Apple Bread Recipe: The Ultimate Fall Treat for Cozy Days!

Apple Bread The Perfect Fall Treat, truly captures the essence of autumn in every delightful slice. As the leaves begin their vibrant transformation and a crisp coolness fills the air, there’s an undeniable yearning for the comforting aromas of home baking. Imagine stepping into your kitchen, greeted by the sweet, spicy fragrance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and tender baked apples mingling together, promising a treat that warms both body and soul. This isn’t just any bread; it’s a celebration of the season’s bounty, a simple yet profoundly satisfying creation that evokes cherished memories and creates new ones.

Historically, apples have been a staple in autumn harvests across many cultures, celebrated in pies, crumbles, and, of course, delicious quick breads. Our beloved Apple Bread builds on this tradition, offering a convenient and incredibly flavorful way to enjoy the season’s best fruit. People absolutely adore this dish for its irresistible combination of textures and tastes: the moist, tender crumb of the bread, studded with soft, sweet apple chunks, and often topped with a delightful crunchy streusel or a simple glaze. It’s incredibly versatile, perfect for a cozy breakfast with a cup of coffee, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a simple dessert after dinner. Its ease of preparation also makes it a go-to for busy home bakers who still want to infuse their homes with that delightful, homemade scent.

I find immense joy in baking a loaf of apple bread, knowing it will bring smiles and warmth. It embodies the very spirit of fall: cozy, inviting, and utterly delicious.

It truly is Apple Bread The Perfect Fall Treat you’ll want to bake again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

Gathering all your ingredients before you begin is always my go-to tip for a smooth baking experience. It makes the process so much more enjoyable and ensures you don’t miss a single crucial component for this delightful Apple Bread The Perfect Fall Treat.

• For the Apple Bread Batter:

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups (300g). I find unbleached all-purpose flour works beautifully here, giving the bread just the right structure.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g). This provides the foundational sweetness to our bread.
• Light Brown Sugar, packed: ½ cup (100g). The brown sugar adds a wonderful depth of flavor and moisture that complements the apples so well.
• Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons. This is one of our leavening agents, helping our bread rise beautifully.
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon. The second leavening agent, which will react with the acid in the brown sugar and apples to give us a tender crumb.
• Ground Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons. Oh, the aroma of cinnamon and apples together is simply magical!
• Ground Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon. Just a hint of nutmeg truly elevates the spice profile.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon. Don’t skip the salt; it balances all the sweet flavors and makes them sing.
• Large Eggs: 2, at room temperature. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with other ingredients, leading to a smoother batter.
• Vegetable Oil or Melted Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (120ml). I often use oil for an extra moist crumb, but melted butter adds a rich flavor. Your choice!
• Milk: ½ cup (120ml), at room temperature. Whole milk is my preference for richness, but any milk will do.
• Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons. Pure vanilla extract is a must for its warm, inviting notes.

• For the Apple Filling:

• Baking Apples: 3 medium-sized (about 3 cups diced). Varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith (for a little tartness) are fantastic. I usually go for a mix!
• Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons. Just a little extra sweetness for the apples.
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon. More cinnamon? Yes, please!
• Lemon Juice (optional): 1 teaspoon. A tiny splash can prevent browning and brighten the apple flavor.

• For the Streusel Topping (Highly Recommended!):

• All-Purpose Flour: ½ cup (60g).
• Light Brown Sugar, packed: ¼ cup (50g).
• Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons.
• Ground Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon.
• Unsalted Butter, cold and cubed: ¼ cup (57g). Keeping the butter cold is key to a perfectly crumbly streusel.

• For the Optional Vanilla Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): 1 cup (120g).
• Milk (any kind): 2-3 tablespoons. Start with less and add more to reach your desired consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon.

Preparing Your Ingredients and Oven

1. Preheat Your Oven: First things first, let’s get that oven ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A properly preheated oven is crucial for even baking, ensuring that your apple bread rises beautifully from the start.
2. Prepare Your Baking Pan: For this recipe, I typically use a 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan. Generously grease and flour the pan, or, my preferred method for easy removal, line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides. This parchment paper sling makes it incredibly simple to lift the finished loaf out of the pan once it’s cooled a bit. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
3. Bring Wet Ingredients to Room Temperature: If you haven’t already, take your eggs and milk out of the refrigerator about 30-60 minutes before you plan to start baking. Room temperature ingredients combine much more smoothly, creating a more uniform and tender batter for your Apple Bread The Perfect Fall Treat. This might seem like a small detail, but it really makes a difference in the final texture of your bread.

Creating the Irresistible Streusel Topping (Optional, but highly recommended for Apple Bread The Perfect Fall Treat)

This streusel topping is what truly elevates this apple bread from great to absolutely extraordinary. It adds a delightful crunchy texture and an extra layer of sweet, spiced flavor that you won’t want to miss. Don’t skip it if you want to experience the full potential of this fall delight!

1. Combine Dry Streusel Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Make sure everything is well combined. This ensures that the spices and sugars are evenly distributed throughout your topping.
2. Cut in the Cold Butter: Add the ¼ cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Now, you have a few options here:
   • Using Your Fingertips: This is my favorite method as it gives me the most control. Gently rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, with some larger pea-sized pieces remaining. The key is to work quickly so the butter doesn’t get too warm.
   • Using a Pastry Blender: If you have one, a pastry blender makes quick work of this step. Cut the butter into the flour mixture until you achieve the same coarse crumb consistency.
   • Using a Fork: In a pinch, a fork can work, but it might take a bit more effort.

   Why cold butter? Keeping the butter cold is essential for creating that wonderfully crumbly texture. If the butter melts into the flour too much, you’ll end up with a paste rather than a streusel. Set this bowl aside for now; we’ll be sprinkling it over our batter before baking.

Preparing the Star: The Apples

The apples are, of course, the heart and soul of our Apple Bread The Perfect Fall Treat. Taking a little time to prepare them correctly will ensure every bite is bursting with flavor and tender texture.

1. Peel, Core, and Dice Your Apples: Take your three medium-sized baking apples. Using a vegetable peeler, carefully remove the skin. Then, core each apple, removing the seeds and fibrous center. Once peeled and cored, dice the apples into small, uniform pieces, about ¼ to ½ inch in size.

   A note on apple size: I like to keep the pieces relatively small so they distribute evenly throughout the batter and cook through perfectly without creating large gaps in the bread. Uniformity in size also ensures even cooking.

2. Toss with Sugar and Cinnamon: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. If you’re using it, add the 1 teaspoon of lemon juice here as well. Gently toss everything together until the apple pieces are evenly coated. The sugar will help draw out some of the apple’s natural juices, creating a lovely soft texture when baked, and the cinnamon, well, it just belongs with apples!

   This pre-toss ensures that every apple piece is seasoned, preventing bland spots in your final loaf. Set these aside; they’re ready to be folded into our glorious batter.

Crafting the Moist Apple Bread Batter

This is where all our carefully prepared ingredients come together to form the luscious base of our bread. The key here is to mix just enough to combine, avoiding overmixing, which can lead to a tough loaf. We want that tender, moist crumb!

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of packed light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of salt.

   My tip for dry ingredients: Whisking thoroughly here is important. It ensures that your leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed, so you don’t end up with pockets of unrisen dough or concentrated spice. I like to use a balloon whisk and go for about 30 seconds to make sure everything is perfectly incorporated.

2. Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 2 large room-temperature eggs, ½ cup of vegetable oil (or melted butter), ½ cup of room-temperature milk, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This liquid mixture will be the binder for our dry ingredients, creating a cohesive and flavorful batter.
3. Gently Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon, gently fold the ingredients together until they are just combined.

   Here’s the golden rule for moist bread: Do not overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can result in a tough, dense bread. A few streaks of flour are perfectly fine; remember, we’ll be folding in the apples next, which will help finish combining everything.

4. Fold in the Prepared Apples: Now for the star of the show! Add your cinnamon-sugar coated apples to the batter. Gently fold them into the batter until they are evenly distributed. Again, be mindful not to overmix. You want those beautiful apple pieces studded throughout every slice of your Apple Bread The Perfect Fall Treat. The batter will be quite thick, which is exactly what we’re looking for.

Baking Your Delicious Apple Bread

The moment of truth! Into the oven our masterpiece goes. This stage is all about patience and a little bit of watchful waiting as your kitchen fills with the most incredible aromas of fall.

1. Transfer Batter to Prepared Pan: Carefully spoon the thick apple bread batter into your prepared 9×5-inch loaf pan. Use your spatula to spread the batter evenly, gently smoothing the top. Don’t press down too hard; just ensure it’s distributed from edge to edge.
2. Sprinkle with Streusel Topping: Generously sprinkle the prepared streusel topping evenly over the surface of the batter. Make sure to cover the entire top; this beautiful crunchy layer will become golden brown and utterly irresistible during baking. This is the secret touch that makes it truly a Apple Bread The Perfect Fall Treat.
3. Bake to Perfection: Place the loaf pan in your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for approximately 60-75 minutes.

   Checking for doneness: Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s always best to keep an eye on it. The bread is done when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If you notice the top browning too quickly before the inside is cooked, you can loosely tent the loaf with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

4. The Golden-Brown Indicator: Look for a beautiful golden-brown crust on top, especially where the streusel has caramelized. The edges will also start to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan. The aroma filling your home will be another strong indicator that it’s nearly ready!

Cooling and Adding the Finishing Touch (Optional Glaze)

Patience, my friends, is a virtue, especially when it comes to cooling baked goods. This final stage is crucial for the perfect texture and for adding that extra layer of sweetness if you choose to glaze your incredible Apple Bread The Perfect Fall Treat.

1. Initial Cooling in the Pan: Once your apple bread is out of the oven, resist the urge to immediately remove it from the pan. Allow it to cool in the loaf pan for about 15-20 minutes. This initial cooling period allows the bread to set up, making it much easier to remove without it breaking apart. It also helps to prevent the loaf from becoming too dense.
2. Transfer to a Wire Rack: After the initial cooling, carefully lift the apple bread out of the pan using the parchment paper sling (if you used one) or by gently inverting it onto a wire cooling rack. Remove the parchment paper, if applicable.

   The importance of a wire rack: Allow the bread to cool completely on the wire rack. Cooling on a rack allows air to circulate all around the loaf, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy from trapped steam. This is key for maintaining that perfect crumb and crisp streusel topping.

3. Prepare the Optional Vanilla Glaze: If you’re opting for a glaze (and I highly recommend it for that extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal!), wait until the bread is completely cool. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add the milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. You want it thick enough to coat a spoon, but thin enough to easily drizzle. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, add a tiny bit more powdered sugar.
4. Drizzle and Serve: Once the apple bread is completely cool, take a spoon or a whisk and generously drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top of the streusel. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing.

   Serving Suggestion: This Apple Bread The Perfect Fall Treat is absolutely delicious on its own, but it’s also fantastic served with a cup of coffee or tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or freeze slices for a quick treat anytime!

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my friends! We’ve journeyed through the simple yet incredibly rewarding process of creating what I genuinely believe is a staple for anyone who cherishes the comforting embrace of home baking. This recipe isn’t just about combining ingredients; it’s about crafting an experience, a moment of pure bliss that permeates your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and delivers a taste that is both familiar and profoundly satisfying. I’m truly confident that once you pull this golden-brown loaf from your oven, you’ll understand exactly why I rave about it so much. It’s the perfect harmony of tender, moist crumb, punctuated by the sweet, tangy bursts of baked apple, all kissed with just the right amount of warm spice. This isn’t just another bread; it’s a testament to the simple joys of seasonal eating and the magic that happens when a few humble ingredients come together to create something truly extraordinary. Imagine the cozy mornings, the comforting afternoons, and the delightful evenings made even better by a slice of this magnificent creation.

Now, let’s talk about making this already wonderful treat even more uniquely yours. While it’s absolutely phenomenal on its own, warm from the oven, there are countless ways to elevate your experience. For a truly indulgent breakfast, I love to serve a thick slice lightly toasted, then spread with a generous dollop of cream cheese frosting – perhaps one infused with a hint of maple syrup or even a touch of orange zest. It transforms it into a dessert-like experience that’s still perfectly acceptable for the morning! Alternatively, a simple dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch, making it ready for any afternoon tea gathering. Don’t shy away from serving it as a dessert either; a warm slice alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, perhaps with a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce, is an absolute showstopper. The contrast between the warm bread and the cold, creamy ice cream is simply divine. And for those brisk autumn evenings, a mug of steaming hot cider or a robust cup of coffee makes for the ideal companion, turning a simple snack into a cherished ritual.

Elevate Your Apple Bread Experience with Creative Variations!

But the fun doesn’t stop there! This recipe is incredibly adaptable, inviting you to experiment and infuse your own culinary spirit. If you’re a nut enthusiast, try folding in a cup of toasted walnuts or pecans into the batter for an added layer of crunch and nutty flavor. For an extra autumnal kick, consider adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice alongside the cinnamon. You could even swap out a portion of the apples for dried cranberries or golden raisins for a different textural and flavor dynamic. Feeling adventurous? Instead of a loaf, bake the batter in muffin tins for perfectly portioned apple bread muffins, ideal for grab-and-go breakfasts or lunchbox treats. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, usually around 20-25 minutes for standard muffins. You could also bake it in a bundt pan for a more elegant presentation, perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. The core recipe remains robust enough to handle these thoughtful additions, allowing you to tailor each batch to your specific cravings or the preferences of your loved ones. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and its ability to consistently deliver delightful results, no matter how you choose to personalize it.

Your Kitchen Awaits: Share Your Culinary Triumph!

So, what are you waiting for? I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and immerse yourself in the delightful process of baking this incredible recipe. You’ll find that creating this Apple Bread The Perfect Fall Treat is not only simple but also incredibly therapeutic. The aroma alone is enough to lift your spirits and make your home feel wonderfully cozy. When you finally take that first bite, I guarantee a wave of comforting warmth and satisfaction will wash over you. Don’t keep this joy to yourself! I would absolutely love to hear about your baking adventures. Did you add a unique twist? What was your favorite serving suggestion? Please, share your experience, your photos, and any creative variations you come up with. Your insights and culinary triumphs inspire not just me, but our entire community of food lovers. Let’s make this autumn – and every season – a little sweeter, one slice of homemade goodness at a time. Happy baking!

Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat

A delightful quick bread recipe that captures the essence of autumn. This moist, tender apple bread, often topped with streusel or glaze, combines sweet, spiced apple chunks for a comforting fall treat.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
70 Minutes

Total Time
30 Minutes

Servings
1 loaf

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
• ½ cup Granulated Sugar
• ½ cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• ½ tsp Ground Nutmeg
• ½ tsp Salt
• 2 Large Eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup Melted Butter
• ½ cup Milk, room temperature
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 3 medium Baking Apples, diced
• 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar (for apples)
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon (for apples)
• 1 tsp Lemon Juice (optional)
• ½ cup All-Purpose Flour (for streusel)
• ¼ cup Light Brown Sugar, packed (for streusel)
• 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar (for streusel)
• ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon (for streusel)
• ¼ cup Cold Unsalted Butter, cubed (for streusel)
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for glaze)
• 2-3 tbsp Milk (for glaze)
• ½ tsp Vanilla Extract (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper for easy removal. Bring eggs and milk to room temperature.
2. Step 2
   In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup flour, ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, and ½ tsp ground cinnamon. Cut in ¼ cup cold, cubed unsalted butter until coarse crumbs form. Set aside.
3. Step 3
   Peel, core, and dice 3 medium baking apples into ¼-½ inch pieces. Toss with 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1 tsp lemon juice (optional). Set aside.
4. Step 4
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup packed light brown sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, and ½ tsp salt.
5. Step 5
   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 2 room-temperature eggs, ½ cup melted butter, ½ cup room-temperature milk, and 2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Step 6
   Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the prepared apples until evenly distributed.
7. Step 7
   Transfer batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
8. Step 8
   Cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. For the optional glaze, whisk 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tbsp milk, and ½ tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the completely cooled bread. Slice and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.