The Best Homemade Apple Bread Recipe

Introduction

Apple bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon snacks. Packed with tender apple pieces and warm cinnamon, it offers a delightful balance of sweet and spice in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups finely diced apple
• 2 cups flour (spelt, white, or oat)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup milk of choice
• 3 1/2 tbsp oil or applesauce
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prepare for baking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, thoroughly stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and sugar to combine all dry ingredients.
3. Step 3: Add the diced apples to the dry mix and stir gently to distribute evenly.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, oil or applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Step 5: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until all ingredients are combined into a batter.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly.
7. Step 7: Bake the apple bread for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
8. Step 8: Allow the loaf to cool completely in the pan, then remove. For best flavor and texture, cover it with a cloth and let it rest overnight before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, mix the cinnamon into 2 tablespoons of milk and gently swirl it into the batter just before baking.
• Try substituting half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat or oat flour for added fiber and a nuttier taste.
• Use applesauce instead of oil to reduce fat and increase moisture in the bread.
• Add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
• If desired, frost the cooled bread with your favorite icing or a simple glaze to make it more decadent.

Storage

Store apple bread wrapped in a cloth or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, slice and freeze portions in airtight containers or bags for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in a toaster or microwave for best results.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples in this bread?

Yes, you can use any sweet or tart apple variety you like. Firmer apples such as Fuji or Honeycrisp hold their shape nicely, while softer apples like McIntosh will create a more moist texture.

Do I have to let the bread rest overnight before eating?

While you can enjoy the bread right after it cools, letting it rest overnight improves the flavor and texture as the spices and apple meld together for a richer taste.

The Best Homemade Apple Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 53 reviews

This homemade Apple Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. Made with finely diced apples, warm cinnamon, and a tender crumb from oil or applesauce, it offers a sweet, spiced taste that improves when rested overnight. Easy to prepare and bake, it’s a comforting treat that can be enjoyed plain or with your favorite icing or glaze.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 10-12 slices) 1x
• Category: Quick Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups flour (spelt, white, or oat)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 3/4 cup sugar

Wet Ingredients

• 2 cups finely diced apple
• 1 cup milk of choice
• 3 1/2 tbsp oil or applesauce
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the cinnamon swirl (optional): You may mix the cinnamon into 2 tablespoons of the milk and swirl it into the batter right before baking to create a visual cinnamon swirl effect, or simply add the cinnamon with the dry ingredients.
2. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the bread.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, cinnamon (if not swirling), and sugar until evenly combined.
4. Add wet ingredients: Add the finely diced apples, milk, oil or applesauce, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir gently to form a smooth batter, being careful not to overmix.
5. Prepare baking pan: Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking, then pour the batter evenly into the pan. If you prepared the cinnamon swirl, gently swirl the cinnamon milk mixture into the batter now.
6. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out mostly clean with only a few moist crumbs attached.
7. Cool and rest: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan. For best flavor and texture, cover the cooled bread with a cloth and let it rest overnight before serving.
8. Storage and serving: Leftover apple bread can be sliced and frozen for later enjoyment. Optionally, frost with your favorite icing or a simple glaze to enhance sweetness.

Notes

• For a visual cinnamon swirl, mix cinnamon into a small amount of milk and gently swirl it into the batter before baking.
• Resting the bread overnight covered with a cloth enhances the flavor and texture.
• Leftover bread can be sliced and frozen to maintain freshness.
• You can frost the apple bread with your favorite icing or a glaze for added sweetness.
• Try similar healthy variations like Applesauce Muffins for another delicious apple treat.

Keywords: apple bread, homemade bread, quick bread, cinnamon apple bread, easy baking, spiced bread, healthy apple loaf