There’s just something comforting about the smell of apple bread filling the house. It’s like inviting a big warm hug into your kitchen. Growing up in Manhattan, fall meant apples galore, and this delicious bread recipe became a family favorite. Apples from the local farmer’s market were transformed into a delightful treat that had everyone rushing to the kitchen. My kids love it just as much as I did, and it’s one of those recipes that never fails to bring us together, especially on a chilly day.
For another comforting morning treat, check out the crescent roll breakfast recipes .
Why you’ll love this recipe
Apple bread is easy to make, requiring no fancy tools or ingredients. It’s a great way to use up those apples that are a bit too ripe, and the mix of sugar and cinnamon creates a swirl that not only looks pretty but tastes heavenly. There’s a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, and the bread stays moist with a light crumb. Plus, nothing beats the smell of baked apples and cinnamon.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- ½ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ cups peeled diced apple
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your loaf pan by greasing it and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Stir until smoothly blended.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring on low speed until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apples.
- Blend the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together in a small bowl.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it. Add the remaining batter, topping with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mix.
- Create a swirl effect by drawing a butter knife through the batter in a zigzag motion once.
- Bake in the oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Recipe tips & variations
For an extra nutty twist, you can add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. If you’re in the mood for a tart flavor, use a mix of Granny Smith and sweeter apples. Serving this apple bread warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can turn it into a delightful dessert.
Storage & reheating
Keep your apple bread fresh by wrapping it in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container. It will stay delicious at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to regain that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth.
FAQs
Can I make this apple bread gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. The texture might slightly vary, but it will still be delicious.
What kind of apples should I use?
A good balance of sweet and tart apples works best. I often use Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness.
How can I tell when my apple bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs sticking to it, your bread is ready!
Recipes you may like
For more delicious breakfast ideas, explore our breakfast potatoes recipe easy & crispy and breakfast pizza recipe easy & cheesy .
Homemade Apple Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Description
A comforting homemade apple bread recipe filled with sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups peeled diced apple
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your loaf pan by greasing it and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Stir until smoothly blended.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring on low speed until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apples.
- Blend the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together in a small bowl.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it. Add the remaining batter, topping with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mix.
- Create a swirl effect by drawing a butter knife through the batter in a zigzag motion once.
- Bake in the oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For an extra nutty twist, you can add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- If you’re in the mood for a tart flavor, use a mix of Granny Smith and sweeter apples.
- Serving this apple bread warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can turn it into a delightful dessert.
- Keep your apple bread fresh by wrapping it in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container. It will stay delicious at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to regain that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg