There’s something almost magical about the aroma of freshly baked apple bread wafting through the house. It takes me right back to cozy autumn mornings when I’d whip up a batch for the family, making the whole home feel warm and inviting. The first time I made this apple bread, I mistakenly thought I didn’t have enough apples (rookie mistake, right?). Turns out, I was just cutting them too big! Learn from my goof-ups and you’ll find this recipe a cinch to whip up. Speaking of delicious adventures, if you’re in the mood for more baking, make sure to check out my banana muffin recipe.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This apple bread is perfect for when you want an easy treat that’s big on flavor, without all the fuss. It’s great for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even dessert! The perfect blend of sweet and a hint of spice makes every bite scrumptious. Plus, it comes together with simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. The best part? It looks fancy enough to impress any guest, yet simple enough for a casual family brunch.
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
Preparing your pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Grease and flour an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
Mixing the layers
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and cinnamon and set this aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until well combined.
- Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until everything is smooth.
Making the batter
- Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the mixture. Mix until just combined. Don’t worry if the batter is thick—it’s supposed to be!
- Gently fold in the chopped apples.
Layering and baking
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Sprinkle about three-quarters of the brown sugar mixture over the batter.
- Carefully spread the remaining batter on top of the brown sugar mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the top and gently swirl it into the batter using a knife or spoon.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). If the bread is browning too quickly, tent it with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.
Recipe tips & variations
- Apple Choices: Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp work best, but use what you have!
- Mix-Ins: Add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture.
- Spice it up: Feel free to add a dash of nutmeg or cloves to the batter for an autumnal twist.
Storage & reheating
Store your apple bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To enjoy it warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds and it’ll be just like fresh-baked.
FAQs
- Can I freeze apple bread?
- Yes, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep for up to 3 months.
- Can I use whole wheat flour?
- You can, but it might make the bread denser. Try half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour first.
- Can I make this gluten-free?
- Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- How do I know when my apple bread is done baking?
- Insert a toothpick; if it comes out clean, it’s done. A few moist crumbs are okay.
Recipes you may like
Strawberry Icebox Cake: No-Bake Summer Dessert
Irresistibly Flaky Apple Turnovers You’ll Love to M
Now go ahead and bake yourself some cozy goodness with this apple bread recipe. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Apple Bread
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Description
Delicious and easy apple bread recipe that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.
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. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and cinnamon and set this aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until well combined.
- Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until everything is smooth.
- Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the mixture. Mix until just combined. Don’t worry if the batter is thick—it’s supposed to be!
- Gently fold in the chopped apples.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Sprinkle about three-quarters of the brown sugar mixture over the batter.
- Carefully spread the remaining batter on top of the brown sugar mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the top and gently swirl it into the batter using a knife or spoon.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). If the bread is browning too quickly, tent it with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Apple Choices: Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp work best, but use what you have!
- Mix-Ins: Add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture.
- Spice it up: Feel free to add a dash of nutmeg or cloves to the batter for an autumnal twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice