Soft, moist, and warmly spiced, Dolly Parton’s Cinnamon Apple Bread is a cozy homemade loaf filled with tender pieces of fresh apple and the comforting flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg. A little buttermilk keeps the bread wonderfully tender, while optional walnuts add a delicious nutty crunch.
This easy quick bread is perfect for breakfast, afternoon coffee, weekend baking, or a comforting homemade dessert. For an extra-special finish, sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar before baking to create a lightly crisp, sweet crust.
Ingredients
For the Apple Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples, about 2 medium apples
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional
Optional Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides to make removing the finished loaf easier.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Set the mixture aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy.
This usually takes about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary.
5. Add the Flour and Buttermilk
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk.
Begin and finish with the flour mixture.
Mix only until the ingredients are combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the finished bread dense.
6. Fold in the Apples and Walnuts
Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter.
If using walnuts, add them at the same time and fold until evenly distributed.
Make sure the apple pieces are relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly throughout the loaf.
7. Prepare the Topping
For an optional crunchy cinnamon-sugar crust, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Set aside.
8. Fill the Loaf Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly and smooth the top.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the surface if using.
9. Bake
Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60–70 minutes.
Begin checking around the 60-minute mark.
The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
If the top becomes too dark before the center is finished, loosely cover the loaf with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
10. Cool
Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for approximately 10 minutes.
Carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing.
For the cleanest slices, let the bread cool completely before cutting.
Helpful Tips
Choose the right apples
Tart apples such as Granny Smith work especially well because their natural acidity balances the sweetness of the bread. Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady apples are also delicious choices.
Don’t overmix
Once the flour is added, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten and can result in a tougher loaf.
Cut the apples evenly
Small, uniform apple pieces distribute throughout the batter more easily and become perfectly tender as the bread bakes.
Use room-temperature ingredients
Softened butter and room-temperature eggs blend more easily and help create a smoother batter.
Check before the full baking time
Ovens vary, so begin checking the bread around 60 minutes. The exact baking time can also depend on the moisture content of the apples.
Easy Variations
Cinnamon Pecan Apple Bread
Replace the walnuts with chopped pecans for a classic fall flavor combination.
Apple Raisin Bread
Add 1/3 cup raisins along with the chopped apples for extra sweetness and texture.
Caramel Apple Bread
Drizzle the cooled loaf with caramel sauce before serving for an indulgent dessert-style version.
Extra Cinnamon Crunch
Double the cinnamon-sugar topping for a thicker, sweeter crust.
How to Serve
This apple bread is delicious warm, at room temperature, or lightly toasted.
Serve it with:
- Soft butter
- Apple butter
- Cream cheese
- Honey
- Caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
For breakfast, pair a slice with coffee or tea. For dessert, warm a thick slice and serve it with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.
Storage
Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring slices to room temperature or warm them gently before serving.
Freezing Instructions
This bread freezes well.
Wrap the completely cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2–3 months.
You can also freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice separately and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Thaw at room temperature and warm gently before serving.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 60–70 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes in pan, plus additional cooling
Total Time: Approximately 85 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving
Course: Breakfast / Dessert / Quick Bread
Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave the walnuts out?
Yes. The walnuts are completely optional. The bread will still be moist and flavorful without them.
Can I use apples with the skin on?
You can, but peeling the apples gives the bread a softer, more uniform texture and allows the apple pieces to blend more naturally into the loaf.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a simple substitute by adding about 1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it stand for about 5 minutes before using.
Why is my apple bread taking longer to bake?
Fresh apples add moisture to the batter, so baking time can vary. Larger apple pieces or particularly juicy apples may require a few additional minutes. Always check the center with a toothpick before removing the loaf from the oven.
Final Thoughts
Dolly Parton’s Cinnamon Apple Bread is the kind of simple homemade bake that fills the kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon, butter, and fresh apples. The tender crumb, juicy apple pieces, and optional crunchy walnut topping make every slice satisfying.
For the ultimate fall-inspired treat, serve it slightly warm with butter or a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. It is an easy recipe that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, especially during the cooler months.