Name: Apple Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; 2 large eggs, room temperature; ½ cup butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups chopped apples (Pink Lady, Gala, Honeycrisp – peeled and chopped, about 2 apples)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite, this Apple Bread is exactly what you need. Bursting with tender chunks of fresh apples and a warm hint of cinnamon, it delivers a wonderful balance of sweet and spice with a moist and tender crumb. Whether you’re serving it up for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert, this Apple Bread will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes during apple season and beyond.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple, classic ingredients that come together effortlessly to create that perfect harmony of flavor and texture in your Apple Bread. Each element plays a vital role — from the cinnamon that adds warmth to the apples that keep every bite fresh and juicy.

Brown sugar: Adds rich, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with apples.
Ground cinnamon: Brings that signature cozy spice flavor that makes this bread so irresistible.
Large eggs: Provide structure and help achieve a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness while contributing to the bread’s moistness.
Butter (melted): Adds richness and keeps the bread soft.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a lovely fragrant note.
All-purpose flour: The base that binds everything together for just the right texture.
Baking powder: Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
Baking soda: Aids in rising and tenderizes the crumb.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavors.
Chopped apples: The star ingredient—fresh, peeled apples like Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp keep the bread moist and full of natural sweetness.

How to Make Apple Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Brown Sugar Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it or lining it with parchment paper. Next, whisk together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl — this mix will add delightful layers of flavor in the final bread.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and granulated sugar and whisk until they’re well blended and slightly fluffy. Then stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract, making sure everything is smoothly incorporated to keep the bread moist and fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Batter

Incorporate the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the wet mixture with gentle mixing — be careful not to overmix. The resulting batter should be thick and ready to embrace the tender apple chunks.

Step 4: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution without breaking down the fruit pieces. This step is crucial to keep those juicy bursts throughout the bread.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers and Swirl

Pour half the batter into your prepared pan and sprinkle about three-quarters of the cinnamon brown sugar mixture evenly over the surface. Carefully layer the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the rest of the sugar mixture. Using a knife or spoon, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter for a gorgeous marbled effect and extra flavor throughout.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, watching for that beautiful golden top. To check doneness, insert a toothpick — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If you notice the bread browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes to prevent overbaking. Let your Apple Bread cool completely before slicing to set those flavors perfectly.

How to Serve Apple Bread

Garnishes

To elevate your Apple Bread, try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple glaze right before serving—it adds a delicate sweetness that complements the bread’s warm spices beautifully. A smear of creamy butter or a handful of chopped nuts on top can add an inviting richness and crunch.

Side Dishes

This Apple Bread pairs wonderfully with a comforting cup of warm tea or coffee for breakfast or snack time. For a heartier take, serve it alongside a bowl of yogurt topped with honey and fresh fruit, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert that feels special.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing Apple Bread to a gathering, consider slicing it thick and serving it as open-faced mini sandwiches with cream cheese and thin apple slices. Or, toast individual slices and spread with cinnamon butter for a cozy twist. Wrapping slices in parchment and tying with twine makes for a charming homemade gift anyone would love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Apple Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps it moist and flavorful without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the bread whole or in individual slices wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil. Frozen Apple Bread stays delicious for up to three months and is perfect for quick grabs—just thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter.

Reheating

To enjoy your Apple Bread warm, pop slices into a toaster oven or microwave for 20–30 seconds. Warming enhances the softness and releases those lovely cinnamon and apple aromas, making every bite as delightful as fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this Apple Bread?

Absolutely! While Pink Lady, Gala, and Honeycrisp offer great sweetness and texture, you can experiment with your favorite apple varieties. Just consider how tart or sweet the apples are, as that will influence the final flavor.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture and more delicate crumb, but if you enjoy a bit more rustic feel and extra fiber, you can leave the skins on. Just make sure to wash them well before chopping.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. You may want to add a bit more moisture or a binding agent like xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it.

How do I keep the apples from sinking to the bottom?

Tossing the chopped apples lightly in a little flour before folding them into the batter can help them stay suspended throughout the bread, ensuring every slice has apple goodness.

What’s the best way to prevent the bread from drying out?

Be careful not to overbake and always wrap your bread well when storing. Using melted butter and fresh apples also contributes to moistness, making this Apple Bread wonderfully tender.

Final Thoughts

If you want a warm, inviting recipe that brings the joy of fresh apples and sweet cinnamon into one delicious loaf, this Apple Bread is a perfect choice. It bakes up beautifully, is incredibly satisfying, and has charming, homestyle appeal that’s hard to resist. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a cherished recipe in your kitchen for every season.

Apple Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 24 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Apple Bread recipe is a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for fall and any time you crave a comforting, cinnamon-spiced treat. Packed with chopped fresh apples and a sweet cinnamon sugar swirl, this bread is easy to make and ideal for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Instructions

Prepare the 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.
Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon and set aside for later layering.
Combine Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined and slightly frothy, providing a good base for the bread batter.
Add Butter and Vanilla: Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract into the egg mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter will appear thick.
Fold in Apples: Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution without crushing the fruit.
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 the batter.
Add Remaining Batter and Sugar: Carefully spread the remaining batter on top of the cinnamon sugar layer. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the top and use a knife or spoon to gently swirl it into the batter for a marbled effect.
Bake: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing to prevent crumbling. Serve as a delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Notes

Use tart and sweet apple varieties like Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
Make sure eggs are at room temperature to help the batter mix evenly.
Do not overmix after adding flour to maintain a tender crumb.
For extra moisture, you can add ¼ cup of applesauce or a splash of milk if the batter feels too thick.
Store the bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
This bread can be frozen wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American