Name: Apple Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
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)

Jump to Recipe

There’s something truly magical about Apple Bread that instantly brings warmth and comfort to any kitchen. This delightful loaf combines the sweet, tart juiciness of fresh apples with cozy spices like cinnamon, resulting in a tender, moist bread that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. I love how easy it is to make, with simple ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a treat that feels homemade and special every single time. Whether you’re slicing it fresh from the oven or enjoying it toasted with butter, Apple Bread never fails to brighten my day and I can’t wait to share this favorite with you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Apple Bread is straightforward and fun. Each one plays a vital role, from the sweetness of brown sugar to the fluffy texture achieved by baking powder and soda. Using fresh apples adds natural moisture and bursts of flavor, while cinnamon brings a warm aroma that instantly feels like home.

Brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel sweetness that enhances the apple and cinnamon flavors beautifully.
Ground cinnamon: Offers warm, spicy notes that make this bread irresistibly fragrant.
Large eggs: Provide structure and help bind the bread together perfectly.
Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness with fine granules that integrate well into the batter.
Butter, melted: Delivers richness and keeps the bread moist and tender.
Vanilla extract: Brings a subtle, sweet depth that complements the apples wonderfully.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the bread for a hearty, satisfying crumb.
Baking powder: Ensures the bread rises nicely for a light texture.
Baking soda: Reacts with the acidic apples and enhances browning.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts all the flavors.
Chopped apples: The star of the show—fresh, peeled, and chopped Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp apples add juicy bites throughout the bread.

How to Make Apple Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8 x 5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your Apple Bread doesn’t stick and comes out with clean edges.

Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture will create those luscious layers of sweetness and spice that swirl through your bread.

Step 3: Combine Eggs and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs together with the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step builds the foundation for a tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Butter and Vanilla

Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract, stirring gently until everything blends into a silky batter that smells heavenly.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, then add them to the wet ingredients. Stir just until everything is combined; be careful not to overmix to keep your Apple Bread light and tender.

Step 6: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter, ensuring each bite will have juicy bursts that balance the sweetness perfectly.

Step 7: Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Sugar

Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over it. Then spread the remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the cinnamon sugar sprinkled on. Use a knife or spoon to gently swirl the sugar into the top layer for a beautiful marbled effect.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Pop your Apple Bread into the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. It’s done when the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the bread is browning too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the Apple Bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This resting time lets the flavors develop even more and makes slicing neater.

How to Serve Apple Bread

Garnishes

Apple Bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a few garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, while a spread of cinnamon butter or cream cheese frosting brings extra indulgence. For a refreshing contrast, try a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon break. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweet, spiced flavors of the bread.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Slice the Apple Bread thick, toast lightly, and top with sliced apples and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a dessert-style treat. You can also cut into cubes and serve as part of a bread pudding or French toast bake, transforming this classic into something new and exciting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Apple Bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, consider refrigerating it to prolong freshness.

Freezing

Apple Bread freezes wonderfully! Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring you have homemade comfort food ready whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To bring your Apple Bread back to life, gently reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave. For that fresh-baked warmth and crisp edges, toast slices and add a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey to enjoy every last bite.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for Apple Bread?

Absolutely! While Pink Lady, Gala, and Honeycrisp are perfect for their balanced sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture, feel free to experiment with your favorite apples. Just keep in mind that softer apples might release more moisture into the bread.

Is it possible to make Apple Bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help the bread hold together well.

How do I prevent my Apple Bread from being too dense?

Mix your batter just until combined to avoid overworking the flour. Also, ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh to give proper rise. Folding in the apples gently helps keep the texture light and tender.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the recipe?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins add delightful texture and flavor. Add about ½ cup when you fold in the apples to distribute them evenly throughout the bread.

What’s the best way to slice Apple Bread?

Use a serrated bread knife and slice with a gentle sawing motion to avoid squishing the loaf. Letting the bread cool completely makes for easier and cleaner slices.

Final Thoughts

Baking Apple Bread is like wrapping yourself in a cozy, delicious hug from your own kitchen. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with flavors that remind us of crisp autumn days and family gatherings. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll find it hard to resist reaching for another slice! Enjoy making it your own and sharing the joy of Apple Bread with those you love.

Apple Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 14 reviews

Author: Andria
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Apple Bread recipe is a moist and flavorful loaf perfect for fall mornings or a cozy afternoon snack. Packed with fresh chopped apples and swirled with a cinnamon brown sugar mixture, it combines the sweet and spiced flavors that celebrate the season. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, this apple bread is a wonderful treat that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set it aside while you prepare the batter.
Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture will add a sweet and spicy swirl to your bread.
Combine Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring the sugar dissolves into the eggs.
Add Butter and Vanilla: Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract into the egg and sugar mixture until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
Add Dry Ingredients: Sift or add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. The batter will be thick, so avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Fold in Apples: Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking them down.
Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Sugar: Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter for a flavorful layer.
Top with Remaining Batter and Swirl: Carefully spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar on top and gently swirl it into the batter using a knife or spoon to create a beautiful cinnamon swirl effect.
Bake the Bread: Bake the loaf for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the bread appears to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes to prevent burning.
Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This sets the crumb and makes for easier slicing. Serve and enjoy your delicious apple bread.

Notes

Use firm yet ripe apples such as Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
Ensure eggs are at room temperature to help the batter mix more smoothly.
Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the bread tender and light.
Leftover bread stores well wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for longer storage.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American