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
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
