This warm and cozy apple bread is a treat you won’t want to miss! Made with sweet apples and spices, it’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack anytime.
Every slice is soft and fluffy, and I love how the apple pieces keep it moist. I usually enjoy it with a little butter—so good! 🍏🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your apple bread. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend. I also find that using whole wheat flour adds a nice nuttiness!
Apples: Use sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for great flavor. If you’re out of fresh apples, you might try unsweetened applesauce, using about 1 cup as a substitute. This will keep the bread moist!
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both add moisture and richness to the bread. I prefer Greek yogurt for the tangy flavor, but either option works well. You can also use buttermilk if you need a replacement.
Cinnamon: Key for that warm flavor! If you want a twist, try adding nutmeg or allspice. It’s perfect for a cozy touch.
What’s the Best Way to Avoid a Dry Apple Bread?
The secret to keeping your apple bread moist lies in not overmixing the batter. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bread.
- Make sure to gently fold in the chopped apples; this keeps your batter light.
- Check your bread a few minutes before the baking time is up. Ovens can vary!
- Let it cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to prevent sogginess from steam.
Delicious Apple Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious apple bread takes about 15 minutes to prep and 55 to 65 minutes to bake, making it a delightful treat perfect for any time of the day. Just remember to let it cool before slicing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper. This will make it super easy to remove your delicious apple bread once it’s done baking!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It’s an important step for a lovely texture!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Crack in the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Add in the vanilla extract and give it a good stir to blend everything together.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients to your butter mixture. Add a little bit of the dry mix, followed by some sour cream, alternating until everything is mixed together. Do not overmix—just combine until you don’t see any more dry flour!
6. Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold in the chopped apples with a spatula or wooden spoon, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Layer in the Loaf Pan:
Pour half of the apple batter into your prepared loaf pan. Then, in a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon sugar topping ingredients and sprinkle half of it over the batter in the pan.
8. Finish with More Batter:
Pour the remaining batter on top and sprinkle with the rest of the cinnamon sugar topping. With a knife, gently swirl the topping into the batter to create a pretty marbled effect.
9. Bake to Perfection:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 55 to 65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean!
10. Cooling Time:
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Slice and Enjoy:
When fully cooled, slice and serve your apple bread. It’s delightful on its own or with a little butter spread on a warm piece!
Enjoy the tender, cinnamon-spiced apple goodness in every bite! 🍏🥖
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! You can use any sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. If you prefer a tarter flavor, Granny Smith is a great choice. Just make sure to peel and core them before chopping!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and the sour cream or yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt option such as almond or coconut yogurt. The bread will still turn out delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Apple Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze slices tightly wrapped in plastic for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Nuts or Dried Fruit?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch, and raisins or dried cranberries would be a tasty addition, too. Just fold them in along with the apples, and adjust the amount based on your preference!