Apple Bread Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, warmly spiced treat that fills your kitchen with the scent of autumn, look no further than this luscious Apple Bread. This delightful loaf strikes the perfect balance between tender crumb and sweet cinnamon sugar swirls, studded with juicy chunks of fresh apples. The Apple Bread is not just a snack; it’s an experience that wraps you in cozy goodness with every slice. Whether you’re dipping into it for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a casual dessert, this bread promises to become a beloved staple in your home baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how such simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create a masterpiece like Apple Bread. Each component plays its vital part—from the melted butter enriching the texture to the cinnamon and brown sugar layering aromatic sweetness, and the apples adding delightful bursts of freshness and moisture.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep molasses sweetness and moisture to the bread, enhancing its rich flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings classic warmth and spice that perfectly complements the tartness of the apples.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and help bind all the ingredients together for a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and aids in creating a golden crust.
- Butter, melted: Infuses richness and keeps the bread moist throughout.
- Vanilla extract: Lifts the flavors with a subtle fragrant note.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the bread’s tender yet sturdy texture.
- Baking powder: Provides gentle lift for a soft, fluffy crumb.
- Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to ensure perfect rising and browning.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
- Chopped apples (Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp): Fresh, juicy chunks add bursts of tartness and natural moisture.
How to Make Apple Bread
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your Apple Bread comes out cleanly and keeps its beautiful shape.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
Whisk together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture will add delicious pockets of sweet spice that create the signature swirls making this Apple Bread so memorable.
Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a light base that will give your bread a tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Butter and Vanilla
Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until everything is smooth. The melted butter lends a lush, moist texture while vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined—the batter will be thick, which is exactly how you want it for a moist bread.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples
Fold in the chopped apples carefully so that they are evenly distributed without breaking up too much. These juicy apples will keep your Apple Bread lively and full of texture.
Step 7: Assemble the Layers
Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Then, spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer and finish by sprinkling the remaining cinnamon sugar on top. Use a knife or spoon to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter, creating those irresistible marbled ribbons.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the bread is browning too quickly, tent it with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes to keep it from burning.
Step 9: Cool Completely
Let your Apple Bread cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool fully. This step helps the bread set properly and makes slicing a breeze.
How to Serve Apple Bread
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can elevate your Apple Bread without overpowering its natural flavors. For an extra special touch, a smear of cinnamon butter or cream cheese spread makes every bite heavenly.
Side Dishes
Apple Bread pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea, making it an ideal breakfast companion. It’s also wonderful alongside creamy yogurt or a bowl of fresh fruit salad for a balanced and inviting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving warm slices of Apple Bread topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert. You can also cut into small cubes and toast them to make crunchy, sweet croutons perfect for adding to salads or yogurt bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Apple Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This way, it keeps its moisture and soft texture, ready whenever you crave a slice.
Freezing
Apple Bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. It will keep fresh and flavorful for up to three months.
Reheating
To bring your Apple Bread to life after freezing or storing, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until just heated through. This revives its tender texture and intensifies that wonderful cinnamon aroma.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this Apple Bread?
Absolutely! While Pink Lady, Gala, and Honeycrisp are recommended for their flavor and texture, you can substitute with any firm, crisp apple that holds up well to baking, such as Fuji or Granny Smith for a tarter twist.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended to ensure a smoother texture, but if you like a bit of extra fiber and color, you can leave the skins on after washing the apples thoroughly.
Can I make this Apple Bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still shine.
How should I slice the bread for serving?
Once cooled, slice the bread into ½- to ¾-inch thick pieces to enjoy the perfect balance of tender crumb and apple chunks in every bite.
Can I add nuts or raisins to this recipe?
For sure! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins make fantastic additions for extra crunch and flavor—just fold about ½ cup of your choice into the batter along with the apples.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Bread has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. It’s the kind of bake that fills your home with warmth and invites you to slow down and savor simple pleasures. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself reaching for it day after day, apple season or not.
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Apple Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Bread recipe is a moist, flavorful treat perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting baked good. Featuring a blend of cinnamon-spiced brown sugar and fresh chopped apples folded into a tender, buttery batter, this loaf offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice. Its swirled cinnamon sugar topping adds an extra touch of warmth and texture. Serve it warm or at room temperature for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Apple Bread Batter
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped apples (Pink Lady, Gala, Honeycrisp – peeled and chopped, about 2 apples)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat 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 cinnamon until well combined. Set this mixture aside for layering.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until fully combined and slightly frothy, which ensures a light texture.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract to the egg mixture until smooth and homogeneous.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix gently just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the bread tough. The batter will be thick.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without mashing them.
- 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 layer.
- Top with Remaining Batter and Cinnamon Sugar: Carefully spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Using a knife or spoon, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the Bread: Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the bread starts to brown too fast, tent it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes to prevent overbrowning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice and serve. The bread is delicious warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can use any sweet, crisp apple variety such as Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp for best flavor and texture.
- Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the bread tender.
- For added texture, consider stirring in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans along with the apples.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week.
- The bread also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
- 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: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: apple bread recipe, cinnamon apple bread, fall bread recipes, moist apple loaf, cinnamon sugar loaf
