Apple Bread Recipe
If you are looking for a warm, cozy treat that captures the essence of crisp autumn days, then this Apple Bread recipe is just what you need. Bursting with tender chunks of sweet, slightly tart apples and infused with fragrant cinnamon, this Apple Bread offers a moist, tender crumb that’s perfectly sweet without being overwhelming. Whether you’re baking for a family breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a simple dessert, this loaf promises comfort in every bite and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a vital role in making the Apple Bread irresistibly soft, flavorful, and downright addictive. From the brown sugar that adds a rich, caramel note to the fresh apples that bring moisture and bite, every element contributes to creating the perfect balance of taste and texture.
- Brown sugar, ½ cup: Adds a deep, caramel sweetness and keeps the bread moist.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 ½ teaspoons: Brings warmth and classic spice flavor to the bread.
- Large eggs, 2 (room temperature): Provide structure and richness for tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar, ½ cup: Sweetens the bread and helps with browning.
- Butter, ½ cup (melted): Imparts richness and a luscious texture.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors with a subtle depth.
- All-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups: The base that holds everything together.
- Baking powder, 1 teaspoon: Helps the bread rise light and fluffy.
- Baking soda, ½ teaspoon: Reacts with the acidic apples for tenderness and lift.
- Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Balances sweetness and rounds out flavors.
- Chopped apples, 2 cups: Use Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp—peeled and chopped for natural sweetness and delightful texture.
How to Make Apple Bread
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing an 8 x 5-inch loaf pan by greasing and lightly flouring it, or lining it with parchment paper. This ensures your Apple Bread will release easily after baking without sticking or breaking apart.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This simple mixture will become a luscious swirling layer within the bread that adds bursts of sweetness and spice throughout every bite.
Step 3: Combine Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the room temperature eggs and granulated sugar until thoroughly combined. This process aerates the mixture, helping the bread achieve a nice rise and tender texture.
Step 4: Add Butter and Vanilla
Stir in the melted butter followed by the vanilla extract until silky smooth. These ingredients add moisture and rich flavor which are key to a satisfying Apple Bread experience.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, keeping the bread soft and tender.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples
Carefully fold in the chopped apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. The apples are the star here, giving bursts of juicy flavor and keeping the bread deliciously moist.
Step 7: Layer and Swirl the Cinnamon Sugar
Pour half the batter into your prepared pan, then sprinkle about three-quarters of the cinnamon sugar mixture over it. Spread the remaining batter on top, sprinkle the rest of the sugar mixture, and gently swirl it into the batter with a knife for a beautiful marbled effect that tastes as wonderful as it looks.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Apple Bread for 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it begins to brown too quickly, tent it with foil to avoid burning and ensure even baking.
Step 9: Let It Cool
Once baked, let the bread cool completely in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling fully improves slicing and lets the flavors settle into every crumb of your Apple Bread.
How to Serve Apple Bread
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can elevate the appearance while adding a touch of sweetness. For an extra cozy feel, a small pat of butter melting on a warm slice gives a heavenly richness that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
Apple Bread pairs perfectly with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk. For a more substantial treat, serve with a smear of cream cheese or a dollop of yogurt on the side, which complements the apple’s natural tartness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the Apple Bread and create mini sandwiches with nut butter and banana, or toast thin slices and top them with ricotta and a drizzle of maple syrup. You can even cut squares and serve with warm custard or ice cream for a quick dessert transformation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your Apple Bread cools completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This will preserve the moist texture and the freshness of the apples while keeping the bread soft.
Freezing
This Apple Bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place slices in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring your leftover Apple Bread back to life, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. This revives its softness and releases the sweet aroma of apples and cinnamon, making it feel freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this Apple Bread?
Absolutely! Pink Lady, Gala, and Honeycrisp are recommended for their balance of sweetness and firmness, but Granny Smith or Fuji apples also work well. Just ensure they’re peeled and chopped to maintain the right texture.
Is it possible to make this Apple Bread gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Be sure it contains xanthan gum for structure, and note that the texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.
How can I make this Apple Bread without eggs?
To replace eggs, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), or commercial egg replacers. This keeps the bread moist and binds the ingredients well.
What can I substitute for butter if I want a dairy-free option?
Use melted coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute in equal amounts. These alternatives will maintain the moisture and richness the recipe needs.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the Apple Bread?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins can add texture and extra flavor, just fold about ½ cup into the batter when you add the apples.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Bread is one of those feel-good recipes that’s simple to make but incredibly satisfying to enjoy. Each slice carries the nostalgic flavors of fall with fresh apples and cinnamon swirling through moist, tender crumb. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy it brings—perfect for sharing with friends, family, or simply indulging yourself. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!
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Apple Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Bread recipe is a delightful fall treat featuring moist, cinnamon-spiced bread loaded with chunks of fresh apples. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this easy-to-make bread combines the warmth of cinnamon with the natural sweetness of Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp apples. It has a tender crumb with a swirled cinnamon sugar topping that adds an extra burst of flavor and a lovely golden crust.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Sugars & Spices
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit
- 2 cups chopped apples (Pink Lady, Gala, Honeycrisp – peeled and chopped, about 2 apples)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside as it will be used for layering and topping the bread.
- Combine Eggs and Granulated Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy to incorporate air for a tender bread.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract to the egg mixture until the batter is smooth and uniform in texture.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; the batter will be thick. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution without breaking up the fruit too much.
- Layer Batter and Cinnamon Sugar: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over this batter layer.
- Top With Remaining Batter and Sugar: Carefully spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar on top, then gently swirl it into the batter using a knife or spoon to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes. The top should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the bread browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. This ensures clean slices and lets the flavors meld.
Notes
- Use crisp apples like Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
- Make sure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread moist and tender.
- You can add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Apple bread, cinnamon apple bread, fall recipes, quick bread, breakfast bread, easy apple bread
