Apple Bread Recipe

If ever there was a comfort bake meant for brisk mornings and cozy afternoons, this Apple Bread Recipe is it! Packed with juicy bits of apple, a touch of cinnamon spice, and crowned with a sweet, crackly top, each slice is moist and fragrant—perfect for snacking, breakfast, or sharing with friends over coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how streamlined the ingredient list for this Apple Bread Recipe is. Each element is chosen for a reason—combining to deliver the most tender crumb, balanced sweetness, and beautiful golden color.

• 1 large apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): This is the star ingredient, providing juicy chunks and subtle tartness that keeps every slice from feeling too sweet.
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for your bread, just the right amount to create a soft, hearty crumb without making it dense.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Brings classic sweetness and a touch of crispness on top if sprinkled before baking.
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like depth and enhances the bread’s moist texture.
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon: This warm spice pairs perfectly with apples and brings that unmistakable bakery aroma.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda and ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Together, these leaveners ensure your loaf rises beautifully without becoming heavy.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Just a pinch balances all the flavors and prevents the bread from being cloying.
• ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg: For extra coziness and a hint of depth alongside the cinnamon.
• 2 large eggs, beaten: Eggs bind everything together and add richness to the finished loaf.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Butter adds unmistakable flavor and richness—no dry bread here!
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds lovely crunch and a nutty finish, completely optional but so, so good.

Variations

Part of the magic of this Apple Bread Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and personalize it. Whether you want to play with flavors, swap ingredients for dietary needs, or jazz it up for a special occasion, the options are deliciously endless.

• Add a Streusel Topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, and a little butter for a crumby, bakery-style finish.
• Go Nut-Free: Simply leave out the walnuts or pecans—your bread will still be moist and flavorful without the crunch.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and double-check your baking powder to keep things celiac-friendly.
• Mix in Dried Fruit: Toss in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for bursts of tart-sweet flavor in every bite.
• Spice It Up: Try adding ground ginger or cardamom for a unique twist on classic apple spice.

How to Make Apple Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Preheat

Start by greasing an 8×4-inch loaf pan, then line it with parchment paper, letting the sides overhang for easy lifting later. Preheat your oven to 350°F—getting this step done upfront makes everything so much smoother once the batter’s ready.

Step 2: Grate or Chop the Apple

Peeled and cored, your apple can be grated on the largest holes of a cheese grater for a more evenly moist texture or chopped into small pieces for little apple gems in every slice. Set it aside—try not to snack on too much, I know it’s tempting!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. This step evenly distributes the leavening and spices, so you get perfect flavor and lift in every bite.

Step 4: Stir in the Wet Ingredients

Pour in your beaten eggs and warm melted butter, then stir until the mixture is fully combined. The batter will look a bit thick—but that’s exactly what you want for a dense, moist apple bread.

Step 5: Fold in Apples & Nuts

Fold your grated apple and nuts (if you’re using them) gently into the batter. Make sure everything is evenly mixed in so every bite bursts with flavor and texture.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top. Sprinkle extra granulated sugar on top if you crave a sweet, crackly crust. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until a pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before lifting out to cool completely on a rack. Patience is key—the crumb sets as it cools!

How to Serve Apple Bread Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze. A scattering of toasted nuts or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar right before baking adds a lovely finish both in texture and appearance.

Side Dishes

This Apple Bread Recipe is downright dreamy served with a pat of salted butter or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair it with a mug of spiced chai, coffee, or even apple cider for a comforting breakfast or snack spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice and serve on a rustic wooden board for a cozy fall brunch, or cut into thick squares and wrap individually for a grab-and-go treat. Turn leftovers into a sweet breakfast by toasting wedges and adding a scoop of vanilla yogurt and honey.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover apple bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to five days—if you can make it last that long!

Freezing

Want to stash some slices for later? Once cooled, wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To recapture that oven-fresh magic, pop slices in the microwave for a few seconds or warm in the oven (covered) at 300°F until just heated through. A pat of butter while warm is pure bliss!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy, soul-satisfying bake that guarantees smiles, you can’t go wrong with this Apple Bread Recipe. It’s the kind of classic that’s just as good as a breakfast treat or an after-dinner dessert—slice it thick, pour yourself something warm, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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