Warm, spiced, and irresistibly moist, this Apple Cinnamon Tea Loaf is the perfect cozy treat for Mother’s Day, afternoon tea, or a comforting homemade gift. Infused with fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg, this loaf features tender grated apple for moisture and beautifully arranged apple slices on top for a rustic and elegant finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Warm & Comforting – The perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples creates a cozy flavor.
Beautiful Presentation – The apple slices on top make this loaf visually stunning.
Moist & Tender – Buttermilk and grated apples keep the loaf soft and delicious.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and steps make this a no-fuss baking project.
Perfect for Gifting – A lovely homemade treat for Mother’s Day or fall gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Loaf:

1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
1 apple, grated
1 apple, thinly sliced for topping

For the Topping:

1 tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3. Cream the Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract.

4. Combine the Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
Gently fold in the grated apple, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

5. Assemble the Loaf

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Arrange the thinly sliced apple on top in a decorative fan-like pattern.
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it over the apple slices.

6. Bake

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Serve & Enjoy

Slice and serve warm or at room temperature with tea, coffee, or a spread of butter.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 280 kcal per serving

Variations

Maple Glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and maple syrup.
Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
Spiced Version: Increase cinnamon to 1½ tsp and add a pinch of ginger for extra warmth.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Dairy-Free Option: Replace buttermilk with almond or oat milk + 1 tsp vinegar.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, warming slightly before serving.
Freezing: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work well for this recipe.

Why is my loaf dense instead of fluffy?

Overmixing the batter can make it dense. Stir until just combined to keep it light.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

Use ½ cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice, let sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I make this loaf ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.

How do I prevent the apple slices from sinking?

Thinly slice the apple and gently press it on top without pushing too deep.

Can I add a streusel topping?

Yes! Mix ¼ cup flour, 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp sugar, and ½ tsp cinnamon for a crunchy topping.

What pairs well with this loaf?

It’s delicious with chai tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Can I bake this in muffin tins instead?

Yes! Reduce the baking time to 18-22 minutes for muffins.

How can I make the loaf extra moist?

Make sure not to overbake and store it covered to retain moisture.

Can I add raisins or cranberries?

Yes! Fold in ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries for extra flavor.

Conclusion

This Apple Cinnamon Tea Loaf is a warm, spiced, and comforting treat, perfect for Mother’s Day, fall gatherings, or cozy afternoons. With a soft crumb, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a beautiful apple topping, it’s a stunning yet easy-to-make loaf. Serve with tea or coffee for a delightful homemade treat!

Apple Cinnamon Tea Loaf

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Author: Mari
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A warm and cozy apple loaf infused with cinnamon spice, featuring tender apple slices on top for a beautifully rustic finish. A delightful treat for Mother’s Day!

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Cream Butter & Sugar:
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
Combine Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the grated apple.
Assemble the Loaf:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Arrange thinly sliced apples on top, fanning them out decoratively.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Bake:
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & Serve:
- Let the loaf cool completely before slicing.
- Serve warm with a cup of tea!

Notes

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples (like Granny Smith & Honeycrisp) for balanced flavor.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For extra moisture, brush the warm loaf with a light honey glaze.
Pairs beautifully with butter or cream cheese spread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert, Tea-Time Treats
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American