this cinnamon apple loaf is everything cozy, comforting, and nourishing and inspired by my high-protein banana bread that so many of you love, but made with applesauce and extra cinnamon for a true bakery-style apple flavor.
it’s the perfect recipe for when you’re craving something warm and nostalgic, but still want it to be protein-packed and made with simple, wholesome ingredients.

taste + texture
this loaf tastes like classic cinnamon apple bread you’d find at a coffee shop, but lighter and more balanced.
the apple flavor is subtle and cozy, the cinnamon really shines, and the sweetness is just right without being overpowering.
the texture is moist, fluffy, and tender, with a sturdy crumb that slices beautifully.
thanks to the greek yogurt, eggs, and protein powder, it’s filling without being dense or gummy, truly the best of both worlds.
inspired by my high-protein banana bread
this recipe was directly inspired by my high-protein banana bread, which so many of you make on repeat.
the structure and base are very similar, but instead of mashed banana, we’re using applesauce and extra cinnamon to give it a completely different flavor profile.
applesauce adds moisture while letting the spices shine, making this feel like a fall-forward twist on a tried-and-true favorite.

so easy to make
this is a simple, one-bowl-style loaf that comes together quickly with minimal effort.
no mixer required, no fancy techniques, just whisk, stir, pour, and bake.
it’s perfect for busy mornings, weekend baking, or meal prep for the week ahead. you can have it in the oven in under 10 minutes.
substitution options
this recipe is very forgiving and easy to adapt:
- you can use coconut oil or avocado oil
- vanilla protein powder works best, but most brands will work
- unsweetened applesauce is recommended to control sweetness
- maple syrup can be swapped for honey
- add finely diced apples for extra texture
- walnuts or pecans are a great add-in for crunch
topping ideas
this loaf is delicious on its own, but toppings take it to the next level.
my favorite way to enjoy it is with a smear of cream cheese. it adds the perfect creamy contrast to the warm cinnamon flavor. you could also try:
- dairy-free or regular cream cheese frosting
- a simple cinnamon glaze
- greek yogurt mixed with a little maple syrup
- almond butter or cashew butter

storage
store the loaf tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
it also freezes beautifully. slice it first, then freeze individual pieces so you can grab one whenever the craving hits.
reheat slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds for that just-baked feel.
if you love Warm and Cozy High Protein Cinnamon Apple Loaf (18g+ Protein!), then try these other recipes from upbeetandkaleingitblog!
Deliciously Healthy and Gluten-Free Oat Flour Cinnamon Rolls
Healthy and Easy Homemade Gluten Free Bread
Healthy Pumpkin Spice Greek Yogurt Pancakes
Unbelievable Healthy and Gluten-Free Invisible Apple Bread
Obsession-Worthy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Banana Bread
Gluten-Free Giant Banana Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Cookies
Superfood Purple Sweet Potato Longevity Muffins (Gluten-Free!)
Unbelievably Healthy Pumpkin Protein Bread (14g Protein!)
Incredible Healthy and Gluten Free Pumpkin Cream Cheese Streusel Muffins
Healthy Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Greek Yogurt Pancakes
Gluten-Free Blender Banana Bread with Cottage Cheese and Chocolate Chips
Gluten-Free Blood Sugar Balancing Protein Biscuits

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Warm and Cozy High Protein Cinnamon Apple Loaf (18g+ Protein!)
Recipe by MaryCourse: Breads, Breakfast9
servings15
minutes52
minutes285
kcalAPPROXIMATE MACROS per slice (1/9 loaf)
calories: ~285
protein: ~15–16g
carbohydrates: ~23–25g
fat: ~15–16g
fiber: ~3–4g
sugar: ~7–8g
Ingredients
1 ½ cups gluten-free oat flour
1 cup almond flour
1 cup vanilla protein powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
optional: ¼ tsp nutmeg + pinch ground cloves
1 ¾ cups unsweetened applesauce
¼ cup greek yogurt
¼ cup avocado oil-evoo or melted coconut oil works
¼ cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 large eggstopping
cream cheese and cinnamon coconut sugar
Directions
- preheat your oven to 350°f (175°c) and grease a large loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- in a large bowl, whisk together the oat flour, almond flour, protein powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg and cloves.
- in a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, greek yogurt, melted coconut oil or avocado oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth and fully combined.
- pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly. use either a 1 and 1/2 lb or 1 and 1/4 lb bread loaf pan. bake 52-54 minutes until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. monitor and if the top becomes too brown by the 40 minute mark, tent loosely with foil.
- let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. add cream cheese to the top if desired.



9 Responses
Would you alter anything if baking in Denver CO at altitude of 5280?
hi! i would refer to chatgpt for that lol!
Curly girl kitchen has HA adjustments on her site. I’m in COS
I know you said that most protein brands would work, but is this using a vegan powder or whey? They both act very different in a recipe and I don’t want to waste a cup of protein cause I beefed it lol.
i have used both truvani whey and plant based in this recipe along with just ingredients whey. all worked!
Mine came out wet and soggy on the inside and burnt on the outside. I cooked it with the top covered once it browned on top and since it was still moist in the middle I let it cook 20 mins longer. What do you think I did wrong?
hi! did you follow the ingredients exactly? usually when something like this happens, someone makes a substitution (or few)!
Substitued flax eggs and vegan Greek yogurt (I used Sojade because that is what we have in Greece, but I imagine Kite Hill in the US would work even better!) and it actually turned out beautifully! Really great subtle apple flavor, and the texture. is absolutely perfect – thank you!
amazing!! thanks for sharing with me :)!