If you’re looking to bring the warm, comforting flavors of a classic dessert into a cozy loaf, this Apple Pie Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender bread infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet chunks of apple, topped with a delightful cinnamon sugar crust that gives every bite that perfect balance of soft and crunchy. It’s the kind of treat that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and feels like a gentle hug on a chilly afternoon. Whether you’re baking to impress guests or simply want a flavorful snack that tastes like fall in every slice, this Apple Pie Bread Recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your home baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Apple Pie Bread Recipe is in its simplicity and balance. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the flour providing structure to the warming spices and fresh apples bringing flavor and moisture. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives your bread its hearty texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise and stay light.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for perfect leavening.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and that iconic apple pie flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings a subtle, spicy depth to the spice blend.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens everything just right without overpowering.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with a smooth, aromatic touch.
- 1 cup apples, peeled, cored, and chopped: The star ingredient offering juicy bursts of sweetness.
- ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk): Keeps the bread moist and tender with a slight tang.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: For the topping, to add a sweet, crunchy finish.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Mixed with sugar for the irresistible topping crust.
How to Make Apple Pie Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This lets your oven reach the perfect temperature so your Apple Pie Bread Recipe bakes evenly and develops that gorgeous golden crust. Don’t forget to grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper—this step ensures your bread comes out clean and intact every time.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these ingredients upfront guarantees even distribution of the leavening agents and spices so every bite of your bread bursts with flavor.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This process is key to creating a tender crumb. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract for a touch of sweetness and warmth that complements the apple notes perfectly.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk
Now it’s time to bring the dry and wet ingredients together. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients to build the perfect batter consistency. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Gently fold in the chopped apples last, spreading their juicy goodness throughout the batter without breaking them down.
Step 5: Pour into the Pan
Transfer your luscious batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so the bread bakes evenly and develops that beautiful shape you’re aiming for.
Step 6: Make the Topping (Optional)
In a small bowl, blend together the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter’s surface for a crunch that reminds you of the classic apple pie topping, adding a sweet, spiced finish that’s totally irresistible.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Bake your Apple Pie Bread Recipe for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you notice the bread browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes to prevent burning while ensuring it cooks through perfectly.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the bread set and prevents sogginess. Slice it up and get ready to indulge!
How to Serve Apple Pie Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce takes this Apple Pie Bread Recipe to the next level. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special dessert vibe.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making it a fantastic choice for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon snack. Serve alongside a cinnamon-spiced latte or freshly brewed chai for a cozy experience that warms you from the inside out.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn slices of this bread into French toast for a decadent morning treat or cut into cubes and toast for sweet croutons in your favorite fall salad. You can also layer slices with cream cheese and apple butter for a crowd-pleasing dessert sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Apple Pie Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining its wonderful texture and flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a zip-top bag with parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking. This way, you can enjoy a slice anytime by popping it in the toaster or oven.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a toaster or microwave until warm. For the best texture, warm in an oven preheated to 325°F for 5-10 minutes, which helps revive the crustiness of the topping while keeping the inside soft and tender.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Absolutely! Regular milk works just fine in this Apple Pie Bread Recipe and will still keep the bread moist, though buttermilk adds a slight tang that enhances the overall flavor.
What type of apples is best for this recipe?
Firm apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith hold up well during baking and offer a nice balance of sweet and tart that complements the spices perfectly.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
Is it okay to skip the cinnamon sugar topping?
Yes, the topping is optional but highly recommended for added sweetness and crunch. If you prefer a simpler loaf, the bread will still taste delicious without it.
How long will this bread stay fresh?
Stored properly, this Apple Pie Bread Recipe stays fresh for about three days at room temperature. After that, refrigeration or freezing is the best way to keep it enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about this Apple Pie Bread Recipe that makes any day feel a little brighter and a lot cozier. From the fragrant spices to the juicy apple chunks and that irresistible topping, every slice invites you to slow down and savor the moment. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s the perfect blend of a classic dessert and everyday comfort food that everyone will love.
Print
Apple Pie Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8-10 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Pie Bread is a delightful twist on classic apple pie flavors, baked into a moist and tender bread perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices and loaded with fresh chopped apples, this easy-to-make recipe features a soft crumb and an optional cinnamon sugar topping for an extra touch of sweetness and crunch.
Ingredients
Bread Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces
- ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
Topping (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Stir in the vanilla extract to add depth to the flavor.
- Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently and avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender. Fold in the chopped apples carefully to distribute them evenly without breaking them down.
- Pour into the Pan: Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the surface with a spatula for even baking.
- Make the Topping (Optional): In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter to create a sweet and slightly crunchy topping.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the bread begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Serve as desired for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Notes
- Using buttermilk gives a tender crumb and slight tang but regular milk can be substituted.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the bread moist.
- The cinnamon sugar topping is optional but adds a nice crunch and extra flavor.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a nuttier variation, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans with the apples.
