This homemade Apple Bread is a cozy, spiced loaf bursting with the flavor of fresh apples and warm autumn spices. Perfectly moist with a tender crumb, it’s an irresistible treat for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert. Every slice is filled with chunks of juicy apple, a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making it the ultimate comfort bake.
Easy to prepare and made in just over an hour, this recipe is ideal for fall baking or any time you crave something sweet and comforting. Serve it warm, plain, or with a smear of butter for the ultimate apple bread experience.
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What is Apple Bread?
Apple bread. The very name conjures images of crisp autumn days, the scent of cinnamon filling the air, and cozy nights by the fire. But have you ever stopped to wonder why it’s called apple bread? Is it simply because it’s bread… with apples? Or does it have a more whimsical origin story? Perhaps a baker, struck by inspiration while picking apples in their orchard, decided to create a loaf so apple-y, it could only be called apple bread!
We may never know the true tale, but one thing’s for sure: this bread is a delicious testament to the timeless pairing of apples and spice. It’s a classic for a reason – because let’s face it – the way to a man’s (or woman’s!) heart is through their stomach, and this apple bread is a one way ticket to culinary affection! So, ditch the store-bought stuff and try baking your own batch. You won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients for Apple Bread:
Here’s a visual feast and a list of everything you’ll need to create this masterpiece:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure of the bread.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavening agent for a light and airy texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and classic apple spice flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon with a nutty, aromatic note.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and adds moisture.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Contributes to the moistness of the bread and tenderness.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a touch of sweetness.
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples: The star of the show! Use a variety like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji for the best flavor and texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Make Apple Bread:
This apple bread recipe is surprisingly easy, yielding a moist and spiced loaf in about an hour! It’s a simple mix-and-bake affair, making it perfect for even novice bakers. The combination of warm spices and juicy apples creates a comforting aroma that will fill your kitchen, and the resulting bread is satisfyingly delicious. Preparation time (including peeling/dicing apples) is roughly 20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the bread.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure to eliminate any yolk clumps for a smooth batter.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough bread.
Fold in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts (if using). Ensure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Check for doneness around 50 minutes, and then continue baking until clean.
Cool and Slice: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread getting soggy after removing it. Slice and serve!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Bread
This Homemade Apple Bread Recipe is a champion on so many fronts. The unbelievably moist texture, thanks to the oil and apples, is a major highlight. Forget dry, crumbly bread! Plus, making it from scratch saves you money compared to bakery prices, and you get to control the ingredients – meaning no unwanted preservatives or artificial flavors. Finally, those warm spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves – create a flavor explosion that screams autumn.
If you’re a fan of all things apple, you might also enjoy a slice of classic apple pie! But for a quicker, easier treat, this apple bread is a clear winner. So, what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven and bake up a loaf of pure happiness!
What to Serve Apple Bread With:
This apple bread is incredibly versatile! Serve it warm with a pat of butter for a simple yet satisfying snack. For breakfast, try it toasted with cream cheese or a drizzle of honey. It also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Complement it with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk.
Top Tips for Perfecting Apple Bread:
- Apple Variety Matters: Use a mix of apple varieties for the best flavor and texture. Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji are all great choices. Using just one variety may flatten the flavors as well as the texture in your moist apple bread.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter develops gluten, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean. If it comes out with batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
- Substitute Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. You can use apple pie spice instead of individual spices. Depending on your preference you van also use pumpkin pie spice.
- Add Ins: Get creative with add-ins! Raisins, dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or a streusel topping are all delicious additions.
- Adjust Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute almond milk or soy milk for the eggs.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing: To keep your apple bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To save the apple bread for a longer period, wrap the loaf tightly in either plastic freezer-safe wrap or aluminum foil. And then place it into a heavy-duty freezer bag.
Reheating: To refresh day-old apple bread, warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick warm-up, but be careful not to overcook it. To reheat from frozen, thaw the bread overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for several hours. Then, warm it in the oven or microwave as described above.
Final Thoughts:
This Homemade Apple Bread Recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create a little bit of autumn magic in your own kitchen. With its moist texture, warm spices, and irresistible apple flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to be amazed by the simple joy of homemade apple bread.
For pudding lovers, our creamy Pudding with Egg and Cornstarch is a must-try. And if you can’t get enough whoopie pies, don’t miss our indulgent Peanut Butter Whoopie Pies.
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FAQs
Can I use applesauce instead of diced apples?
While you can substitute applesauce, diced apples provide a better texture and bite to the bread.
Can I freeze this apple bread?
Yes! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 2-3 months.
Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Absolutely! Bake the batter in muffin tins for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Apple Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices) 1x
Description
A moist, spiced loaf packed with fresh apples and warm autumn flavors, perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in apples and nuts (if using).
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
- Bake 50-60 minutes, checking at 50 minutes, until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Use sweet-tart apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji for best flavor. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg