Warm Spiced Apple Bread with Crunchy Walnuts & Sweet Cinnamon Aroma

Warm Spiced Apple Bread with Crunchy Walnuts and Sweet Cinnamon Aroma is the loaf that fills your kitchen with autumn magic. I still remember one late October afternoon wandering through a cozy Greenwich Village storefront bakery. The air smelled of cinnamon-spiced apples, and they handed me a slice of spiced apple bread that was moist, nutty, and warm to the touch. That first bite, bursting with apple chunks and crackly walnut texture, stuck with me for years.

This recipe recreates that memory — a bread loaf that’s spiced, warmly scented, loaded with apple pieces and crunchy walnuts or pecans. Whether for breakfast, snack, or sharing at brunch, this loaf delivers comfort and flavor in every slice.

Thanks for being here. I hope these recipes bring warmth to your kitchen and a little joy to your day.

Why Warm Spiced Apple Bread with Crunchy Walnuts & Sweet Cinnamon Aroma Wins Hearts

Autumn scent & texture in every slice

There’s something irresistible about biting into warm spices and apple chunks. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring that classic fall aroma, while the fresh diced apples keep each slice juicy and bright. Plus, folding in dried fruit like raisins or cranberries adds extra chew and flavor contrast.

Nutty crunch with warming spices

Adding chopped walnuts (or pecans) gives you that nutty crunch against the soft batter. It’s the difference between a plain quick-bread and one that feels special. With the right spice balance and the soft crumb inside, this recipe strikes comfort + texture — exactly what you crave on crisp mornings.

For more cozy loaf recipes, check out our Classic Banana Walnut Bread .

Ingredients for Warm Spiced Apple Bread with Crunchy Walnuts and Sweet Cinnamon Aroma

Here’s what you’ll need (makes about 10 slices):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Warm Spiced Apple Bread with Crunchy Walnuts and Sweet Cinnamon Aroma

Mixing wet + dry ingredients, folding in apples & nuts

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
3. In a large mixing bowl, stir together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually fold the dry-ingredient mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix — you want the batter slightly lumpy.
5. Gently fold in the diced apples. Then stir in the nuts (walnuts/pecans) if using. Also add raisins or dried cranberries, if you like. Ensure even distribution.

Baking time & doneness check

6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for about 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, tent lightly with foil toward the end.
8. Remove from oven. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

For more cozy loaf recipes, check out our Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling .

Tips & Variations for Warm Spiced Apple Bread with Crunchy Walnuts

Getting the right moist crumb & avoiding over-browning

• Don’t overmix your batter once the dry ingredients go in — that keeps the loaf tender rather than dense.
• If your apples are very juicy, drain a bit of excess moisture or pat them dry before folding in.
• Use a mix of mild apples (e.g. Gala, Fuji) to give sweetness, or use tart apples (e.g. Granny Smith) for more bite.
• If the top browns before the inside is baked, loosely cover with foil for the final 5–10 minutes.

Add-ins, substitutions & gluten-free option

• Substitute chopped pecans instead of walnuts if you prefer their flavor.
• If you don’t want raisins or dried fruit, omit them — the bread will still hold good texture.
• For a lighter version, you could replace half the oil with unsweetened applesauce (watch moisture).
• To adapt for gluten-free diets, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour in place of all-purpose flour. You may need to adjust baking time slightly.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Meal Prep Advice

• Serve slices warm or toasted with a smear of butter, or even cream cheese.
• At room temperature, wrap in foil or store in an airtight container for 1–2 days. After that, refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.
• The loaf also freezes well — wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in fridge overnight or warm gently before serving.
• Makes a great brunch treat: slice and pair with tea, coffee, or warm cider.

Nutritional & Health Notes

Here’s a rough estimate per slice (1 of 10 slices):

• Calories: about 280 kcal
• Carbohydrates: moderate (flour, sugar, apples, dried fruit)
• Fat: from oil + nuts
• Protein: small amount from eggs & nuts
• Fiber & micronutrients: apples and nuts contribute fiber, plus vitamins from fruit

If you want to lighten it up, try substituting part of the oil with unsweetened applesauce, or use less sugar — just know that texture and sweetness will shift slightly.

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Conclusion & Internal Link

Warm Spiced Apple Bread with Crunchy Walnuts and Sweet Cinnamon Aroma is your go-to fall loaf: juicy apple cubes, warming cinnamon and nutmeg, sweet sugar balance, and crunchy nut texture. It’s simple to bake, comforting to eat, and perfect for gifting or topping your brunch spread.

For more cozy loaf recipes, check out our Autumn Quick Bread .