Apple Cinnamon Loaf with Sweet Glaze Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting baked treat that practically screams autumn, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Apple Cinnamon Loaf with Sweet Glaze Recipe. I absolutely love how this loaf combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a moist, flavorful crumb and finishes with a simple, sweet glaze that’s just the right touch of indulgence. Whether it’s for breakfast, a snack with your afternoon tea, or a last-minute dessert, this loaf is one of those recipes you’ll return to again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Cinnamon Loaf with Sweet Glaze Recipe uses simple pantry staples and fresh apples, which makes it super approachable. I always look for crisp baking apples that hold their shape when cooked — they make the texture just right.

• Baking apples: Choose firm, tart ones like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a rich molasses flavor that complements the apple and cinnamon beautifully.
• Ground cinnamon: I find heaping spoonfuls really bring warm aroma and depth.
• Ground ginger: Just a touch to enhance spice complexity without overpowering.
• Egg: Room temperature eggs mix in more evenly, keeping the loaf tender.
• White granulated sugar: For sweetness and a delicate crumb.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the loaf moist and soft — don’t substitute with butter here.
• Full-fat sour cream: Adds richness and subtle tang that elevates the flavor and crumb.
• Vanilla extract: A must for that sweet, fragrant finish.
• All-purpose flour: The base that binds everything together perfectly.
• Baking soda: Helps the loaf rise nicely and adds tenderness.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Powdered sugar: For the sweet glaze that brings it all home.
• Milk: Balances the powdered sugar for drizzle consistency.

Variations

I love to tweak this Apple Cinnamon Loaf with Sweet Glaze Recipe depending on the season or mood—I think adding your own spin keeps it fresh and fun.

• Add chopped nuts: Pecans or walnuts bring a lovely crunch I like to toss in about half a cup; it gives great texture contrast.
• Swap gluten-free flour: I’ve had great success with a 1:1 gluten-free blend if you’re avoiding gluten.
• Use maple syrup in glaze: For a richer, deeper sweetness, try swapping half the milk with pure maple syrup.
• Spice it up: Experiment with cardamom or nutmeg instead of ginger for a unique twist.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Loaf with Sweet Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Apples and Preheat

Start by peeling and chopping your apples into small, bite-sized pieces. You want them to be tender but still have a little texture once baked. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. I find the parchment saves me cleanup time and helps the loaf come out perfectly every time.

Step 2: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, white granulated sugar, vegetable oil, full-fat sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. Using room temperature ingredients here really helps everything mix more evenly and gives a smoother batter.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Apples

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, kosher salt, cinnamon, and ground ginger. Slowly add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Then fold in the chopped apples and brown sugar. Be careful not to overmix; you want a tender crumb, not dense bread.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Set

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 55 minutes, but start checking around 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. When perfectly baked, the loaf will have a beautiful golden crust and smell incredible.

Step 5: Make and Drizzle the Sweet Glaze

While the loaf cools, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and glossy. You can adjust milk quantity to get your desired glaze thickness. I like mine thick enough to slowly drip down the sides, making it look extra inviting. Once the loaf is mostly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. It sets quickly and adds a lovely sweet finish.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Loaf with Sweet Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle some extra cinnamon or a few chopped toasted nuts on top after glazing for a little crunch and extra flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar also turns this loaf into a beautiful, gift-worthy treat.

Side Dishes

This loaf is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a creamy latte to round out the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve turned this recipe into individual mini loaves baked in muffin tins for holiday gifts — each wrapped in parchment and tied with a twine bow. It’s a charming way to share something homemade and shows off the lovely glaze on each portion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Apple Cinnamon Loaf wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days. I like to keep mine in an airtight container so it doesn’t dry out, and it stays just as tender and flavorful as day one.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this loaf later, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing—this keeps freezer flavors out. When you thaw it overnight in the fridge, the texture comes back wonderfully moist and fresh.

Reheating

To warm a slice, I usually pop it in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm it briefly in a toaster oven. The glaze softens slightly and the spices become even more fragrant—just like freshly baked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Loaf with Sweet Glaze Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen — it’s that perfect cozy baked good that never fails to bring a smile, whether enjoyed with morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up. I hope you’ll enjoy baking and sharing it as much as I do because it’s truly a simple but stunning way to celebrate that unbeatable combo of apples and cinnamon. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation too!

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