Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Loaf

This Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Loaf is soft, moist, fluffy, and packed with juicy apple chunks and warm cinnamon flavor! Every slice is filled with sweet apples, cozy spices, and a delicious buttery caramel-like glaze.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon coffee, or a comforting homemade treat!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 slices

Ingredients

For the Apple Cinnamon Loaf:

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour

• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar

• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup (120 g) plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Apple Topping:

• 1 medium apple, thinly sliced or diced

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Optional Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 tablespoons milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon caramel sauce (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9 × 5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Peel and dice two apples into small bite-sized pieces.

In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with a little cinnamon and one teaspoon of flour. This helps distribute them throughout the loaf.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Set aside.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 5: Combine the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.

Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the loaf dense.

Fold in the diced apples using a spatula.

Step 6: Prepare the Apple Topping

In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened and coated in the buttery cinnamon mixture.

Step 7: Fill the Loaf Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Spread evenly and arrange the cinnamon apples over the top.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the final 15 minutes.

Step 9: Cool the Loaf

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for approximately 15 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before glazing.

Step 10: Add the Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Drizzle over the cooled loaf. Add a little caramel sauce if desired.

Slice and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Estimated per slice, based on 10 slices with glaze.

All Nut Information 🌰

This Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Loaf is naturally nut-free when prepared with the listed ingredients.

Optional nut additions:

• Walnuts: ½ cup chopped walnuts for a crunchy texture.

• Pecans: ½ cup chopped pecans for buttery sweetness.

• Almonds: ¼ cup sliced almonds for extra crunch.

• Hazelnuts: ¼ cup chopped hazelnuts for a rich flavor.

• Cashews: ¼ cup chopped cashews for a mild, creamy crunch.

Best choice: Walnuts and apples make a wonderful classic combination!

Nut allergy warning: If making this recipe nut-free, check flour, yogurt, glaze ingredients, and other packaged products for cross-contact warnings. Do not add optional nuts.

Tips for the Perfect Apple Cinnamon Loaf

1. Use firm apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala.

2. Cut apples into small, even pieces.

3. Don’t overmix the batter.

4. Use room-temperature eggs and yogurt for better mixing.

5. Avoid adding too much apple juice to the batter.

6. Check the center with a toothpick before removing from the oven.

7. Let the loaf cool before glazing for a beautiful finish.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds.

• Make Ahead: Bake the loaf a day ahead and add the glaze before serving.

Questions & Answers (Q&A)

Q1: Which apples are best for this breakfast loaf?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji apples all work beautifully.

Q2: Can I make this recipe without yogurt?

Yes! Replace Greek yogurt with sour cream, buttermilk, or plain milk. The texture may vary slightly.

Q3: Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes. Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The loaf will have a slightly denser texture.

Q4: Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes! You can reduce the granulated sugar to ¼ cup and brown sugar to 2 tablespoons. The loaf will be less sweet.

Q5: Why is my apple loaf dense?

Overmixing, too much liquid, or expired baking powder can cause a dense texture.

Q6: Can I add raisins?

Absolutely! Add ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.

Q7: Can I make this loaf gluten-free?

Yes! Use a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Q8: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free yogurt and plant-based butter or oil.

Q9: How do I know when the loaf is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Q10: Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes! Divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 18–25 minutes.

Q11: Can I add protein powder?

Yes! Replace about ¼ cup of flour with vanilla protein powder. You may need an extra tablespoon or two of yogurt to maintain moisture.

Q12: Can I serve this loaf warm?

Definitely! Warm a slice slightly and serve with butter, Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

🍎 The perfect cozy breakfast treat! Soft cinnamon-spiced bread, sweet apple chunks, and a delicious glaze make this Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Loaf a recipe everyone will love.