Apple bread is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of fresh apples with warm spices, creating a perfect loaf for any time of year. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast option, a snack, or a dessert, this bread is sure to please your taste buds. Its tender crumb and comforting flavors make it a favorite among both bakers and eaters alike.
Why Make This Recipe
Making apple bread at home is not only easy but also rewarding. You can use fresh apples to create a moist and flavorful loaf that is free from preservatives. Plus, the aroma of baking apples and cinnamon will fill your kitchen, making it a cozy space for everyone. This recipe is perfect for using up extra apples and makes for an excellent gift or shareable treat for friends and family.
How to Make Apple Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped apples (200 grams)
- 2 tablespoons packed light or dark brown sugar (25 grams)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled) (250 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) (115 grams)
- ½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar (100 grams)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (70 grams)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (120 grams)
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk (120 ml)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled) (30 grams)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (40 grams)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Set aside.
- To make the cinnamon sugar apples, combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl and stir until well mixed. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer or large bowl with a handheld mixer, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for 3 to 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and then mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients in two parts, alternating with the milk. Mix each addition until just combined.
- Use a slotted spoon to add the chopped apples to the batter, leaving behind any excess juice. Gently fold the apples into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- For the cinnamon sugar topping, pour the melted butter on top of the batter.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the melted butter.
- Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Tent with foil for the last 20 to 25 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the bread out of the pan and allow it to cool completely before slicing.
How to Serve Apple Bread
Apple bread can be served warm or at room temperature. Enjoy it on its own, or spread a little butter or cream cheese for extra flavor. It’s also delicious with a cup of coffee or tea.
How to Store Apple Bread
Store any leftover apple bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer, where it can last for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Apple Bread
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for added flavor.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to achieve a light and fluffy batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter once you add the apples; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
Variation
You can add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a crunchy texture. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can also be included for added sweetness and chewiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can substitute apples with other fruits such as pears or berries, adjusting the spices accordingly.
2. Is apple bread gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free, but you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend as needed.
3. Can I make mini loaves of apple bread?
Yes, you can use mini loaf pans. Adjust the baking time to about 30-40 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
Enjoy your homemade apple bread! It’s a perfect recipe to warm your kitchen and satisfy your sweet tooth. Happy baking!
Apple Bread
Ingredients
Cinnamon Sugar Apples
- 1.5 cups finely chopped apples Approximately 200 grams
- 2 tablespoons packed light or dark brown sugar Approximately 25 grams
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled) Approximately 250 grams
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon ground allspice
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter (softened) Approximately 115 grams
- 0.5 cup packed light or dark brown sugar Approximately 100 grams
- 0.33 cup granulated sugar Approximately 70 grams
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 0.5 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt Approximately 120 grams
- 1.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup whole milk Approximately 120 ml
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled) Approximately 30 grams
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar Approximately 40 grams
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon to make the cinnamon sugar apples. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer or large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for 3 to 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients in two parts, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.
- Use a slotted spoon to add the chopped apples to the batter, leaving behind any excess juice, and gently fold the apples into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- For the cinnamon sugar topping, pour the melted butter on top of the batter.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the melted butter.
Baking
- Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Tent with foil for the last 20 to 25 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the bread out of the pan and allow it to cool completely before slicing.
