Pin It Ricotta Apple Cinnamon Bread brings together the creamy richness of ricotta, sweet bites of apple, and a swirl of cinnamon spice for a moist, fragrant quick bread that always disappears fast in my kitchen. Whether you need a cozy breakfast slice or an afternoon treat, this loaf feels like the perfect hug for cool days.
I remember making this bread on a chilly weekend when my pantry was nearly empty and my kids wanted something special. Now it is our go to for snow days and lazy brunches.
Ingredients
- Ricotta cheese: whole milk variety gives the loaf a tender crumb choose a fresh tub with a smooth texture for best results
- Whole milk: brings added richness and moisture opt for whole not skim so the bread stays soft
- Unsalted butter: softened to room temperature adds flavor and tenderness high quality butter makes a difference
- Eggs: help bind and add lift use large eggs at room temperature for best rise
- All purpose flour: offers a sturdy yet tender base measure by spoon and level method for accuracy
- Granulated sugar: brings classic sweet flavor pick fine cane sugar if available for even mixing
- Baking powder and baking soda: create the bread’s gentle rise check they are fresh for best results
- Salt: balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors use fine sea salt for even distribution
- Ground cinnamon: infuses the loaf with warmth freshly ground if you can for more aroma
- Ground nutmeg: pairs perfectly with apple and cinnamon a little goes a long way
- Fresh apples: give bursts of sweet tart flavor Honeycrisp or Granny Smith offer the right balance of texture and taste pick apples that feel heavy in your hand
- Vanilla extract: rounds out the flavors pure vanilla gives the best depth
- Lemon zest (optional): brings a lift of brightness a fresh lemon will make the aroma pop
- Turbinado sugar and more cinnamon for topping (optional): adds sparkle and crunch
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius and allow it to preheat fully. Grease a nine by five inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper so the bread releases easily after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl whisk together the flour baking powder baking soda salt cinnamon and nutmeg until fully combined. This step ensures your bread has an even crumb with gently layered spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl beat the softened butter with the sugar using an electric mixer or sturdy whisk. Mix for about two minutes until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This step creates pockets of air for a lighter texture in the bread.
- Add Eggs and Dairy:
- Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture beating well after each. Pour in the ricotta and milk followed by the vanilla extract and lemon zest if using. Mix until everything looks creamy and evenly blended with no streaks.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture mixing on low or using a spatula. Stir just until combined and use gentle strokes to avoid overmixing which can make the bread tough.
- Fold in Apples:
- Add the diced apples to the batter and gently fold them in to distribute evenly. The moisture from the apples will keep the bread tender as it bakes.
- Fill Pan and Add Topping:
- Scrape the batter into your prepared loaf pan spreading it evenly. For a crunchy top stir together the turbinado sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the batter.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for fifty to sixty minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about ten minutes to set the crumb. Carefully lift the loaf onto a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing. This step helps the flavors settle and makes for tidier slices.
Pin It My favorite part of this recipe has to be the fresh apples. Their bursts of tart bite mean every slice feels unique. I remember my grandmother’s kitchen always smelled like baked apples in the fall she would have adored this bread warm from the oven.
Storage Tips
Once completely cooled wrap the bread tightly in foil or plastic. It will stay soft at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage refrigerate for up to five days or freeze individually wrapped slices for a morning rush treat.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a dairy free loaf swap in coconut yogurt and a neutral oil instead of ricotta and butter. You can use pears for the apples if they are what’s in your fruit basket. For a nutty twist add toasted walnuts or pecans with the apples.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy slices warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. Top with a swirl of mascarpone or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert feel. Toast leftovers gently for a caramelized edge and a new depth of flavor.
Cultural and Seasonal Context
Ricotta in baking makes breads incredibly soft a nod to Italian and American baking traditions. Apples and cinnamon are classic for autumn but this bread feels right year round especially for a weekend brunch. Finishing with a cinnamon sugar crust evokes the cozy feeling of bakery coffee cakes.
Seasonal Adaptations
Try using fresh pears in place of apples for a delicate twist Add dried cranberries around the holidays for extra punch Skip the lemon zest when apples are extra vibrant in season
Success Stories
A reader once shared that baking this bread with her daughter became their new autumn ritual. Another told me it was the star of her book club brunch. It is always a hit for potlucks and teacher gifts.
Freezer Meal Conversion
To freeze the bread let it cool fully then wrap slices individually in plastic wrap. Place wrapped slices in a freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm slices in the toaster or oven for that fresh baked aroma.
Pin It Enjoy this bread warm from the oven with a touch of butter or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. It will fill your kitchen with cozy aromas and make every moment feel special.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?
Yes, pears make a tasty substitute. Choose firm, ripe pears and follow the same preparation steps for delicious results.
- → How do I know when the loaf is baked through?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the loaf is ready. Avoid overbaking to keep it moist.
- → What nuts work best for added texture?
Chopped toasted walnuts or pecans blend well with apples and cinnamon. Fold in ½ cup before baking for extra crunch.
- → How should I store leftover loaf?
Wrap it tightly and keep at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze slices in an airtight container.
- → Can I make this baked good dairy-free?
Replace ricotta and milk with non-dairy alternatives, and substitute plant-based butter for similar texture and flavor. Results may vary slightly.