Apple bread is a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. With the sweet aroma of apples and warm spices filling your kitchen, this bread is perfect for cozy afternoons or as a wonderful gift for friends and family. It’s easy to make, and the best part is how soft and flavorful it is.
Why Make This Recipe
This apple bread recipe is a great way to use fresh apples, especially during the fall season when they are at their best. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also simple enough for beginners to try. The blend of brown sugar and cinnamon gives it a lovely flavor that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it makes your home smell wonderful while baking!
How to Make Apple Bread
Ingredients
- 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 – peeled and chopped, about 2 apples)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Set it aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for later.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until they are well combined.
- Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- Add in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until everything is just combined. The batter will be quite thick.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the brown sugar mixture over this layer of batter.
- Spread the remaining batter on top of the brown sugar mixture. Then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar over the top and gently swirl it into the batter using a knife or spoon.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the bread comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). If the bread is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Apple Bread
Apple bread is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with butter or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness. It’s perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even for dessert. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea!
How to Store Apple Bread
To store apple bread, let it cool completely and then wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just slice the bread, wrap it in plastic, and put it in a freezer bag. It will keep for about 3 months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Apple Bread
- Make sure your apples are fresh for the best flavor.
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a well-balanced taste.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter; mix until just combined for a fluffier bread.
- If you want a little extra crunch, consider adding some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans.
Variation
You can experiment with different spices like nutmeg or allspice to give your apple bread a unique flavor. Adding raisins or cranberries can also add a nice touch!
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any variety of apples. However, sweeter apples like Gala or Honeycrisp work best in this recipe.
2. How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
3. Can I make this into muffins instead of a loaf?
Absolutely! You can pour the batter into muffin tins and bake for about 18-20 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Enjoy making and sharing this tasty apple bread!
Apple Bread
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 2 cups chopped apples Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp, peeled and chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Set it aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for later.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until they are well combined.
- Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- Add in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until everything is just combined. The batter will be quite thick.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples.
Baking
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the brown sugar mixture over this layer of batter.
- Spread the remaining batter on top of the brown sugar mixture. Then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar over the top and gently swirl it into the batter using a knife or spoon.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the bread comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). If the bread is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.