Ad
Every time I make this Apple Bread, it transports me back to the cozy comfort of my grandmother’s kitchen. I can still picture her standing by the oven, the sweet aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through the air, filling the house with warmth and love. It was more than just a recipe; it was a family tradition, a way to bring everyone together over something delicious. And I promise you, once you try this recipe, it will become just as special to you!
Imagine biting into a slice of warm, freshly baked apple bread—moist, sweet, and dotted with chunks of tender apples, all topped off with a crumbly cinnamon streusel. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a chilly autumn morning or a casual Sunday brunch with friends. To help you create this comfort food masterpiece in your own kitchen, I’m sharing the full recipe right here. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delightful apple bread. I’ve included some personal notes to help you make it perfect.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh apples (peeled and diced) | 2 cups |
| Brown sugar (for streusel) | 1/2 cup |
| Ground cinnamon (for streusel) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Flour (for streusel) | 1/4 cup |
| Cold butter (for streusel) | 1/4 cup |
| Powdered sugar (for glaze) | 1 cup |
| Milk (for glaze) | 2 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract (for glaze) | 1/2 teaspoon |
I always recommend using fresh apples for the best flavor and texture. If you want to switch things up, try using a mix of sweet and tart apples!
Why I Love Making This Dish
There’s something truly magical about the combination of warm spices and sweet apples. You can’t help but feel cozy and nostalgic when you smell this bread baking. I often find myself reminiscing about family gatherings and holiday celebrations while it’s in the oven. Plus, it’s an incredibly forgiving recipe—you can tweak it to make it your own!
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking, let’s make sure you have everything. You’ll need an oven, a mixing bowl, and a loaf pan, ideally 9×5 inches. A good whisk and a spatula will help you achieve the perfect batter consistency.
Ads
Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get cooking!
Preheat the Oven: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this is key for that perfectly baked apple bread.
Prepare the Loaf Pan: Grease your loaf pan with a little butter or non-stick spray to ensure your bread comes out easily.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This blend is the foundation of your batter and will bring all the flavors together.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate larger mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar. I love using an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand. You want a light and fluffy mixture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen!
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Fold in the Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples. This is where the magic happens, and you can already see those delicious apple chunks start to appear.
Prepare the Streusel Topper: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and flour for the streusel. Cut in the cold butter until it resembles a crumbly mixture. It should have a nice texture for topping.
Layer the Batter: Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan, and sprinkle half of the streusel mixture on top. Add the rest of the batter, and then finish with the remaining streusel topping.
Bake: Pop your loaf pan into the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Down: Once your bread is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Glaze: While the bread is cooling, you can prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and glossy.
Drizzle on Top: Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over it. This step is my favorite; it adds the final touch of sweetness!
Tips for Perfect Results
Apples Matter: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples to balance out the flavors. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp make a great pairing.
Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined for a light, airy bread.
Storage: If you have leftovers (though that’s rarely the case!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked warmth again.
Serving Suggestions and Sides
This apple bread is perfect on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling indulgent. You can also enjoy it as part of a brunch spread alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad. When I have friends over, I always serve it with coffee or tea—it’s the perfect afternoon pick-me-up!
Leftovers
As I mentioned earlier, if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (and trust me, it’s tough to keep it around!), simply wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for a few days at room temperature. You can also freeze slices! Just make sure to wrap them well in freezer-safe wrapping or baggies.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! I love using a mix of apples, so feel free to experiment. Just remember that each type of apple has a different level of sweetness and tartness.
What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
If you don’t have vanilla extract on hand, you can use almond extract instead for a slightly different flavor, or simply omit it altogether. It will still taste great!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it has a one-to-one ratio for the best results.
How can I make it healthier?
You can substitute some of the sugar with applesauce or honey for a lower sugar option. Also, using whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients.
Ads
Conclusion
This Apple Bread has become a beloved staple in my home, and I’m so excited for you to experience it too. I know you’ll love how easy it is to make and how good it tastes—it’s simply the best! Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it all to yourself, every bite is a hug in the form of bread. Let me know how it turns out for you, and if your loved ones ask for seconds, just like mine do every time, you’ll know you’ve nailed it! Happy baking!