Few things smell as inviting as a loaf of warm Apple Bread baking in the oven. With its moist texture, sweet apple chunks, and a hint of cinnamon, this homemade quick bread is the kind of comfort food that feels like a hug in every slice. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast with a cup of coffee, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert with a drizzle of glaze, apple bread is a versatile treat that never disappoints.
This recipe takes the classic flavors of fall—fresh apples, warm spices, and tender crumb—and turns them into a loaf that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing. If you’ve ever loved banana bread or zucchini bread, you’ll find that apple bread holds its own as a delicious twist on a classic.
Why You’ll Love Apple Bread
- Simple ingredients – Pantry staples plus fresh apples make this bread easy to whip up.
- Moist and flavorful – Fresh apples and oil keep the bread tender and rich.
- Perfect for fall baking – A great way to use up apple-picking hauls.
- Freezer-friendly – Make a couple of loaves and save one for later.
- Versatile treat – Enjoy plain, with butter, or drizzled with glaze.
How to Make Apple Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups apples, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
Optional Topping:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prep the oven – Preheat to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine wet ingredients – In another bowl, whisk melted butter (or oil), sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla.
- Bring it together – Slowly add dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in chopped apples.
- Pour and top – Transfer batter to loaf pan. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon topping, if using.
- Bake – Bake for 55–65 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and enjoy – Let cool 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
What to Serve With Apple Bread
- Coffee or tea – A classic pairing for breakfast.
- Apple butter or cream cheese spread – Adds extra richness.
- Vanilla ice cream – For a dessert-style twist.
- Caramel drizzle – Makes it feel like a bakery treat.
Tips for Perfecting Apple Bread
- Don’t overmix the batter – Keeps the bread tender.
- Use tart apples – Granny Smith balances sweetness beautifully.
- Test with a toothpick – Bread should be fully baked in the center.
- Add mix-ins – Walnuts, pecans, or raisins make great additions.
- Cool before slicing – Helps the bread hold together better.
Storing and Freezing Apple Bread
- Room Temperature – Store tightly wrapped for 2–3 days.
- Refrigerator – Keeps up to 5 days. Warm slightly before serving.
- Freezer – Wrap slices individually and freeze up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?
Yes, but it will change the texture—fresh apples add moisture and little bursts of flavor.
What’s the best apple for apple bread?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. They stay firm while baking.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but leaving the peel on adds fiber and color.
Conclusion
This Apple Bread is a cozy, delicious bake that brings out the best of fall flavors. Whether you serve it warm with butter for breakfast, slice it up for a tea-time treat, or enjoy it as dessert with a scoop of ice cream, it’s the kind of simple homemade bread you’ll want to make again and again.
Apple Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together granulated sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Stir dry ingredients into wet mixture alternately with milk.
- Pour half the batter into prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture and half of the apples over the batter.
- Repeat with remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon-sugar mixture. Lightly swirl with a knife.
- Bake 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes before transferring to wire rack.