This Apple Bread is a warm, cozy treat that will fill your kitchen with a sweet, fruity smell. It’s packed with juicy apples and has a lovely cinnamon flavor!
I love enjoying a slice with my morning coffee, but honestly, it’s just as good with a scoop of ice cream! 🍏🍞 It’s super easy to make, too—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Use your favorite variety! I like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their balance of sweet and tart flavors. If you only have softer apples, that’s okay—just slice them thinly to keep the texture nice!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best here so you can control the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a dairy-free buttery spread works great.
Sour Cream: If you’re short on sour cream, plain yogurt is a perfect substitute. You could also use applesauce for a lighter version, but this may slightly alter the texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but if you’re gluten-free, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just check that it contains xanthan gum for the best result!
How Do I Fold in the Apples Without Crushing Them?
Folding is an essential technique that helps you mix ingredients gently without overworking the batter. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a spatula or a wooden spoon instead of an electric mixer.
- Add the chopped apples to the batter, pouring them in one spot rather than all at once. This helps you control how they get mixed in.
- Gently scoop from the bottom and fold the batter over the apples, turning the bowl as you go. Don’t stir aggressively—just move the spatula down and up until everything is combined!
This way, your apples will stay intact and create nice pockets of fruit in your bread!
How to Make Delicious Apple Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (or sliced if preferred)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Apple Bread will take about 15 minutes to prep and 55-65 minutes to bake. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a rack to cool completely. In total, you’ll need roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your bread bakes evenly! While it’s warming up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan so your bread won’t stick.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. This will infuse the dry ingredients with all those lovely spices. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, grab your electric mixer and cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes, and it helps to create a light texture in your bread!
4. Adding Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for a lovely aroma. Your batter should be creamy and delightful!
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Next, add half of your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing—only stir until you don’t see any dry flour. It’s perfectly okay if the batter looks a bit lumpy.
6. Adding Sour Cream and Remaining Dry Ingredients:
Stir in the sour cream (or yogurt), which adds moistness to the bread. Then, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix gently until fully combined. You want a few lumps, so don’t worry about being too precise!
7. Folding in the Apples:
Now for the fun part! Carefully fold in the chopped apples using a spatula to evenly distribute them throughout the batter. This ensures every slice has delicious apple pieces.
8. Pouring into the Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula to make sure it bakes evenly.
9. Making the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Brush the melted butter over the top of the batter in the loaf pan, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the top. This will create a sweet, crispy crust!
10. Baking the Bread:
Pop the loaf into your preheated oven and bake for about 55-65 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
11. Cooling and Enjoying:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. Once it’s cooled, slice it up and enjoy your delicious, warm apple bread!
This moist, cinnamon-spiced apple bread with its sweet, crispy crust is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Enjoy every slice!
Can I Substitute the Apples with Another Fruit?
Absolutely! While apples are classic, you can use pears or even chopped peaches for a different flavor. Just make sure to adjust the sugar if the substitute fruit is sweeter or more tart.
Can I Make This Recipe in a Different Pan Size?
Yes, you can use an 8×4-inch loaf pan, but keep an eye on the baking time as it may take a bit longer. You could also bake it in a muffin tin—just fill each cup about 2/3 full and bake for about 20-25 minutes instead!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover apple bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. The bread might be denser, but will still taste delicious!
