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
Scale
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.
