Apple Pie Bread

When you can’t decide whether you’re craving a warm, comforting loaf of bread or a delicious apple pie, Apple Pie Bread is the answer! This loaf is the perfect combination of moist, cinnamon-sugar goodness and the sweet, fruity flavor of apples, making every bite feel like a hug from the inside. It’s a little bit cake-like, a little bit bread-like, and a whole lot of delicious! Whether you’re serving it for breakfast with a cup of coffee or as a dessert after dinner, this bread is sure to impress everyone at the table. It’s easy to make, and the aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes? Absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love Apple Pie Bread

• Warm and Comforting: The soft, tender bread combined with chunks of sweet apples and cinnamon makes it feel like a cozy, comforting dessert. It’s perfect for fall but delicious all year round.
• Fragrant: With cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, this bread fills your kitchen with the most amazing smell as it bakes—honestly, it’s like walking into a bakery.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple enough for beginners and doesn’t require any special equipment. A mixing bowl, a loaf pan, and your oven are all you need to make this treat.
• Perfectly Versatile: Serve it as breakfast, snack, or dessert. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee, or top it with a little butter or cream cheese for an extra indulgent experience.

Ingredients

For the Apple Pie Bread:

• All-purpose flour: The base of your bread, giving it structure and that light, fluffy texture.
• Baking soda: Helps the bread rise, ensuring it’s light and tender.
• Cinnamon: The star of the show, giving the bread its warm, cozy flavor.
• Nutmeg: Adds a hint of warmth and depth to the apple pie flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the bread.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread just enough without being overpowering.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
• Vanilla extract: Brings in a subtle, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples and spices.
• Buttermilk: Adds tenderness and a subtle tang to the bread, helping it rise beautifully.
• Apples: The star ingredient—use a firm, sweet variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp for the best results.
• Cinnamon-sugar (for topping): Adds that delicious, crunchy topping that gives the bread its perfect sweet finish.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to make this delicious Apple Pie Bread:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer or stand mixer.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Add Apples

Fold in the apples gently with a spatula, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the top of the batter for that irresistible crunchy finish.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. If the top starts to get too dark, tent it with aluminum foil towards the end of baking.

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 slices
Calories per slice: 230
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Apple Pie Bread

• As a Snack: Enjoy a slice in the afternoon with a cup of tea or coffee—it’s the perfect pick-me-up.
• With Butter or Cream Cheese: Spread a little butter or cream cheese on a warm slice for an extra layer of flavor.
• For Breakfast: It’s a great option for a sweet breakfast! Serve with a side of fresh fruit and a hot beverage for a complete morning treat.
• As a Dessert: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a deliciously indulgent dessert.

Additional Tips

• Use Firm Apples: Choose apples that hold their shape when baked, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, so they don’t turn mushy in the bread.
• Make It Ahead: This bread keeps well for several days. It actually gets even better after a day or two, as the flavors have time to meld together.
• Add Nuts: If you like a bit of crunch, try folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra texture boost.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of milk instead of buttermilk?
A1: Yes, you can substitute regular milk, but buttermilk adds a wonderful tanginess and helps make the bread extra tender.

Q2: Can I freeze Apple Pie Bread?
A2: Absolutely! Once the bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let it thaw before serving.

Q3: Can I use a different type of apple?
A3: Yes! Any firm, sweet apple works well—Granny Smith apples will give the bread a tart contrast, or you could try Golden Delicious for a sweeter flavor.

Q4: How can I make this bread gluten-free?
A4: You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to keep the texture right.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Yes! Double the ingredients and divide the batter between two loaf pans. Just be sure to check for doneness with a toothpick in the center of each loaf.

Q6: Can I add raisins or other dried fruits?
A6: Yes, adding raisins or dried cranberries would be a delicious twist! Just fold them in along with the apples.

Q7: How do I know when the bread is done?
A7: The bread is done when a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. If it comes out wet, continue baking for a few more minutes.

Q8: Can I make this bread without the cinnamon-sugar topping?
A8: Absolutely! The cinnamon-sugar topping adds a nice crunch and extra flavor, but the bread is perfectly delicious without it too.

Q9: Can I make this bread dairy-free?
A9: Yes, substitute the butter with dairy-free butter and the buttermilk with non-dairy milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the acidity of buttermilk.

Q10: Can I add more apples to the bread?
A10: Sure! If you love apple flavor, feel free to add an extra apple, but be careful not to add too much, or the bread might become too moist.

Conclusion

This Apple Pie Bread is everything you love about fall baked into one delicious loaf! It’s soft, flavorful, and perfectly sweet with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a cozy treat, this bread is sure to satisfy. Grab your apples, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy the sweetest slice of heaven! Happy baking!

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