Apple bread is a warm and cozy treat filled with sweet apples and a hint of cinnamon. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack any time of the day!
Honestly, each bite reminds me of apple pie, but in bread form! I love to spread a little butter on it while it’s still warm—so good! ❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. If you don’t have fresh apples, you can use a cup of unsweetened applesauce instead. Just reduce the sugar slightly!
Yogurt or Sour Cream: This adds moisture and tenderness to the bread. Greek yogurt is a great option if you want added protein. You can also substitute with buttermilk if you have that on hand.
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe, but if you want a healthier twist, use whole wheat flour. It may make the bread a little denser but still tasty. Just add a touch more liquid to balance it out!
How Do I Ensure My Apple Bread is Moist and Fluffy?
Your apple bread should be moist and fluffy, and that largely depends on the mixing and baking techniques. Here’s how to nail it:
- Don’t overmix your batter after adding the flour. Fold gently until just combined to keep it light.
- Make sure to cream the butter and sugars well—they should be light and fluffy before adding eggs and yogurt.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; check around 55 minutes. Overbaking can dry it out, so pull it out once the toothpick comes out clean!
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious loaf of apple bread that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Delicious Apple Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent apple browning)
For the Topping:
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This apple bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare, followed by 55-65 minutes of baking. You’ll be enjoying this delicious treat in under 2 hours, perfect for an afternoon snack or cozy breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray, then sprinkle some flour to coat, or you can opt for parchment paper for easier removal later!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined. This will give your bread a wonderful flavor.
3. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large bowl, take your softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Cream them together using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. This helps to create a nice texture in your bread.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs, one by one, ensuring each is well combined before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla. Your batter is coming together beautifully!
5. Incorporate the Yogurt:
Mix in the yogurt or sour cream, stirring just until integrated. This step adds moisture—your bread will be so deliciously soft!
6. Prepare the Apples:
In another small bowl, toss your chopped apples with lemon juice. This keeps them nice and fresh and prevents browning.
7. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Do this in batches, gently folding them in until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
8. Add the Apples:
Carefully fold in the chopped apples, making sure they’re distributed evenly throughout the batter.
9. Transfer to the Pan:
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even rise.
10. Make the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this delicious mixture evenly over the batter for a sweet, crunchy finish.
11. Bake:
Pop the loaf pan into your preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Keep an eye on it—if the top starts to brown too quickly, gently tent it with foil. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
12. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience will reward you with a perfect slice!
Enjoy your warm, cinnamon-spiced apple bread! This treat pairs wonderfully with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. Bon appétit! 🍏🥖
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! A mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, works wonderfully. If you prefer sweeter bread, stick to varieties like Fuji or Gala.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum, as it helps mimic the texture of regular flour.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw and enjoy it again!
What Can I Use Instead of Yogurt or Sour Cream?
If you don’t have yogurt or sour cream, you can use buttermilk or a non-dairy milk with a splash of vinegar to create a similar acidic effect. It will keep the bread moist and delicious!
