A bakery-style apple cinnamon loaf with layers of spiced apples, a sweet crunchy topping, and a tender vanilla-scented crumb—all finished with a classic powdered sugar glaze.
Introduction
This Homestyle Apple Cinnamon Loaf brings the nostalgic flavor of Amish apple fritters into a cozy, sliceable form. Tart apples are layered into a soft buttermilk batter and topped with brown sugar and cinnamon, creating caramelized pockets of fruit and a crisp top crust. A drizzle of glaze over the warm loaf ties everything together, making it the perfect companion to coffee, tea, or quiet mornings at home.
Discovered at a roadside Amish market in Indiana and refined in my kitchen over the years, this loaf has become a fall tradition in our home. It’s not only deceptively simple—it’s also a brilliant way to use fresh apples and pantry staples in a crowd-pleasing bake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Captures the warm, rustic flavor of classic apple fritters
- No yeast, no frying—just layer, bake, and enjoy
- Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or gifting
- Make-ahead friendly and freezer-stable
- Easily customizable with nuts, maple, or glaze variations
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 2 cups peeled, chopped Granny Smith or Pink Lady apples (about 2 medium)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Batter
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + 1 tsp lemon juice, rested 10 min)
Brown Sugar Topping
- ⅓ cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and chop apples into ¼-inch pieces.
- Toss with lemon juice and cinnamon in a bowl; set aside to allow flavors to blend.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
- Gently fold half of the apple mixture into the batter.
Step 3: Assemble the Loaf
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper or grease well.
- Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan.
- Layer with the remaining apple mixture, followed by the rest of the batter.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the loaf.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake in the center of the oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Tent loosely with foil in the last 15 minutes if the top is browning too quickly.
- Cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then lift out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Add the Glaze (Optional)
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla (if using) until smooth and drizzleable.
- Drizzle over the slightly warm loaf and let set before slicing.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overmix once the flour goes in; gentle folding preserves a tender crumb.
- Let apples sit in the cinnamon-lemon juice while prepping the batter to deepen flavor.
- Use parchment with overhang for easy lifting and prettier presentation.
- Slightly underdone crumbs on the tester are good—it ensures a moist loaf.
Variations
- Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter or sprinkle on top.
- Replace some of the buttermilk with applesauce for even more apple flavor.
- Stir 1 tablespoon maple syrup into the glaze for a fall-inspired twist.
Storage & Serving
- Store: Loaf keeps well wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temp.
- Serve: Warm slightly and pair with coffee, chai, or vanilla tea for a cozy treat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple, comforting bake that channels everything wonderful about fall, this Homestyle Apple Cinnamon Loaf is it. Whether served as a quiet breakfast, after-school snack, or a thoughtful gift, its cozy charm and rich apple flavor always satisfy.