Why Make This Recipe
Apple bread is a delightful fall treat that brings the warm flavors of the season into your kitchen. With its moist texture and sweet apple chunks, this bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. It’s simple to make, using common ingredients that are often found in your pantry. The warm aroma of cinnamon and baked apples will fill your home, making it feel cozy and inviting. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying a slice with your coffee, apple bread is a recipe worth trying.
How to Make Apple Bread
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 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)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and cinnamon and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until they are well combined.
- Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. The batter will be thick.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the brown sugar mixture over the batter.
- Carefully spread the remaining batter on top of the brown sugar mixture. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar over the top and gently swirl it into the batter using a knife or spoon.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or 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, cover it with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Apple Bread
Apple bread is best served warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy it plain, or with a spread of butter for added richness. It also pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee. For something special, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
How to Store Apple Bread
To store apple bread, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and reheat it in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make Apple Bread
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a deeper flavor.
- Make sure your butter is melted and cooled slightly before mixing it with the eggs to avoid cooking them.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix until combined to keep the bread tender.
- For added texture, consider throwing in some chopped nuts or raisins.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Another variation is to include dried cranberries or a splash of lemon zest for added flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes! You can try using pears, peaches, or a mix of different fruits in place of the apples.
2. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
3. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar, but it might slightly affect the sweetness and texture of the bread. Consider adding a little more apple for natural sweetness if you choose to lower the sugar amount.
Apple Bread
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 55
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful fall treat with moist texture and sweet apple chunks, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until well combined.
- Stir in melted butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined; the batter will be thick.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the brown sugar mixture over the batter.
- Spread the remaining batter on top of the sugar mixture. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar over the top and gently swirl into the batter.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
Best served warm or at room temperature. Pairs well with butter, tea, or coffee.