If you love the comforting aroma of baked apples mingling with cinnamon, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Apple Bread! Moist, tender, and bursting with fresh apple chunks in every bite, this recipe brings together everything cozy about fall baking but is delicious year-round. Whether you want a sweet start to your morning, a satisfying snack, or a crowd-pleasing dessert, Apple Bread truly fits the bill.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Apple Bread comes together with humble, familiar ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in making this loaf irresistibly moist, flavorful, and fragrant. Here’s why every single component matters:

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and foundation for a beautifully tender bread.
Baking powder & baking soda: These leaveners work together to give a perfect rise and keep the crumb light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, especially the apples and spices.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and that classic apple pie essence you expect from great Apple Bread.
Ground nutmeg: Brings just a touch of extra spice complexity without overpowering.
Unsalted butter (softened): Gives richness, moisture, and a soft texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps it brown to perfection.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and help leaven the bread.
Sour cream or plain yogurt: Keeps the loaf unbelievably moist and adds tang for balanced flavor.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness and ties the flavors together beautifully.
Peeled and finely chopped apples: I love Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their tart-sweet punch and firm texture.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Toss these in for extra crunch and a nutty flourish if you’d like.

How to Make Apple Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan well—either with butter or nonstick spray—to guarantee your beautiful Apple Bread releases easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisking dry ingredients first ensures spices and leaveners are evenly distributed, so each bite of the bread is perfectly balanced.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large bowl and hand mixer (or stand mixer), beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until they’re light and fluffy. This step creates air pockets in the batter, which helps your Apple Bread bake up soft and tender.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Stir in the sour cream (or yogurt) and vanilla extract next—the batter will become creamy and fragrant, promising a moist finished loaf.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet. Stir just until everything is combined; over-mixing can lead to tough bread. You want the batter to look thick and slightly lumpy at this stage.

Step 6: Fold in Apples and Nuts

Gently stir in the finely chopped apples and nuts (if using). Make sure they’re evenly distributed, so you get apple and nutty crunch in every slice of your Apple Bread.

Step 7: Fill the Pan and Bake

Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it into an even layer. Pop into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will let you know you’re minutes away from fresh Apple Bread heaven!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Waiting might be the hardest part, but this keeps the loaf from falling apart. Once cooled, slice up and enjoy the soft crumb filled with juicy apple goodness.

How to Serve Apple Bread

Garnishes

Sometimes a simple garnish can take your Apple Bread to the next level. Try dusting the top with a shower of powdered sugar, a drizzle of vanilla glaze, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar right before serving. Thin apple slices or toasted nuts arranged on top can also add a touch of elegance—and an inviting crunch!

Side Dishes

Apple Bread pairs beautifully with a steaming mug of coffee or spiced tea. For breakfast, serve a slice alongside creamy Greek yogurt or a serving of scrambled eggs for a balanced meal. It’s also right at home on a brunch spread with fresh fruit and a platter of cheeses.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or a charming brunch, slice Apple Bread thick and toast the slices lightly, then serve with whipped butter or cream cheese. Mini loaves or muffins made from the same batter are perfect for gift-giving, lunchboxes, or parties—just adjust baking time accordingly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Apple Bread actually tastes even better the second day! Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or place the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep it fresh and moist.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy Apple Bread on demand, it freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the entire cooled loaf in plastic wrap and foil, then pop into a freezer bag. Store for up to two months—just thaw overnight at room temperature when ready to eat.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked taste, warm a slice of Apple Bread in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This brings out the flavors and restores a wonderful softness—especially delicious with a dab of butter!

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in Apple Bread?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp bring the best balance of tartness and firmness, you can use most apple varieties or a mix for unique flavor and texture. Just make sure your apples aren’t too mealy.

What can I substitute for sour cream or yogurt?

If you’re out of sour cream or yogurt, try using buttermilk or even unsweetened applesauce for moisture. The bread’s texture will remain rich and tender, though the tangy flavor might be a touch milder.

Can I make this Apple Bread recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (that contains xanthan gum) in place of regular flour. The loaf will still be moist and delicious—no one will miss the gluten.

How do I know Apple Bread is done baking?

The top should be deep golden and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If your loaf is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Is it better to use nuts or leave them out?

That’s totally up to your taste! Nuts add a lovely crunch and a nutty depth, but Apple Bread is just as wonderful without them. If baking for kids or folks with allergies, feel free to skip the nuts and the bread will still shine.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a bake that’s as heartwarming as it is easy, give this Apple Bread a whirl. Every bite bursts with juicy apples, spice, and cozy homemade comfort. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how quickly one loaf disappears in your kitchen!

Apple Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Apple Bread recipe is a delightful treat that is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. With a moist and flavorful crumb packed with apples and warm spices, this easy-to-make bread is a comforting choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/3 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix-ins:

1 1/2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add wet ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Incorporate mix-ins: Fold in the chopped apples and nuts if using.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

This bread tastes even better the next day.
For a sweeter touch, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking or drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze after it cools.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American