A Sweet Start
I love the smell of baking on a cool morning. It makes the whole house feel cozy. This apple cinnamon bread is one of my favorites. It fills the kitchen with a warm, sweet smell.
My grandson calls it hug bread. He says it tastes like a hug feels. I still laugh at that. Doesn’t that smell amazing when it bakes? What smells make you feel cozy and happy at home?
Why This Recipe Matters
This bread is more than a treat. It is a way to slow down. Mixing the batter by hand is a quiet moment. It lets you feel the ingredients coming together.
That is why this matters. Simple cooking connects us to our food. We appreciate it more. Fun fact: The applesauce in this recipe makes the bread super moist. It also lets us use a little less oil. Isn’t that a clever trick?
A Little Story for You
I once forgot to add the sugar. I was talking to my neighbor. The bread came out very sad. My husband tried a piece and his face was so surprised.
We had a good laugh. Now I always measure everything before I start. It is a good lesson. Have you ever forgotten an ingredient? What happened?
The Magic of the Glaze
The glaze is my favorite part. It is just two things. Powdered sugar and applesauce. Stir them until they are smooth and shiny.
Pouring it over the cool loaf is so satisfying. It drips down the sides. It makes the bread look so special. This is why it matters. A little extra touch makes everyday food feel like a celebration.
Your Turn to Bake
Now it is your turn. This recipe is very forgiving. Do not worry about being perfect. Just enjoy the process.
I love hearing from you. Will you try this recipe this week? Tell me if you eat the first slice warm. I always do. It is the best part.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | For the bread |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup | For the bread |
| Vegetable oil | 3/4 cup | For the bread |
| Eggs | 2 large | For the bread |
| Applesauce | 1 cup | For the bread |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | For the bread |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | For the bread |
| Old-fashioned oats | 1 cup | For the bread |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons | For the bread |
| Cinnamon | 2 teaspoons | For the bread |
| Kosher salt | 1/4 teaspoon | For the bread |
| Confectioners’ sugar | 1 1/2 cups | For the glaze |
| Applesauce | 1/4 cup | For the glaze |
My Cozy Apple Cinnamon Bread
Oh, this bread fills the whole house with the best smell. It reminds me of crisp autumn days. My grandson calls it hug in a loaf. I think he’s right.
Let’s get our bowls ready. First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch loaf pan well. This is the start of something wonderful.
Step 1: Grab a big bowl for the wet things. Whisk the sugar, sour cream, and oil together. Then add the eggs, applesauce, and vanilla. Doesn’t that smell amazing already? It will look a bit lumpy, and that’s just fine.
Step 2: Now for the dry things. In another bowl, whisk the flour and oats. Add the baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. I still laugh at the time I forgot the baking powder. Our bread was a flat little brick! (Hard-learned tip: Always whisk your dry ingredients first to avoid forgetting anything!)
Step 3: Pour the wet mixture into the dry one. Mix them gently by hand. Please don’t overmix! A few lumps are perfectly okay. This keeps the bread tender and soft.
Step 4: Pour your batter into the greased pan. Slide it into the hot oven. It needs to bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick poked in the middle comes out clean. What’s your favorite smell from the oven? Share below!
Step 5: Let the loaf cool completely in its pan. This is the hardest part, waiting! Meanwhile, make the simple glaze. Just stir powdered sugar and applesauce together. Drizzle it over the cool loaf. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before you slice.
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices)
Category: Baking, Breakfast
Three Fun Twists to Try
This recipe is like a good friend. It’s happy to change things up. Here are some playful ideas if you’re feeling adventurous.
Apple Pie Twist: Toss in a handful of finely chopped fresh apple. It gives you little sweet, juicy surprises in every single bite.
Nutty Crunch: Stir in half a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. They add a lovely crunch that my husband just adores.
Streusel Topping: Skip the glaze. Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter for a crumbly top. It bakes up so golden and delicious.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving Your Sweet Masterpiece
A warm slice of this bread is a treat all by itself. But why stop there? Let’s make it extra special.
For breakfast, I love it with a pat of melting butter. For dessert, a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is pure magic. You could even toast a slice the next day. It tastes just as wonderful.
This calls for a good drink, too. A cold glass of milk is my go-to. Or a hot cup of spiced chai tea. For the grown-ups, a sweet dessert wine pairs beautifully. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Apple Cinnamon Bread Fresh
Let’s talk about keeping your bread yummy. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh on the counter for about three days. You can also freeze it for later.
Slice the bread first before you freeze it. This way, you can pull out one piece at a time. I once froze a whole loaf. I had to thaw the entire thing just for one slice!
To reheat, just warm a slice in the toaster. This brings back that cozy, just-baked smell. Batch cooking saves you time on busy mornings. A good breakfast should be easy to grab and go.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Baking Hiccups
Sometimes, baking can be tricky. But do not worry. I have simple answers for you. If your bread is soggy in the middle, it needed more time. Every oven is a little different.
I remember when my first loaf came out gummy. I was too excited and took it out early. Always test with a toothpick until it comes out clean. This matters because a fully baked loaf has the best texture.
If your glaze is too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. If it is too thick, add a tiny splash of milk. Getting the glaze right makes the bread look special. This builds your confidence in the kitchen.
Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Baking Questions Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour.
Q: How far ahead can I make it?
A: You can bake it two days before you need it. Just keep it wrapped up.
Q: What can I use instead of sour cream?
A: Plain yogurt works just as well. It will still be very moist.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely. Use two loaf pans so the batter has room to rise.
Q: Any extra tips?
A: A pinch of nutmeg in the batter is a lovely addition. *Fun fact: nutmeg and cinnamon are best friends in baking!*
Which tip will you try first?
Thank You for Baking With Me
I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. It always makes my kitchen smell like a happy place. Sharing food is one of life’s greatest joys.
I would be so delighted to see your creation. Show me your beautiful apple cinnamon bread. It makes my day to see you in the kitchen.
Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!
Happy cooking!
—Elowen Thorn.
Glazed Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Description
A moist and flavorful quick bread packed with applesauce, oats, and warm cinnamon, finished with a sweet applesauce glaze.
Ingredients
Glaze:
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray an 8-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, sour cream, oil, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla.
- In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder. Add the wet mixture to the flour mixture and mix gently by hand until ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Pour into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack.
- While loaf is cooling, make the glaze. Stir together the powdered sugar and applesauce until smooth. Pour over cooled loaf and let glaze set for a few minutes. Slice and serve.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the bread is completely cool before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting and becoming too thin.