh apples and warm cinnamon flavor. Even better, it makes the entire house smell like autumn has finally arrived.
Welcome Back, Fall Baking
For those of us who love to bake, cooler weather brings something especially exciting.
We can turn the oven back on!
During the hottest days of summer, I try to avoid using the oven whenever possible. After all, the house is already warm enough without adding a 350-degree oven to the situation.
Once cooler weather starts creeping in, though, everything changes.
Suddenly, I want to pull out the mixing bowls. The loaf pans come out of hiding. Cinnamon starts appearing on the counter more often.
Before long, something warm and delicious is baking in the oven.
That is exactly how this Apple Orchard Cinnamon Bread happened.
Apple Season Is Almost Here
The apples are ripening beautifully, and soon orchards and farm stands will be overflowing with them.
Honestly, apples might be one of my favorite things about fall.
Fresh apples can become homemade pies, applesauce, apple crisp, apple butter, and baked apples. They are also wonderful served alongside a savory pork roast.
Of course, we cannot forget about apple bread.
Fresh apples and cinnamon are one of those combinations that instantly feel like fall. The smell alone is enough to make me want to grab a cozy sweater and pretend the leaves are already changing.
Pumpkin will get plenty of attention soon enough.
For now, let the apples have their moment.
Starting Fall a Few Days Early
Technically, September has not arrived yet.
I know.
However, I decided we are not waiting.
If stores can put out Christmas decorations while I am still wearing sandals, I think we can start baking fall recipes a few days before September 1st.
So, I am officially declaring the beginning of fall baking season at Maison Hearth.
First up is this delicious Apple Orchard Cinnamon Bread.
I made a loaf today, and the smell was incredible. Before the bread even finished baking, the aroma of apples and cinnamon had wandered from the kitchen through the entire house.
Warm apples. Sweet cinnamon. Freshly baked bread.
That right there is my kind of home fragrance.
Why You Will Love Apple Orchard Cinnamon Bread
This homemade apple bread is everything I want from an easy fall baking recipe.
It is warm, comforting, and full of apple cinnamon flavor. Better yet, you do not need complicated ingredients or fancy baking techniques.
Here are a few reasons this loaf deserves a place in your fall baking plans:
- Fresh apples add flavor and moisture.
- Cinnamon gives the bread a warm fall flavor.
- Simple ingredients make it easy to prepare.
- The loaf works for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon treat.
- Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing while it bakes.
And yes, eating a slice of apple bread for breakfast is perfectly reasonable around here.
It has apples in it.
I have made my case.
The Best Apples for Apple Cinnamon Bread
Choosing the right apples can make homemade apple bread even better.
I prefer apples that hold some of their shape during baking. A little tartness is also helpful because it balances the sweetness of the bread.
Some of my favorite baking apples include:
- Honeycrisp
- Granny Smith
- Braeburn
- Pink Lady
- Jonagold
- Cortland
However, you do not have to use only one variety.
Try combining a sweet apple with a tart apple. The mixture creates a deeper apple flavor and gives each bite a little something different.
Most importantly, use apples you enjoy eating.
Fresh Orchard Apples Make It Even Better
If you have access to a local orchard or farm stand, this recipe gives you one more excuse to bring home a bag of fresh apples.
Not that I personally require much convincing.
There is something special about baking with freshly picked apples. They are crisp, flavorful, and perfectly suited for all those cozy recipes we start craving as summer fades.
Of course, grocery store apples work beautifully too.
The important thing is getting those apples into the bread.
Apple Orchard Cinnamon Bread
Ingredients
- ½ C. Brown Sugar Packed
- 1½ tsp. Cinnamon
- 2 Apples Peeled, Cored and Chopped
- ⅔ C. Granulated Sugar
- ½ C. Butter Softened
- 2 Eggs
- 2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
- 1½ C. Flour
- 1½ Baking Powder
- Pinch of Salt
- ½ C. Milk
Instructions
- Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.
- Combine softened butter and sugar in a large bowl and combine on low/med using a hand of stand mixer. This will be chunky.
- In the same large bowl add the eggs and vanilla extract. Continue to mix on low/med using the mixer. This will be soupy and no large chunks should remain.
- Next, add the flour, baking powder and salt into the bowl with the rest of ingredients and stir to combine. Lastly, add the milk and continue to stir with a spoon until incorporated.
- In a greased loaf pan add half the batter then top with half of the chopped apples, followed by half of the brown sugar mixture. Repeat this layering one more time using the remaining ingredients.
- Place the apple bread in the oven on the center rack at 350 degrees F for 50-55 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Once finished let stand in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Then remove, slice, and enjoy warm on its own or with butter. Enjoy!
Notes
Tips for Making the Best Apple Orchard Cinnamon Bread
A few simple tricks can help you get a tender loaf filled with apple flavor.
Cut the Apples into Small Pieces
Keep your apple pieces relatively small and similar in size. This helps them bake evenly throughout the loaf.
Do Not Overmix the Batter
Mix the batter until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can make quick breads heavier and tougher.
A few little lumps are perfectly fine.
This is homemade bread. It does not need to report for inspection.
Check the Bread Before Removing It
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.
Keep in mind that hitting a piece of apple can make the toothpick look wet. If that happens, simply test another spot.
Let It Cool Before Slicing
I know.
This is probably the hardest part of the entire recipe.
However, allowing the bread to cool helps the crumb set. As a result, you will get cleaner slices instead of a delicious apple avalanche on the cutting board.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Bread
This bread is wonderful all by itself.
However, you can also serve a warm slice with a little butter. For dessert, try warming a slice and adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
It also makes a lovely addition to a fall breakfast or brunch table.
And, naturally, there is always the highly sophisticated method of standing at the kitchen counter and eating a slice while deciding whether you need another one.
You probably do.
How to Store Apple Orchard Cinnamon Bread
Allow the bread to cool completely before storing it.
Then, place it in an airtight container or wrap it well. You can keep the bread at room temperature for a short period. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator.
You can also freeze individual slices.
Wrap each slice well before freezing. Then, you can pull out one piece whenever you want a quick taste of fall without baking another loaf.
Although, to be fair, baking another loaf is not exactly a hardship.
A Cozy Start to Fall at Maison Hearth
We may still have a few warm afternoons ahead of us. The leaves might still be green, and the hoodies may not be ready for full-time duty yet.
Still, I can feel fall coming.
The apples are ripening. The evenings are getting shorter. Soon, our kitchens will be filled with cinnamon, pumpkin, warm dinners, and all those recipes we missed during the hottest days of summer.
So, I am starting a few days early.
Grab a few apples. Pull out your favorite loaf pan. Then, turn on that oven we have been avoiding all summer.
Apple Orchard Cinnamon Bread is officially kicking off fall baking season at Maison Hearth.
And I have a feeling this is only the beginning.
Stay awhile with Maison Hearth. There is plenty more coming out of this kitchen.
