Hey there, friends! Today, I’m sharing one of my go-to seasonal treats: Apple Bread. Picture this: the aroma of warm cinnamon and apples wafting through your kitchen… it’s like a cozy hug from Grandma herself. This recipe is a staple in our house, especially during apple season when Pink Ladies and Honeycrisps are at their peak.
I remember the first time I made this, I was juggling snack time with cranky toddlers and honestly, wasn’t expecting much. But oh, the delighted little faces when they took their first bite made every mess worth it! Apple Bread is one of those recipes that’s not only easy and quick to throw together, but it also gets rave reviews from the whole family. Trust me, you’re going to want to give this a try.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you might also enjoy trying my banana chocolate chip muffins.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- No-fuss preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep, this is perfect for busy days when you want something homemade without the hassle.
- Versatile ingredients: Likely, you have most, if not all, of these ingredients right in your pantry and fridge.
- Great for any occasion: Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this bread fits right in.
- Family-friendly: The sweet, moist, cinnamon-infused bread is a hit with little ones and adults alike.
- Cozy home aroma: The smell of cinnamon and apples baking is one of life’s little pleasures.
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped apples (Pink Lady, Gala, Honeycrisp – peeled and chopped, about 2 apples)
Step-by-step instructions
Prep your pan and ingredients
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8 x 5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper to avoid any sticking nightmares later on. Set it aside and let’s get mixing.
Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This is your magic sprinkle that’ll transform the bread into something special. Set it aside for now.
Whisk the eggs and sugar
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until they’re well combined. We’re aiming for a light, frothy mixture.
Combine the wet ingredients
Now, stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Make sure it’s all smooth and shiny before moving on.
Add dry ingredients
Toss in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until everything is just combined. The batter should be pretty thick—don’t worry, you’re doing it right!
Fold in the apples
Gently fold the chopped apples into your batter, distributing them as evenly as possible. This step is important to make sure every slice is packed with apple goodness.
Assemble the loaf
Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Then, sprinkle about three-quarters of the brown sugar mixture over it. Carefully, spread the remaining batter on top, trying not to mix it with the sugar mixture too much. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top and gently swirl it into the batter using a knife or spoon.
Bake
Pop it into the oven and bake for about 35 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it—if it starts browning too fast, tent it with aluminum foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes.
Cool and serve
Once it’s done (a toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs), let it cool completely before slicing and serving.
Recipe tips & variations
- Apple choices: Pink Lady, Gala, and Honeycrisp are my top picks, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra kick of warmth.
- Add-ins: Toss in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a bit of crunch.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative, and you’re set!
Storage & reheating
If by some miracle you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer warm slices, you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes. This bread is also freezer-friendly—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to keep for up to 3 months.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of sugar?
Absolutely, you can swap the brown sugar with coconut sugar or even more granulated sugar if you prefer, but you might miss that extra molasses depth the brown sugar gives.
2. What’s the best way to peel apples quickly?
I recommend using a vegetable peeler. It’s quick, efficient, and leaves more of the apple for you to enjoy.
3. Can I add more spices?
Of course! Feel free to customize with ginger, cardamom, or even a pinch of ground cloves.
4. Why is my bread dense?
Make sure not to overmix the batter and check that your baking powder and soda are fresh. These little things make a big difference!
Recipes you may like
If you loved this Apple Bread, you might want to try the classic pumpkin bread or blueberry lemon loaf next! Both are just as delightful and perfect for any season. Happy baking!
Apple Bread
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Description
A delicious and easy Apple Bread recipe perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped apples (Pink Lady, Gala, Honeycrisp – peeled and chopped, about 2 apples)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8 x 5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar until they’re well combined.
- Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Toss in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter.
- Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the brown sugar mixture over it. Spread the remaining batter on top and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar.
- Bake for about 35 to 45 minutes. Tent with aluminum foil if it starts browning too fast.
- Let cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Pink Lady, Gala, and Honeycrisp apples are recommended, but use what you have.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for additional flavor.
- Toss in some chopped nuts for added crunch.
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice