Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat
Apple Bread is a delightful way to embrace the flavors of fall. With its warm spices and sweet apple chunks, this recipe creates a comforting, moist bread that is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and fresh apples makes this bread not only a treat for the taste buds but also a warm hug for the soul. Let’s dive into why you should make this recipe and how simple it is to recreate at home!
Why Make This Recipe
Apple Bread is the quintessential autumn bake, celebrating the season’s bounty and bringing the comforting scents of cinnamon and fresh apples into your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for those who love the aroma of baked goods filling the home. It’s also a great way to use up those extra apples you have lying around, making it both delicious and practical. Whether served warm with a pat of butter or toasted with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, Apple Bread is sure to please everyone!
How to Make Apple Bread
Ingredients:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped apples (Pink Lady, Gala, Honeycrisp – peeled and chopped, about 2 apples)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar and cinnamon and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until well combined.
- Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. The batter will be thick.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the brown sugar mixture over the batter.
- Carefully spread the remaining batter on top of the brown sugar mixture. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the top and gently swirl it into the batter using a knife or spoon.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). If the bread is browning too quickly, tent it with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Apple Bread
Apple Bread is versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it plain, fresh out of the oven, or with a spread of butter for a rich treat. It also pairs beautifully with a dollop of cream cheese or a dusting of powdered sugar for a dessert-like experience. For those chilly fall evenings, consider serving it with a warm drink, such as spiced cider or a hot cup of tea.
How to Store Apple Bread
To store your Apple Bread, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze the pieces in an airtight container for up to three months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy another slice!
Tips to Make Apple Bread
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for sweet varieties like Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix only until the ingredients are combined to keep the bread tender.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Each oven varies, so baking times may differ.
Variation
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
- Dried Fruit: Mix in some raisins or cranberries for added flavor and texture.
- Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a different fall flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use other types of flour?
Yes! You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe can be doubled easily. Just make sure you use a larger loaf pan or two separate pans for even baking.
Begin your baking adventure this fall with this easy and delightful Apple Bread recipe, and share the experience with friends and family!
Apple Bread
Ingredients
For the bread
- ½ cup brown sugar Light or dark brown sugar can be used.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs eggs, room temperature Make sure these are at room temperature for best results.
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour You can substitute part with whole wheat flour for nutrition.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped apples (e.g., Pink Lady, Gala, Honeycrisp) Peeled and chopped, about 2 apples.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and cinnamon and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until well combined.
- Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined; the batter will be thick.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples.
Baking
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the brown sugar mixture over the batter.
- Carefully spread the remaining batter on top of the brown sugar mixture. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the top and gently swirl it into the batter using a knife or spoon.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). If the bread is browning too quickly, tent it with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.
