If you love the irresistible aroma and comforting flavors of apple pie but want something a bit more portable and unique, this Apple Pie Bread Recipe is just what you need. Imagine biting into a moist, tender loaf packed with warm cinnamon-spiced apples, perfectly balanced with a touch of nutmeg and a sugary crumb topping that’s simply addictive. This recipe transforms all the classic elements of apple pie into a delightful quick bread that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, filling your kitchen with cozy fall vibes no matter the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of this Apple Pie Bread Recipe is part of what makes it so wonderful. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture, making this loaf irresistibly moist and flavorful.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the bread while keeping it light and tender.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread to rise, ensuring a fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for perfect leavening.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that signature apple pie warmth and spice.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A cozy, aromatic spice that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich moisture and a tender crumb.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread while helping with browning.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
- 1 cup apples, peeled, cored, and chopped: The star ingredient, adding juicy bursts of freshness in every bite.
- ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk): Adds moistness and a subtle tang that enhances the spices.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping): Creates a sweet, crunchy crust when baked.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping): Provides a spicy finish that’s classic apple pie through and through.
How to Make Apple Pie Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature exactly when your batter is ready. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to keep the bread from sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This dry mixture combines the essential spices and leavening agents that give the bread its rise and that classic warm flavor.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, cream together your softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to a tender crumb and helps the bread develop a lovely texture. Then, add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting aroma.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture while alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mix. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread dense. Finally, gently fold in the chopped apples so they stay evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Pour the Batter and Add the Topping
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. For an optional but oh-so-delicious finishing touch, combine 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and sprinkle it evenly over the batter. This sugary topping will bake into a delightful crust that adds texture and flavor.
Step 6: Bake the Apple Pie Bread
Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the bread starts to brown too quickly on top, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes to prevent burning while allowing the inside to finish baking perfectly.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy Your Apple Pie Bread Recipe
Once out of the oven, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This step helps the loaf to set and makes slicing easier without crumbling.
How to Serve Apple Pie Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This Apple Pie Bread Recipe is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate it with some garnish ideas that amp up the experience. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty, snowy touch and a bit more sweetness. Alternatively, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce makes it feel extra special for dessert.
Side Dishes
Pairing your slice of apple pie bread with a hot beverage like chai tea, coffee, or apple cider creates a cozy combo that makes mornings or afternoons feel like a warm hug. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a bowl of creamy vanilla yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the spices and sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the bread thickly and toast it lightly, then smear with cream cheese or a cinnamon butter spread. You can also cube the bread to create a fall-inspired bread pudding or offer it at brunch as part of a baked French toast casserole. The versatility of this Apple Pie Bread Recipe means it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover apple pie bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping it sealed ensures it stays moist and flavorful, perfect for enjoying later without losing its delightful texture.
Freezing
If you want to make this Apple Pie Bread Recipe ahead of time or save some for later, freezing works beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months, ready to thaw whenever you want a comforting treat.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen or leftover bread, gently warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring back that freshly baked feeling. Adding a little butter or a smear of cream cheese can make each bite taste like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in this Apple Pie Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work wonderfully. Just choose apples that hold their shape during baking and offer a good balance of tartness and sweetness.
Can I substitute the buttermilk with regular milk?
Yes, regular milk works fine in this recipe. For a similar tang, you can add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a half cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Is it okay to add nuts or raisins to the batter?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins can add nice texture and flavor to the bread. Fold them in with the apples during Step 4 for the best distribution.
How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?
The best way is to insert a toothpick or skewer into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your bread is perfectly baked.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can try substituting the flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend, but results may vary. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Pie Bread Recipe is such a delightful way to enjoy all the comforting flavors of apple pie in a simple, handheld loaf. Its moist texture, warm spices, and sweet apple chunks make it an instant favorite for every season. I can’t wait for you to try it and create your own delicious memories with this wonderful recipe. Happy baking, my friend!
Print
Apple Pie Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (12 servings)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delightful Apple Pie Bread combines the comforting flavors of classic apple pie with the convenience of a quick bread. Moist, spiced, and studded with tender apple pieces, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Its cinnamon-sugar topping adds a sweet, crunchy finish, making each slice a flavorful treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1 cup apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces
Topping (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Set aside for later use.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and ¾ cup granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This aerates the batter and helps create a tender crumb. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk (starting and ending with the dry ingredients). Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Finally, fold in the chopped apples carefully to ensure even distribution without breaking them down.
- Pour into the Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula for uniform baking.
- Make the Topping (Optional): In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the batter to add a sweet and crunchy crust.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If the bread starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the final 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Serve as is or with butter or cream cheese for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Using buttermilk adds tenderness and a slight tang; regular milk can be substituted if needed.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Don’t overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to avoid a dense texture.
- The cinnamon-sugar topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This bread can also be frozen—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
