Apple Bread Recipe

Easy Apple Bread Recipe: Sweet & Cozy Homemade Goodness

Apple bread changes ordinary ingredients into a magical culinary experience that tantalizes taste buds and warms the kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Seasonal baking reaches new heights when sweet, juicy apples mingle with soft, tender dough, creating a comforting treat that speaks directly to your soul.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this delightful recipe, which balances rustic charm with sophisticated flavor profiles.

Delicate spices dance through each slice, promising a sensory journey that connects generations of home cooks.

Wholesome and inviting, this bread represents more than just a simple recipe—it embodies memories, tradition, and the pure joy of sharing something delicious.

Crisp autumn afternoons or lazy weekend mornings find their perfect companion in this hearty, fruit-studded creation.

Why You’ll Love Making Apple Bread

  • Bursting with Autumn Comfort: This apple bread captures the warm, cozy essence of fall with its rich cinnamon-spiced flavor and soft, moist texture that wraps you in pure comfort.
  • Super Simple Baking Magic: Requiring just basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques, this recipe empowers even novice bakers to create a delectable homemade treat without complex steps or professional skills.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert, this apple bread serves multiple occasions from family gatherings to casual weekend brunches, making it an incredibly adaptable and crowd-loving recipe.
  • Quick Homemade Goodness: With a total preparation and baking time of under an hour, this recipe delivers fresh, aromatic bread that fills your kitchen with irresistible warmth and delightful apple-cinnamon fragrance.

Apple Bread Ingredient Checklist

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A classic base for baking that provides structure and texture to the bread.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning and moisture retention.
  • Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent that helps the bread rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure and richness to the bread.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Vegetable Oil: Contributes to the bread's softness and prevents dryness.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Apples: Fresh, crisp fruit that adds natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the apple and adds a cozy, aromatic flavor.
  • Topping Sugar: Creates a sweet, slightly crunchy top layer for extra texture.

Instructions for Freshly Baked Apple Bread

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Coat loaf pans with cooking spray or butter. Arrange baking tools and ingredients on the counter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl. Combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Whisk ingredients until evenly blended.

Step 3: Blend Wet Components

Use a stand mixer or large bowl. Add:
  • Fresh eggs
  • Whole milk
  • Vegetable oil

Blend until ingredients are smoothly incorporated.

Step 4: Create Batter

Slowly fold dry mixture into wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Incorporate Fruity Goodness

Fold in:
  • Chopped apples
  • Ground cinnamon

Distribute evenly throughout batter.

Step 6: Fill Loaf Pans

Pour batter into prepared pans. Fill each pan about two-thirds full to allow rising space.

Step 7: Add Sweet Topping

In a small bowl, mix:
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Sprinkle mixture over batter. Swirl lightly with a knife for marbled effect.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Place pans in preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out clean.

Step 9: Cool And Serve

Remove bread from oven. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm.

Tips for Soft and Moist Apple Bread

  • Choose Ripe Apples: Select firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture in your bread.
  • Prevent Apple Browning: Toss diced apples in a bit of lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration before mixing into the batter.
  • Don't Overmix Batter: Stir the ingredients just until combined to ensure a tender, light bread with a soft crumb.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Use the toothpick test, inserting it into the center of the loaf- it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  • Cool Completely: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms and maintain perfect texture.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Bread

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover apple bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
  • Freeze: Slide individual slices or whole loaves into freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheat: Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast briefly in a toaster oven at 300°F until heated through. Add a small pat of butter for extra richness and softness.

Serving Ideas for Apple Bread

  • Brew a Cozy Companion: Pair this warm apple bread with a steaming mug of cinnamon-spiced chai tea, which echoes the bread's sweet and spicy notes, creating a comforting flavor harmony.
  • Elevate with Creamy Delight: Serve alongside a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream to complement the bread's warm, apple-infused texture.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Enhance the experience with a slice of sharp aged cheddar or a mild cream cheese spread, balancing the bread's sweetness with a tangy, creamy contrast.
  • Morning Beverage Perfection: Enjoy with a freshly brewed cup of medium-roast coffee, letting the bread's cinnamon and apple flavors mingle beautifully with the coffee's robust profile.

Fun Apple Bread Variations

  • Nutty Apple Harvest: Enhance the bread by adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter, creating a rich, crunchy texture that complements the soft apple pieces.
  • Caramel Apple Dream: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cooled bread and sprinkle with sea salt for a decadent, sweet-and-salty finish that elevates the classic recipe.
  • Whole Wheat Wellness: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to boost nutrition and add a slightly nuttier flavor profile to the apple bread.
  • Spiced Chai Infusion: Replace ground cinnamon with chai spice blend, incorporating cardamom, ginger, and cloves for a warm, aromatic twist on the traditional apple bread.
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Apple Bread Recipe

Apple Bread Recipe


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4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Rustic Apple Bread emerges as a delightful symphony of autumn’s finest harvest. Warm cinnamon and sweet apples mingle in a comforting loaf that beckons you to savor each tender, spiced slice with pure culinary joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups white granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk (whole or any kind)
  • 1 cup apple, peeled and diced
  • ⅔ cup vegetable oil

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Topping:

  • ⅔ cup white granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature and prepare loaf pans with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl, creating a uniform mixture that will provide structure and flavor to the bread.
  3. Utilize a stand mixer to blend eggs, milk, and vegetable oil until the liquid components are smoothly incorporated.
  4. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to avoid overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
  5. Introduce diced apples and ground cinnamon into the batter, distributing them evenly to ensure a consistent flavor profile throughout the loaf.
  6. Transfer the batter into prepared loaf pans, carefully filling each pan approximately two-thirds full to allow proper rising during baking.
  7. Create a delectable topping by mixing sugar and cinnamon, then generously sprinkle over the surface of each loaf.
  8. Use a knife to create a gentle swirling motion, integrating the topping into the batter for a marbled effect and enhanced flavor distribution.
  9. Place the loaves in the preheated oven and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean, indicating complete cooking.
  10. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving, letting the flavors meld and settle.

Notes

  • Perfectly ripe, sweet apples transform this bread into a moist, tender breakfast or dessert treat.
  • Dice apples into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution and balanced flavor throughout the loaf.
  • Use room temperature eggs and milk to help ingredients blend smoothly and create a more consistent batter texture.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense bread; stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined.
  • Cinnamon sugar topping adds a delightful crispy, caramelized layer that elevates the bread’s overall taste and appearance.
  • Cool bread completely before slicing to maintain its structural integrity and prevent crumbling.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 277
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 116 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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