If you love the comforting flavors of fall wrapped up in golden, tender bread, then this Apple Pie Bread Recipe is going to become one of your all-time favorites. It captures the essence of classic apple pie with fragrant cinnamon, warm nutmeg, and juicy bits of apple baked right into moist, fluffy bread. Each bite feels like a hug from your favorite pie, but easier to make and perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. I’m so excited to share this cozy recipe with you—it’s straightforward yet packed with incredible flavor that’ll brighten up any day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a few staple ingredients is all it takes to bring this Apple Pie Bread Recipe to life. Each one plays an important role: from the aromatic spices that define the flavor, to the butter and buttermilk that ensure a tender crumb, and of course, the crisp, fresh apples that give it that authentic apple pie touch.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread, providing structure and the perfect balance of softness.
Baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully for a light texture.
Baking soda: Works with the acidic buttermilk to add lift and tenderness.
Ground cinnamon: Gives that unmistakable warm, sweet spice that defines apple pie flavor.
Ground nutmeg: Adds depth with a subtle, cozy aroma.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
Unsalted butter: Makes the bread moist and rich, plus it’s easy to cream with sugar.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly and helps with browning in the crust.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a gentle sweetness.
Chopped apples: The star ingredient that brings freshness and juicy bites throughout the bread.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes and slightly tangs the bread, balancing the sweetness.
Sugar and cinnamon topping: Creates a delightful sweet crunch on top for extra flavor and texture.

How to Make Apple Pie Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your loaf pan is key here—grease and flour it well or line it with parchment paper to ensure your bread doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly shaped.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This blend not only creates a balanced rising effect but infuses your bread with those lovely autumn spices right from the start.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a mixer. Then add your eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, airy base for your bread. Stir in the vanilla extract to deepen the flavor.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk

Alternate adding the dry ingredients with the buttermilk to the creamed butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry. Mix gently until just combined; overmixing can make the bread tough. Finally, fold in the chopped apples delicately, distributing those sweet little pockets of apple throughout the batter.

Step 5: Pour into the Pan

Transfer your batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the surface with a spatula so it bakes evenly and looks inviting for that beautiful golden crust.

Step 6: Make the Topping (Optional)

This step adds a little extra sparkle to your bread. Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle generously over the top of the batter. This will create a slightly crunchy, sweet topping that perfectly complements the soft bread inside.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Bake your apple pie bread for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it toward the end—if it’s browning too fast, lightly cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the inside finishes baking.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to rest in the pan for about 10 minutes after baking. This step helps it set, making it easier to remove. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This way, each slice won’t crumble apart and will showcase all those gorgeous apples and spices.

How to Serve Apple Pie Bread Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your Apple Pie Bread Recipe by adding a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. These touches bring out the warm spice flavors and create a luscious, dessert-worthy treat.

Side Dishes

This bread makes a lovely companion to hot beverages like coffee, chai tea, or a spiced cider. For brunch, serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt to balance the sweetness and create a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special gathering, consider slicing the bread nice and thick and serving on a pretty platter with toppings on the side so guests can customize. You could also lightly toast slices and spread with cinnamon butter or cream cheese for a delightful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Apple Pie Bread Recipe fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container at room temperature. It will maintain its moisture and flavor for 2 to 3 days—perfect for enjoying a few more cozy treats.

Freezing

Apple Pie Bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then again in foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature to preserve its texture.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the bread soggy. A light pat of butter on top before warming enhances the flavor too.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes! While buttermilk adds a slight tang and tenderizes the bread, regular milk can be used as a substitute in the Apple Pie Bread Recipe. For extra tang, you can add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

What kind of apples work best in this recipe?

Firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are ideal because they hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the bread?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins are wonderful additions that add texture and flavor to the Apple Pie Bread Recipe. Just fold about ½ cup into the batter along with the apples.

Is this bread gluten-free friendly?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can experiment by substituting a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. Adjustments might be needed for liquid ratios.

How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?

The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If batter sticks to the toothpick, it needs more time baking.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Apple Pie Bread Recipe enough for anyone looking to bring that nostalgic, comforting apple pie experience into a sliceable, shareable loaf. It’s simple to make, filled with heartwarming flavors, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and soon this will be your go-to for cozy mornings and snack time smiles.

Apple Pie Bread Recipe

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4.2 from 82 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 80 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 8 slices) 1x

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Description

This Apple Pie Bread recipe brings the comforting flavors of classic apple pie into a moist, fragrant loaf perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. The bread combines tender apples, warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices, and a sweet crumb, finished with an optional cinnamon sugar topping that mimics the nostalgic taste of apple pie. Baked in a loaf pan, it offers an easy and delicious twist on traditional pie, perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry 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

Wet Ingredients

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

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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 and ensure easy removal after baking.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with ¾ cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step aerates the mixture, helping the bread rise. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor depth.
Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk (or regular milk) starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently and just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which could make the bread dense. Finally, fold in the chopped apples carefully to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
Pour into the Pan: Pour the prepared batter into your greased or lined loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking and a neat appearance.
Make the Topping (Optional): In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top of the batter to add a sweet, crunchy crust reminiscent of an apple pie topping.
Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the bread begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning.
Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve to enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie in bread form.

Notes

Using buttermilk adds a slight tang and helps keep the bread moist, but regular milk can be substituted if needed.
The cinnamon sugar topping is optional but highly recommended for added texture and sweetness.
Ensure apples are chopped into small pieces to distribute evenly and prevent sinking.
Store leftover bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for a warm treat.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American