Apple Bread Recipe
If you are craving a cozy, comforting treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Apple Bread is just the recipe you need to try. Bursting with tender chunks of crisp apples and infused with the perfect balance of cinnamon and sweetness, Apple Bread transforms simple pantry staples into a delightful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or an anytime pick-me-up. Whether you bake it for a casual weekend breakfast or a homemade gift to share, this Apple Bread will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Apple Bread is simpler than you might think, and each one plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible flavor and tender crumb. From the warm spices to the juicy apples, every item adds its own charm to this classic loaf.
- Brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the apples perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and a hint of spice that awakens the taste buds.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and moisture, making the bread tender yet sturdy.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the flavors with a touch of straightforward sweetness.
- Butter, melted: Lends richness and a buttery depth that enhances every bite.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the overall aroma and flavor with a subtle, sweet perfume.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, ensuring a soft but firm texture.
- Baking powder: Helps the bread rise for a light, airy crumb.
- Baking soda: Works with the acidic apples to produce a tender texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Chopped apples: The star ingredient, bringing juicy bursts of freshness and natural sweetness. Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp varieties work best.
How to Make Apple Bread
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures the perfect baking temperature from the moment your Apple Bread goes in. Grease and flour an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal once your bread is baked to golden perfection.
Step 2: Mix Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This cinnamon sugar mixture will add bursts of sweet and spicy flavor layered beautifully in the bread, creating that distinctive taste we all love about Apple Bread.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar until they are fully combined and smooth. Then blend in the melted butter and vanilla extract, ensuring you have a luscious, velvety base to build your batter on.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Next, stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt just until everything is mixed. It’s important not to overmix here, because you want the bread to be tender and moist. The batter will be thick, so no worries if it looks a little dense.
Step 5: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter to evenly distribute those juicy pieces. This gives every slice a delightful crunch and bursts of sweet-tart freshness, which define the magic of Apple Bread.
Step 6: Layer and Swirl the Batter
Pour half the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the cinnamon sugar mixture over it. Then carefully pour the remaining batter on top. Finish with the remaining cinnamon sugar sprinkled over the top, and gently swirl with a knife or spoon to create a beautiful marbled effect that gives the bread extra texture and flavor.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If your Apple Bread is browning too quickly, tent it with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes so it finishes baking without burning.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan for about 20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool fully. Slicing too early can cause it to crumble, so patience here rewards you with perfect, clean slices of Apple Bread.
How to Serve Apple Bread
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey can brighten up Apple Bread beautifully. For an extra special touch, spread a pat of cinnamon butter or cream cheese on top. These add-ons elevate the flavor and make each bite extra indulgent.
Side Dishes
Apple Bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of warm chai tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. For a heartier breakfast, serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a fruit salad. These sides complement the bread’s sweetness perfectly and make for a balanced, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch or a party, slice the Apple Bread into smaller pieces and serve on a decorative platter with bowls of cream cheese frosting or nut butter. You could also transform slices into French toast or use them as the base for a bread pudding. Apple Bread’s versatility makes it a star ingredient for many creative dishes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Apple Bread has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Kept at room temperature, it will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigeration is an option but be sure to bring slices back to room temperature or toast them for the best flavor.
Freezing
Apple Bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then again in foil or place it in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again, and you’ll have that fresh-baked taste waiting for you without the wait.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through. This gently refreshes the bread without drying it out. A quick zap in the microwave is fine for a faster option but generally yields a softer, slightly chewy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for Apple Bread?
Absolutely! While varieties like Pink Lady, Gala, and Honeycrisp work great because of their balanced sweetness and firmness, you can experiment with any apple you prefer. Just keep in mind that softer apples might make the bread a little moister.
Do I really need to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples is recommended for a smoother texture within your Apple Bread, but if you like a bit more rustic feel and extra fiber, leaving the skins on is perfectly fine. Just make sure to wash them well.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just check that your baking powder is also gluten-free. The bread may be slightly denser but will still be delicious.
How do I prevent the Apple Bread from drying out?
Overbaking is the main culprit, so keep an eye toward the end of the baking time and check with a toothpick. Also, make sure to store leftover bread properly in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
Is Apple Bread suitable for freezing and storing long-term?
Yes, Apple Bread freezes very well and can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight at room temperature or warm it up gently before serving for a fresh-baked experience anytime.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Bread is hands down a crowd-pleaser that brings joyful warmth to your kitchen. The lovely crunch of fresh apples paired with that cozy swirl of cinnamon sugar makes each slice a little moment of happiness. I can’t recommend enough that you give this Apple Bread a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort baking recipe to share and enjoy all year round.
Print
Apple Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist and flavorful Apple Bread is a perfect fall treat, combining the natural sweetness of chopped apples with warm cinnamon spices. Easy to make and ideal for breakfast or a cozy snack, it features a delightful cinnamon sugar swirl that adds a lovely texture and taste.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Sugar and 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
Produce
- 2 cups chopped apples (Pink Lady, Gala, Honeycrisp – peeled and chopped, about 2 apples)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and 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 until well combined. Set this mixture aside for later layering.
- Combine Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the two large eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a light batter base.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently until just combined. The batter will be thick but smooth.
- Incorporate Apples: Carefully fold the chopped apples into the batter to evenly distribute them without breaking them down.
- 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 first layer.
- Top with Remaining Batter and Cinnamon Sugar: Spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer. Then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar on top, and gently swirl it into the batter with a knife or spoon for a marbled effect.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the loaf for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the bread browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps the bread set and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp apples like Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the brown sugar cinnamon mixture slightly.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
- This bread stores well wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
- To enhance the flavor, you can add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- 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: 15g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: apple bread, cinnamon bread, fall recipes, breakfast bread, easy apple recipe, cinnamon swirl bread
