When the crisp, cool air of autumn begins to settle in, there’s no better way to embrace the season than with the comforting aroma of fresh-baked goods filling your home. One standout treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the natural sweetness of apples is Cinnamon Apple Pie Bread. This dessert is a delightful hybrid of two beloved classics—apple pie and bread—perfectly fused into one delicious loaf.
Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, preparing for Thanksgiving, or simply craving something sweet to enjoy with a cup of tea, Cinnamon Apple Pie Bread is the ideal choice. With a simple combination of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create this flavorful and moist loaf that everyone will love. Let’s dive in and explore everything you need to know about making this comforting bread!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Pie Bread
Cinnamon Apple Pie Bread combines the best of both worlds. The rich, spiced flavor of cinnamon paired with chunks of sweet apple in each bite provides a satisfying and cozy taste that’s perfect for the cooler months. Imagine biting into a warm slice with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa on a chilly afternoon—sounds irresistible, right?
What makes this bread stand out is its simplicity and versatility. Unlike a traditional apple pie, which can be time-consuming and requires more steps, this recipe is quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy bakers. The addition of self-rising flour and a cake mix cuts down on prep time, while the apple pie filling makes the recipe foolproof. Each bite of this bread is like enjoying a slice of apple pie, but in a more portable and convenient form. Whether served at a brunch, as a dessert, or for an afternoon snack, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone.
What You’ll Need
To make your own Cinnamon Apple Pie Bread, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
Ingredients:
- 1 can apple pie filling (about 21 oz), mashed
- 1 box yellow cake mix (regular size)
- 4 large eggs, slightly beaten
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
These simple ingredients come together to form a deliciously sweet, spiced bread that’s full of apple flavor and hints of cinnamon. No need to worry about fancy ingredients or complicated techniques—this recipe is beginner-friendly and ideal for anyone looking to bake something comforting without the hassle.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s go through the process of making your Cinnamon Apple Pie Bread. It’s a breeze to make, and the result is an indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the right temperature while you prepare the batter. Next, lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, and set it aside. This will help ensure that your bread comes out of the pan easily once it’s baked.
Step 2: Mash the Apple Pie Filling
In a large mixing bowl, open the can of apple pie filling and mash it with a fork or potato masher. You don’t need to make it completely smooth—just break down the larger apple chunks into smaller pieces. This will allow the apples to disperse more evenly throughout the bread as it bakes.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In the same bowl, add the slightly beaten eggs to the mashed apple pie filling. Stir the mixture well until the eggs are incorporated into the apple pie filling.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Next, add the yellow cake mix, self-rising flour, and ground cinnamon to the wet mixture. Stir everything together until you achieve a smooth batter. The batter should be thick but pourable—don’t worry if it’s a little chunky from the apples, as that’s part of the charm of this bread.
Step 5: Fold in the Chopped Apple
Now, fold in the chopped fresh apple to the batter. This will add extra texture and flavor to the bread. Make sure the pieces are evenly distributed throughout the batter so that each slice will have some bits of apple in it.
Step 6: Pour the Batter Into the Loaf Pan
Pour the finished batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. You may notice the batter is a bit thicker, but that’s perfectly normal. Smooth the top of the batter to ensure even baking.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. After about 50 minutes, start checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is done. If it’s still wet, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy once it’s fully cooled.
Tips for Success
While this Cinnamon Apple Pie Bread is simple to make, there are a few tips that can help ensure the best possible result:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter – When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, stir until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense loaf.
- Use Fresh Apples for Extra Flavor – Although the apple pie filling provides a lot of flavor, using a fresh apple adds an additional burst of freshness and texture.
- Check the Bread Early – Every oven is different, so start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time to prevent overbaking.
- Use a Good Quality Cake Mix – The quality of the cake mix will directly affect the final texture of the bread. Opt for a good-quality yellow cake mix for the best results.
- Cool Completely Before Slicing – Let the bread cool completely before slicing. This helps the loaf set and prevents it from becoming too crumbly.
Variations to Try
While the base recipe is fantastic on its own, you can try some variations to customize the bread to your liking or to suit different tastes. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Walnuts or Pecans – For a bit of crunch, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. The nuts will complement the sweetness of the apples and add texture to the bread.
- Make It Gluten-Free – If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, substitute the self-rising flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that your cake mix is also gluten-free.
- Add a Streusel Topping – For a delightful crumbly topping, sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar streusel on top of the batter before baking. This will give the bread a nice, sweet, crispy finish.
- Turn It into Muffins – If you prefer individual servings, try baking this batter as muffins instead of a loaf. Just fill a muffin tin and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Swirl in Cream Cheese – For an indulgent twist, swirl in some softened cream cheese into the batter before baking. This will add a rich, creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and apples.
Storing and Reheating
Once your Cinnamon Apple Pie Bread is baked and enjoyed, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store and reheat your bread for maximum freshness:
- Storing the Bread – To store the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, store it in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing the Bread – If you’d like to keep the bread for an extended period, you can freeze it. Wrap the bread in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the bread at room temperature or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Reheating – To reheat slices of the bread, place them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or heat in a toaster oven until warmed through. You can even toast slices for a bit of extra crispness!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe? Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as spice cake or butter cake, to add variety to your bread. However, yellow cake mix works best for the classic flavor.
2. Do I have to mash the apple pie filling? Mashing the apple pie filling helps break up the large apple chunks so that the filling is more evenly distributed throughout the bread. If you prefer larger pieces of apple, you can skip mashing it, but it will result in a chunkier bread.
3. Can I use a different type of apple in the recipe? You can use any apple variety you like. Sweet apples like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp work wonderfully in this recipe, but tart apples like Granny Smith will add a touch of acidity that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cake mix.
4. Can I make this recipe without eggs? Yes! If you’re vegan or need to make this egg-free, you can substitute eggs with an egg replacer or use unsweetened applesauce. For each egg, use 1/4 cup of applesauce or another egg substitute.
The Final Word
Cinnamon Apple Pie Bread is the ultimate fall treat that combines the best aspects of apple pie and cake, all in the form of a soft, moist loaf. This simple yet satisfying recipe is easy to make and offers plenty of opportunities for customization. Whether you enjoy it with a hot beverage or serve it as a dessert for a family gathering, this bread is sure to impress.
With its tender texture, rich cinnamon flavor, and chunks of apple, this bread is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of the season. So, gather your ingredients and start baking—your kitchen is about to smell absolutely irresistible!