Apple bread is a cozy treat filled with sweet, juicy apple bits and nice spices like cinnamon. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack, making your home smell delicious while it bakes!
Whenever I make this bread, I can’t help but sneak a slice while it’s still warm. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy!🍏🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for our bread, giving it structure. If you want a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it has a good binding agent in it.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds great flavor. If you’re aiming for a lighter version, you can use applesauce or a vegetable oil for part of the butter, which keeps things moist!
Sour cream or yogurt: This helps make the bread moist and tender. You can substitute with buttermilk or even a dairy-free option like coconut yogurt if you’re avoiding dairy.
Apples: Use any kind you like! I prefer Granny Smith for their tartness, but feel free to mix types for an interesting flavor. If apples are scarce, pears work well too.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or almonds add a nice crunch. If you’re nut-free, simply leave them out or substitute with seeds like sunflower seeds.
How Do I Get My Apple Bread to Rise Perfectly?
Getting your bread to rise well can be tricky! Follow these steps to ensure a light, fluffy loaf:
- Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Stale leavening agents won’t help your bread rise.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until the dry ingredients are combined with the wet. Overmixing can lead to dense bread.
- Preheat your oven properly. A hot oven helps the bread rise quickly as it starts baking. Use an oven thermometer if you’re unsure about your oven’s temperature.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your bread is ready!
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to baking a perfect loaf of apple bread that everyone will love!
How to Make Delicious Apple Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or almonds)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This apple bread takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time, plus about 55-65 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Overall, you’ll be enjoying your delicious apple bread in about 1 hour and 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make sure your bread easily comes out!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures even distribution of all the dry ingredients. Once mixed, set the bowl aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps to incorporate air, which makes your bread light.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. After that, add in the vanilla extract. Mixing one egg at a time helps the mixture to stay smooth and even, bringing a rich flavor.
5. Incorporate the Sour Cream:
Add the sour cream or yogurt to the mixture and stir until it’s well combined. This will give moisture to your bread!
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your bread tender!
7. Fold in Apples and Nuts:
Gently fold in the chopped apples and chopped nuts (if you’re using them). This adds a delicious texture and flavor.
8. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
9. Sprinkle the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle it evenly over the batter for a sweet and fragrant finish!
10. Bake the Bread:
Put the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 55-65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
11. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Slice and enjoy your beautifully baked apple bread!
This sweet, moist apple bread brings together delightful flavors and aromas, perfect for any time of day. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! You can use any type of apple you prefer. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, while honeycrisp apples are sweet and juicy. Feel free to mix different varieties for added flavor!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this apple bread vegan, replace the eggs with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg). You can also substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter, and use a dairy-free yogurt in place of sour cream.
Can This Recipe Be Made Gluten-Free?
Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it has a binding agent (like xanthan gum) to help your bread hold together.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge when ready to eat!
