This apple bread is soft, sweet, and packed with juicy apple pieces that make each bite a treat! It’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack any time of the day.
What I love most is how the warm cinnamon smell fills the kitchen as it bakes. Plus, it’s so easy to make; just mix, pour, and enjoy! Can’t resist a slice with butter! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: Standard for baking, but you can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. If gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives sweetness, but you can use coconut sugar for a more natural option. Honey or maple syrup can work too, just adjust the liquid ingredients slightly.
Apples: I recommend Granny Smith for their tartness. Gala or Honeycrisp are sweet options. You could also use other fruits like pears for variety!
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or vegetable oil instead. You can also use applesauce to reduce fat content.
Sour Cream: Adds moisture and richness, but Greek yogurt is a great substitute. You can use almond yogurt for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture in My Apple Bread?
Achieving the right texture takes a bit of care. Ensure you don’t over-mix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Over-mixing leads to tough bread, so mix until just combined.
- When folding in the apples, be gentle to avoid breaking the chunks.
- Keep your oven at the right temperature. An oven thermometer is handy, as ovens can be off.
- Check for doneness using a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
Let your bread cool in the pan for a bit; this helps it firm up and makes slicing easier!
How to Make Delicious Apple Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small chunks (e.g., Granny Smith or Gala)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 55-65 minutes to bake. Make sure to give yourself a little extra time to let the bread cool before slicing—it will smell amazing while it cools!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, take your 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease and flour it lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure these ingredients are well combined so your bread rises evenly.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy—this might take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add in Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for a lovely aroma and flavor.
5. Combine with Sour Cream:
Now, mix in the sour cream until the batter is smooth. This will add moisture to your bread.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix! It’s okay if there are a few lumps.
7. Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold the chopped apple pieces into the batter. They will add delicious sweetness and moisture.
8. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula to make it even.
9. Add the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter for a tasty crunch.
10. Bake to Perfection:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 55-65 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when ready.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Slice and enjoy with your favorite drink!
This moist, warmly spiced apple bread is perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can use any apples you like. Gala, Honeycrisp, or even a mix of different varieties will work perfectly!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Eggs?
Yes! You can substitute the two eggs with 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce or two tablespoons of chia seeds mixed with six tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before adding it to the mixture.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Bread?
Store any leftover apple bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Add Nuts or Raisins to the Recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins would make great additions. Just fold in about 1/2 cup of your favorite nuts or dried fruits when you mix in the apples for an extra texture and flavor boost!