Autumn’s crisp air and glowing colors bring one thing to mind: comfort food. And nothing feels more like fall than a warm slice of apple bread fresh from the oven. With soft, tender crumb, pockets of juicy apples, and a swirl of cinnamon-sugar, this apple bread is just the kind of cozy treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Bread
- Fall Flavor at Its Best – The marriage of apples and cinnamon gives each bite that signature autumn warmth.
- Easy to Make – It uses everyday ingredients and doesn’t require advanced baking skills.
- Moist and Tender – The apples help keep it moist, while the swirl of cinnamon-sugar adds texture and aroma.
- Versatile – Serve it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as dessert with a drizzle of glaze.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all‑purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped apples (peeled, such as Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and flour an 8×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined (do not overmix).
- Gently fold in the chopped apples into the batter.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture over the batter.
- Carefully spread the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture and gently swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). If the bread is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the final 10–15 minutes.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
- Total Time: 45–55 minutes
Tips & Variations
- Add Nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Alternate Fruits: Swap apples for pears or blueberries for a twist.
- Glaze Option: Mix powdered sugar with a touch of milk or lemon juice and drizzle over cooled slices.
- Vegan Version: Use flax “eggs” (1 Tbsp ground flax + 3 Tbsp water = one egg) and plant‑based butter.
- Gluten‑Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; texture may vary slightly.
Storage & Reheating
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days.
- For longer life, refrigerate for up to a week or wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: warm slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or lightly toast them.
Why This Recipe Works
This apple bread delivers classic flavor in a simple, foolproof formula. The balance of sweet and tart from the apples, the warm aroma of cinnamon, and a tender crumb make it irresistible. Plus, because it’s so approachable, it’s perfect for bakers at any experience level.