If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting treat that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and fresh apples, this Apple Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s the perfect blend of moist, tender crumb and crisp, juicy pieces of apple throughout, creating a flavor that feels both nostalgic and delightfully fresh. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, this Apple Bread Recipe promises to become a fast favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Bread Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each one plays a key role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The basic structure for the bread’s tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully for a light texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to ensure the bread’s perfect lift.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that signature warm, spicy note that pairs wonderfully with apple.
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle, earthy depth to complement the cinnamon.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Keeps the bread rich and moist without overpowering the apples.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread just right for a perfect balance with the tartness of the apples.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with a lovely aromatic touch.
- ½ cup milk: Moisturizes the batter to create a tender texture.
- 1 ½ cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples): The star ingredient bringing freshness, juiciness, and a natural sweetness.
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Gives a delightful crunch and nutty contrast.
How to Make Apple Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This warming up of the oven helps the bread bake evenly, while a well-greased pan prevents sticking, ensuring your loaf slides out perfectly when done.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mix is the backbone of your Apple Bread Recipe’s flavor and texture, distributing the spices and leavening agents evenly throughout the loaf.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar with the Eggs
In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and lightly combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time to build richness, then stir in the vanilla extract for that subtle, sweet fragrance that lingers in every bite.
Step 4: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, stirring gently until just combined. This careful folding keeps your bread from becoming tough while ensuring an even batter.
Step 5: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Gently fold the peeled and chopped apples and optional walnuts or pecans into the batter. This step is key to having Apple Bread Recipe with chunks of tender fruit throughout, along with a delightful crunch if you choose to add nuts.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. This baking time allows the apples to soften fully while the spices mingle into every morsel.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step ensures clean slices revealing the warm, inviting texture inside your Apple Bread Recipe.
How to Serve Apple Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and a hint of extra sweetness, or spread a pat of cinnamon butter for a melty, flavorful finish that complements the apple and spice perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Apple Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a comforting afternoon snack. For breakfast, serve alongside yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream for a satisfying start to your day.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread thick and toasting it lightly before spreading cream cheese or almond butter. You can also use it as a base for a sweet bread pudding or French toast to reinvent this classic into new, delicious forms.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps your Apple Bread Recipe fresh and ready to enjoy without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze whole or sliced apple bread for up to three months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag to preserve its moisture and flavor perfectly.
Reheating
To bring your Apple Bread Recipe back to life, gently warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave. This refreshes the texture and aroma, making it taste like it’s just come out of the oven again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties like Fuji work well. Just choose apples that hold their texture so they don’t turn mushy during baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, you can enjoy the Apple Bread Recipe without gluten. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for structure.
Do the nuts affect the moisture of the bread?
Nuts add a lovely crunch but won’t significantly change the moisture level. If you prefer nut-free bread, simply omit them for a smoother texture.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly for a less sweet bread. Keep in mind that sugar also helps with moisture and tenderness, so don’t cut too much at once.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best test is inserting a toothpick into the center — if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s perfectly done. Also, the top will be golden brown and spring back when pressed gently.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Bread Recipe is a heartwarming addition to any baking repertoire, bursting with cinnamon-spiced apple goodness in every slice. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or saving a quiet moment for yourself, it’s a delicious way to bring a little comfort and joy to your day. Give it a try — I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for any occasion.
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Apple Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This moist and flavorful Apple Bread is a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. Made with fresh apples, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and optionally enhanced with crunchy nuts, this loaf offers a comforting texture and taste. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, it’s an ideal recipe to showcase the natural sweetness of apples in a soft, tender bread.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
Additional Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure they incorporate fully, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread tough.
- Add Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the peeled and chopped apples along with the optional chopped walnuts or pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top for even baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps the bread set and makes it easier to cut.
Notes
- The optional nuts add a nice crunch, but you can omit them for a nut-free version.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangier flavor, or sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala for a milder taste.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- You can also freeze slices of bread for up to 2 months and thaw them as needed.
