apple loaf bread recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best apple loaf bread recipe

I’ve been making this apple loaf bread recipe for years, and it’s still one of my family’s favorites. It’s a classic comfort food that’s perfect for a Sunday morning breakfast or a weeknight dinner. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort.

I love how the sweetness of the apples pairs with the savory flavor of the bread. My kids adore helping me mix the dough and pressing the apples into the loaf. It’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen and teach them about measurements and mixing.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover apples we might have on hand. The history of this recipe is fascinating – it originated in the early 20th century as a way to use up excess apples from local orchards. The original recipe called for a mixture of all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, and milk, which was then topped with a crumbly oat and brown sugar mixture.

Over time, bakers began experimenting with different types of flour and sweeteners, leading to the modern version we know today. In terms of technique, this recipe requires some patience – you need to let the dough rise for at least an hour before baking. But trust me, it’s worth it – the end result is a beautifully tender loaf with just the right amount of crustiness on the outside.

I like to serve it warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of whipped cream. One thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a side dish at dinner or as a snack on its own.

It’s also perfect for packing into lunchboxes or serving at family gatherings. Of course, there are plenty of variations you can try – adding nuts or dried fruit to give it extra texture, using different types of sweetener like honey or maple syrup, or even trying out different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Apple Loaf Bread

4.9 from 1026 votes

Apple Loaf Bread is a delightful and comforting quick bread filled with fresh apples, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack, and it pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time60 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time75 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 250 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Bread

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)

For the Streusel Topping

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
3In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4Mix well and set aside.
5In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
6This should take about 2-3 minutes.
7Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
8Stir in the vanilla extract.
9Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
10Fold in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
11Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
12In a separate bowl, prepare the streusel topping by combining the flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon.
13Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
14Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter in the loaf pan.
15Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
16The top should be golden brown and the loaf should pull away slightly from the sides of the pan.
17Allow the apple loaf bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Loaf pan
Electric mixer
Spatula
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 250 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 55mg🧂Sodium: 200mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 20g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

Tips: Use a combination of apples such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a mix of tart and sweet flavors. Store the loaf at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

This apple loaf bread recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just want something comforting after a long day.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily it freezes – simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in your freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Loaf Bread

Q: What type of apples should I use in this recipe?

In general, you want to choose an apple that holds its shape well when cooked – something like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious works well.

Q: Can I substitute other types of flour in this recipe?

Sure thing! Some people prefer using whole wheat flour for its nuttier flavor and higher fiber content.

Q: How long does this bread keep?

This bread will keep for up to 5 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q: Can I freeze this bread?

Yes! Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in your freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can make your own buttermilk by mixing 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon white vinegar – let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Q: Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour blend according to package instructions.

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