Why You’ll Love Apple Bread Recipe
Apple Bread is moist, soft, and packed with chunks of fresh apple and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s the perfect quick bread for fall but delicious year-round. Whether served warm with butter, as a sweet breakfast, or as an afternoon snack with tea, this recipe is a comforting classic you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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½ tsp ground nutmeg
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
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2 cups apples, peeled and diced (about 2 medium apples)
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½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
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Stir in sour cream until smooth.
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Add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
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Fold in apples and nuts (if using).
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Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
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Bake 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 10–12 slices
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Bake Time: 55 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
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Cinnamon Swirl: Add a layer of cinnamon-sugar in the middle of the batter before baking.
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Glazed Apple Bread: Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze after cooling.
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Healthier Option: Swap half the flour with whole wheat flour and reduce sugar slightly.
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Caramel Apple Bread: Stir in caramel bits for extra sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
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Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
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Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months.
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Reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm treat.
FAQs
Q: What are the best apples for apple bread?
Tart-sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best.
Q: Can I make this bread without nuts?
Yes! Just skip them—the bread will still be delicious.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Bake in two loaf pans and freeze one for later.
Conclusion
This Apple Bread is moist, flavorful, and filled with tender apple chunks and cozy spices. It’s simple enough for everyday baking but special enough to share with family and friends. Enjoy it warm with butter, or toast a slice for the ultimate comfort food experience!
Apple Bread
This Apple Bread is moist, spiced, and packed with fresh apple chunks in every bite. With warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s the perfect quick bread for fall mornings, cozy snacks, or holiday gifting. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of glaze for pure comfort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 cups peeled, diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- Optional Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream butter & sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Combine: Mix in half the dry ingredients, then the sour cream, then the remaining dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in diced apples.
- Bake: Pour batter into the loaf pan. If using, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & serve: Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweeter bread.
- Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
- Bread stays fresh in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.