Apple Cinnamon Loaf Recipe: Moist Spiced Bread with Fresh Apples

Bite into a slice of heaven with this vegan apple cinnamon bread. This oil-free, refined sugar-free loaf is wholesome, naturally sweet, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a side to soups and salads.

I found beautiful Honeycrisp apples this week and used them in this apple cinnamon bread. Though it’s a bread, its sweetness and warm cinnamon aroma make it feel like dessert. My family loves the combination of apples and cinnamon, so I created a whole-foods, refined sugar-free version that still feels indulgent.

Honeycrisp is my go-to for baking because of its crisp texture, juicy flesh, and balanced sweet-tart flavor. If you don’t have Honeycrisp, choose another sweet, firm apple for the best texture.

Other Sweet Cooking Apples

When baking, pick apples that hold their shape and offer sweetness. If possible, buy organic apples since apples often appear on lists of produce with higher pesticide residues.

• Honeycrisp
• Braeburn
• Cortland
• Empire
• Fuji
• Gala

Bread Ingredients

This recipe is oil-free and refined sugar-free, relying on applesauce and maple syrup for moisture and sweetness.

• Whole Wheat Flour: Keeps the bread hearty and adds fiber and nutrients.
• Baking Powder: A complete leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
• Baking Soda: Works with an acidic ingredient to add lift.
• Salt: Strengthens the gluten slightly and enhances overall flavor.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Tossing apple pieces in lemon prevents browning and gives a slight lift when combined with baking soda.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: Replaces oil and keeps the loaf moist without added saturated fat.
• Honeycrisp Apples: Juicy and firm—great for baking. Use any sweet, firm apple if unavailable.
• Oat Milk: Adds creamy texture; any unsweetened plant milk also works.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the other flavors in the bread.
• Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener used in place of refined sugar.

Bread Ingredient Substitutions

• Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free loaf, or all-purpose flour if preferred.
• Bottled lemon juice works if you don’t have fresh lemons.
• Add lemon zest for extra citrus brightness.
• Mix sweet apples with a tart variety (like Granny Smith) for contrast if you prefer.
• Cinnamon applesauce is an easy swap for plain applesauce.
• Replace applesauce with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) or a commercial egg replacer if desired.
• Any unsweetened, unflavored plant milk can substitute for oat milk.
• Agave or date syrup can be used instead of maple syrup.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Bread

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Peel and chop about 3 cups of apples (roughly 3 medium apples). Toss with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside, reserving ½ cup for the top.
• In a large bowl combine the dry ingredients: 2 cups whole wheat flour, 2 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, and 2 tsp cinnamon.
• If using coconut sugar, stir it into the dry mix. Otherwise you’ll add maple syrup with the wet ingredients.
• Add the wet ingredients: ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (or a flax egg), 1 cup oat milk (or other plant milk), ½ cup maple syrup, and 1 tsp vanilla. Stir by hand—do not use an electric mixer—and avoid overmixing. Aim for a thick, slightly lumpy batter.
• Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter, reserving ½ cup to place on top.
• Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or use a silicone bread pan for oil-free baking. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Scatter the reserved apple pieces over the batter and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon for a pretty, flavorful topping.
• Bake 50–55 minutes. If using a silicone pan, start checking at 45 minutes, since it can bake faster. Insert a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, the bread is done. If batter clings to the knife, bake 5 more minutes and check again.
• Allow the bread to cool briefly before removing from the pan and slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee, tea, soup, or salad.

Recipe FAQs

Tips

• If you cut and peel apples ahead of time, toss them in lemon juice to keep them from browning.
• Gluten-free batters often contain more liquid and may require longer baking; ensure the loaf is fully cooked before removing it.
• Vanilla-flavored plant milks can be used in place of vanilla extract in a pinch, though the flavor will be milder.
• To make a flax egg: mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water, refrigerate for 15 minutes to thicken, then use as an egg replacement.
• Let the bread rest a bit before slicing so it finishes setting and slices cleanly.
• This bread pairs nicely with a vegan Nicoise salad or a bowl of minestrone, and it also makes a satisfying breakfast or dessert.

Try this vegan apple cinnamon bread for breakfast, as a side with your favorite soup or salad, or as a cozy dessert any time of year.

Other Great Vegan Recipes to Enjoy!

If you make this vegan apple cinnamon bread, we would love to hear from you—leave a rating and a comment below.

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