Apple Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that fills your kitchen with cozy autumn aromas, Apple Bread is a must-bake. This moist, flavorful loaf is bursting with chunks of juicy apples and swirled with cinnamon sugar, creating the ultimate comfort food for breakfast, dessert, or anytime in between. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven with a pat of butter or tuck slices into lunchboxes for a midday pick-me-up, Apple Bread always delivers a lovely taste of home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Apple Bread is so approachable, yet each component brings something special. Simple pantry staples join forces with fresh apples and a swirl of cinnamon sugar to create a loaf that’s tender, sweet, and perfectly spiced.

• White granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb in every slice.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, holding everything together while ensuring a soft yet sturdy loaf.
• Baking powder: Adds the lift, making your Apple Bread rise beautifully in the oven.
• Salt: Just enough to balance the sweet and enhance all the flavors.
• Eggs (large): Bind the loaf and add moisture for a rich, supple texture.
• Milk: Helps ensure every bite is moist and delicious, warming up the flavors even more.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb incredibly moist and tender without overpowering the apple flavor.
• Apples (diced and peeled): The star ingredient, delivering sweet-tart bites and keeping the bread ultra juicy.
• Ground cinnamon (for batter): Invites a comforting, spicy aroma that pairs beautifully with apples.
• White granulated sugar (for swirl): Used with the cinnamon for that magical swirl topping.
• Ground cinnamon (for swirl): Swirled in before baking to create beautiful marbled slices and an irresistibly crisp top.

How to Make Apple Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take a minute to grease your loaf pans well, whether you’re using butter or a simple non-stick spray—this will help your Apple Bread release without sticking or crumbling.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This gentle mixing ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, helping your Apple Bread bake up nice and uniform.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the eggs, milk, and vegetable oil just until blended. This base gives your bread its signature richness and delightful texture.

Step 4: Bring It All Together with Apples and Cinnamon

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet; mix until no streaks of flour remain, but don’t over-mix. Now, gently fold in those lovely diced apples and a tablespoon of cinnamon. The apples infuse the batter with juicy bites, while the cinnamon ties every flavor together.

Step 5: Fill the Pans

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pans, filling each about two-thirds full. This gives the Apple Bread room to rise without overflowing or developing an uneven top.

Step 6: Swirl in the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, stir together the last bit of sugar and cinnamon. Spoon this mixture evenly over each loaf and use a knife to gently swirl it into the top layer of the batter, creating ribbons of sweet spice in every slice.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the pans in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes. You’ll know your Apple Bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and your kitchen smells like the very definition of comfort.

How to Serve Apple Bread

Garnishes

Nothing beats the classic look of a warm loaf with a beautiful cinnamon-sugar crust, but you can always add a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving, or a drizzle of thin vanilla glaze for a richer finish. If you’re feeling fancy, add a few thin apple slices on top, or dust with a bit of extra cinnamon for a rustic look.

Side Dishes

Apple Bread pairs so well with a hot mug of coffee or spiced tea on a chilly morning. For a cozy brunch, serve it alongside creamy yogurt, a fruit salad, or even scrambled eggs—its sweetness complements savory flavors perfectly. It’s versatile enough to star at your holiday breakfast spread or as a sweet afternoon snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing Apple Bread thickly and toasting it, then serving with a pat of good butter or a spoonful of apple or pumpkin butter. Cube it for a lovely bread pudding, or even use it as a base for French toast. Mini loaves make charming homemade gifts—wrap in parchment and tie with twine for a heartfelt touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Apple Bread is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It will stay moist and tasty on the counter for up to three days, and in the fridge for about a week. Slices stay fresh for grab-and-go breakfasts all week long!

Freezing

To freeze Apple Bread, wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. It freezes beautifully for up to three months. When you’re ready for a slice, just let it thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.

Reheating

Pop slices of Apple Bread in the toaster or microwave for a few seconds to refresh that just-baked taste and texture. For a crispier edge, you can reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat with a touch of butter.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! Use whatever apples you have on hand. Tart varieties like Granny Smith hold their shape and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness, while sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp will melt slightly, giving a softer texture.

Can I make Apple Bread gluten-free?

Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 replacement that contains xanthan gum for structure, and check results as some brands vary in absorption.

Why isn’t my Apple Bread rising?

This could be caused by expired baking powder or overmixing the batter. Always use fresh leavening, and stop mixing as soon as the dry and wet come together for the fluffiest loaf.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Definitely! Walnuts, pecans, or even toasted hazelnuts add crunch, while raisins or dried cranberries bring a chewy, sweet note. Limit add-ins to no more than a cup so the loaf holds together.

What’s the best way to keep Apple Bread moist?

Wrapping the loaf tightly soon after cooling preserves its moisture. Store at room temperature unless your kitchen is especially warm or humid, and avoid slicing until you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking up a loaf of Apple Bread with your own two hands. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug, ready for sharing (or not!). I hope you’ll try this Apple Bread soon—once you smell that cinnamon sweet aroma filling your kitchen, it might just become your new go-to treat.

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