The Ultimate Apple Bread Recipe: A Fall Favorite That’s Irresistibly Moist

Apple bread is the perfect marriage of tender, cake-like texture and warm autumn flavors that fills your kitchen with the most incredible aroma.

There’s something magical about the way cinnamon and fresh apples transform simple pantry staples into a loaf that disappears within hours of cooling.

Last weekend, I found myself with a bag of Pink Lady apples that were just begging to be baked into something special – and this recipe delivered beyond my wildest expectations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple bread recipe has become my go-to whenever I want to impress guests or simply treat my family to something extraordinary. The secret lies in using fresh, chopped apples that create pockets of sweetness throughout each slice, while the perfect blend of cinnamon and vanilla creates that cozy, bakery-quality flavor we all crave.

What makes this recipe truly special is its foolproof nature – even novice bakers achieve stunning results every time. The melted butter keeps the bread incredibly moist for days, and the combination of both brown and granulated sugars adds depth and complexity that you simply can’t achieve with just one type of sweetener. Explore more irresistible baking recipes here to discover your next kitchen masterpiece.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this spectacular apple bread that serves 8-10 people:

The beauty of this ingredient list lies in its simplicity – chances are you already have most items in your pantry! The key to exceptional apple bread is choosing the right apple varieties; Pink Lady, Gala, and Honeycrisp hold their shape beautifully during baking while providing the perfect balance of sweetness and subtle tartness.

Discover more delicious breakfast recipe ideas here to start every morning with something special that brings joy to your table.

Step-by-Step Directions

Preparing this delicious Apple Bread is surprisingly straightforward, making it perfect for both weekend baking projects and quick weeknight treats. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your loaf turns out perfectly moist and flavorful every time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Wash, peel, and chop your apples into small, uniform pieces (about ½-inch cubes). Toss the chopped apples with 2 tablespoons of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined and slightly frothy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, brown sugar, and cinnamon until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Create the Batter
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 6: Fold in Apples
Gently fold the flour-coated apple pieces into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Exact Timing to Make Apple Bread

Here’s your complete timeline for creating this irresistible Apple Bread from start to finish:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (including apple chopping and ingredient gathering)
• Mixing Time: 10 minutes (combining all ingredients and creating batter)
• Baking Time: 55-65 minutes (depending on your oven and desired doneness)
• Cooling Time: 15 minutes in pan, then 30 minutes on wire rack
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours from start to first slice

The key to timing success is having all ingredients at room temperature before starting, which ensures even mixing and optimal texture in your finished loaf.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional profile of your homemade Apple Bread helps you enjoy this treat as part of a balanced diet. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown per serving (based on 10 servings per loaf):

Nutritional data calculated using USDA Food Database standards and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and apple varieties used.

Healthier Alternatives

Transform your Apple Bread into a more nutritious treat without sacrificing the beloved flavors that make this recipe so special. These thoughtful substitutions can reduce calories, increase fiber, and accommodate various dietary preferences:

Special Dietary Adaptations:

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum
• Diabetic-Friendly: Replace sugars with stevia (use ¼ cup) and increase cinnamon for sweetness perception
• Protein-Boost: Add 2 tablespoons of vanilla protein powder and reduce flour by 2 tablespoons

Find more healthy recipe ideas here to discover nutritious meals that satisfy your cravings while supporting your wellness goals.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Breakfast Pairings: Serve thick slices of Apple Bread alongside Greek yogurt drizzled with honey and a sprinkle of granola for a balanced morning meal. The protein from yogurt complements the carbohydrates in the bread, while the probiotics support digestive health. A hot cup of coffee or chai tea enhances the cinnamon notes beautifully.

Elegant Dessert Presentation: Transform your Apple Bread into an impressive dessert by warming individual slices and topping them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Add a light dusting of cinnamon and chopped walnuts for texture contrast that guests will absolutely love.

Afternoon Tea Companion: Cut the bread into smaller portions and serve with cream cheese spread or butter alongside your favorite hot tea. The moist texture and warm spices make it an ideal accompaniment to Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea, creating a cozy afternoon experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Batter: One of the most frequent errors when making Apple Bread is mixing the batter too vigorously or for too long. Overmixing develops the gluten in flour, resulting in a tough, dense loaf instead of the tender, cake-like texture you want. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated – lumps are perfectly acceptable and will disappear during baking.

Using the Wrong Apple Varieties: Not all apples are created equal for baking purposes. Avoid soft varieties like Red Delicious or McIntosh, which break down during baking and create mushy spots in your bread. Stick with firm varieties like Pink Lady, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith that maintain their shape and provide the perfect texture contrast.

Incorrect Oven Temperature and Timing: Baking at too high a temperature causes the outside to brown too quickly while leaving the center undercooked. Always use an oven thermometer to verify accuracy, and perform the toothpick test starting at 55 minutes. The toothpick should come out with just a few moist crumbs – completely clean means overbaked and dry.

Storing Tips

Room Temperature Storage: Store your Apple Bread at room temperature for up to 4 days by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. The key is preventing air exposure, which causes the bread to dry out quickly. For optimal freshness, slice only what you plan to eat immediately and keep the remaining loaf whole.

Refrigeration for Extended Freshness: For storage beyond 4 days, refrigerate your wrapped Apple Bread for up to one week. While refrigeration can slightly firm the texture, you can restore moisture by warming individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toasting them lightly. This method is particularly useful during humid weather when mold growth is a concern.

Freezing for Long-Term Storage: Apple Bread freezes beautifully for up to 3 months when properly wrapped. First, wrap the completely cooled loaf in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. For convenience, consider slicing before freezing and placing parchment paper between slices – this allows you to thaw individual portions as needed without defrosting the entire loaf.

FAQs

Apple Bread

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• Author: Mia
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 servings) 1x

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Description

This Ultimate Apple Bread recipe is a cozy fall favorite that’s irresistibly moist and filled with tender apple chunks, warm cinnamon, and rich brown sugar flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this easy quick bread is one of those recipes dessert lovers and home bakers can’t resist trying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown 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
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 cups chopped apples (Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp – peeled and chopped, about 2 apples)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Peel and chop apples into ½-inch pieces. Toss with 2 tablespoons flour to prevent sinking.
3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth and slightly frothy.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—don’t overmix.
6. Fold in the chopped apples evenly through the batter.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
9. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped nuts or drizzle the cooled loaf with vanilla glaze. Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness. Perfect as a fall breakfast or cozy dessert with a cup of coffee.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: apple bread, fall dessert, recipes baking, recipes dessert, recipes easy, apple pie recipes