Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Fall Flavor: With a mix of sweet apples and fragrant cinnamon, this bread is the ultimate fall comfort food.

• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and requires just a few basic ingredients. You don’t need to be a baking pro to make this delicious loaf!

• Moist and Delicious: The bread stays moist thanks to the apples and butter, and the cinnamon swirl creates a flavorful, aromatic touch.

• Versatile: Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert after dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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 – any apples that are good for baking, peeled and chopped, about 2 apples)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar and cinnamon and set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until well combined.

4. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until smooth.

5. Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. The batter will be thick.

6. Gently fold in the chopped apples.

7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the brown sugar mixture over the batter.

8. Carefully spread the remaining batter on top of the brown sugar mixture. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the top and gently swirl it into the batter using a knife or spoon.

9. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted 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.

10. Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 35–45 minutes

• Total Time: 45–55 minutes

Variations

• Add Nuts: For a little crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.

• Use Other Fruits: If you prefer a different flavor, you can replace the apples with pears or even blueberries.

• Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a bit of milk or lemon juice) on top for a sweet finishing touch.

• Vegan Version: Swap the eggs for flax eggs and use plant-based butter for a vegan-friendly version of this apple bread.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the apple bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days. If you'd like it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.

• Freezing: This bread freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or toast it lightly for a delicious treat.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?

Yes! Apples like Pink Lady, Gala, and Honeycrisp are great for baking. You want apples that hold their shape well and are a bit tart to balance the sweetness.

2. Can I add nuts to the apple bread?

Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch to the bread. Just fold them into the batter along with the apples.

3. How do I store leftover apple bread?

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze it.

4. Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, this bread is perfect for making ahead. It stays fresh for several days and even improves in flavor as it sits!

5. How can I tell if the bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.

6. Can I make this recipe in a different-sized pan?

Yes, if you use a different-sized loaf pan, be aware that the cooking time may need to be adjusted. Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes.

7. Why is my bread too dry?

If your bread is too dry, you might have overmixed the batter or baked it for too long. Be sure to mix just until the ingredients are combined, and check for doneness early.

8. Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?

Yes, you can use melted coconut oil as a substitute for butter if you prefer a dairy-free version.

9. How do I make sure the cinnamon swirl stays intact?

Make sure to carefully layer the batter and cinnamon-sugar mixture, and gently swirl it with a knife to keep the swirl from sinking into the bread.

10. Can I use a gluten-free flour blend?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture and taste may vary slightly.

Conclusion

This homemade apple bread is the perfect fall treat, bursting with cinnamon and apple flavors in every bite. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast, snack, or dessert, it’s a comforting and easy recipe to make. With the option to customize it with your favorite add-ins, you’ll want to bake this again and again!

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