There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked apple bread wafting through your kitchen on a crisp autumn day. This moist, tender quick bread combines sweet apples with warm spices to create a comforting treat perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert.
The Secret to Perfect Apple Bread
The key to exceptional apple bread lies in using the right apples and proper preparation. Choose firm, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady that will hold their shape during baking while providing balanced flavor. Shredding some apples while dicing others creates varied textures throughout the loaf.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups apples (about 2-3 medium apples), peeled and divided
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- Prepare the apples: Shred one apple using a box grater. Dice the remaining apple(s) into 1/4-inch cubes. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla until well combined.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the shredded and diced apples along with the walnuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Mix the cinnamon sugar topping ingredients and sprinkle evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil.
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift the bread out. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Storage & Serving
Store your apple bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For the best experience, warm individual slices slightly before serving. This bread also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Serve plain or spread with butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey. For an indulgent twist, try toasting a slice and topping it with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.
Recipe Notes
- Don't skimp on the spices – they're essential for that classic fall flavor.
- The combination of shredded and diced apples creates a perfect texture and ensures an even distribution of apple flavor throughout the bread.
- The batter will be thick – this is normal and helps keep the apples suspended throughout the loaf.
- Let your eggs come to room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack, this apple bread captures the essence of fall baking. The combination of tender crumbs, juicy apple pieces, and warm spices makes it an irresistible addition to your baking repertoire.
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