If you’re searching for a cozy treat that fills your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and sweet apples, this Apple Bread is exactly what you need. Imagine biting into a slice that’s soft, moist, and studded with juicy apple pieces—a perfect companion for your morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up. This quick bread recipe brings out the very best of fall flavors with spices and a touch of nostalgia, making it a family favorite you’ll return to all year long. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to loaf cakes, you’ll love how easy and rewarding every bite of Apple Bread can be!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Apple Bread is its simplicity; every ingredient is there for a reason, working together to create layers of flavor, tenderness, and that irresistible golden color. Nothing fancy here—just pantry staples and fresh apples doing what they do best.

All-Purpose Flour: Forms the sturdy base and light crumb for this loaf.
Baking Soda: Ensures your bread rises perfectly for a moist but not dense texture.
Baking Powder: Adds extra lift, keeping the loaf airy and tender.
Salt: A pinch sharpens the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon: Brings that classic warm spice, essential for apple recipes.
Ground Nutmeg: Adds a gentle, earthy note that complements the apples beautifully.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread extra moist and soft every time.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens things up and ensures a delicate crumb.
Brown Sugar: Deepens the flavor and adds subtle caramel notes.
Large Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with its sweet aroma.
Peeled and Finely Chopped Apples: The star ingredient—choose fresh, crisp apples for best texture and taste.
Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional): Give your Apple Bread a little crunch and nutty flavor if you like.

How to Make Apple Bread

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan well with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures your Apple Bread will release easily and bake evenly, making clean-up a breeze and your loaf picture-perfect.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing these dry ingredients first guarantees your spices and leaveners are distributed consistently throughout the batter—no clumps, just pure even flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Keep whisking until the mixture turns glossy and smooth. This helps dissolve the sugars and sets you up for an extra tender Apple Bread loaf.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can make your bread tough. You want to see a few streaks of flour left, as finishing the mixing with the apples will take care of the rest.

Step 5: Add Apples and Nuts

Fold in your peeled, chopped apples, and if you’re using them, the nuts. The apples add bursts of moisture and flavor, while the nuts (totally optional) bring a satisfying crunch and extra richness to every bite.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the Apple Bread cool in the pan for ten minutes before transferring to a wire rack where it can finish cooling—and where the incredible aroma will tempt everyone in the house!

How to Serve Apple Bread

Garnishes

While this bread is fabulous on its own, a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can really dress it up. A dollop of whipped cream or a smear of softened butter brings out its homey, comforting vibes, making it dessert-worthy without any fuss.

Side Dishes

If you’re enjoying your Apple Bread for breakfast or brunch, pair it with thick Greek yogurt and some berries on the side. For an afternoon treat, a hot cup of tea, spiced chai, or even your favorite coffee works wonders to play up the gentle spices in the bread.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Apple Bread into individual servings by slicing and toasting it before topping with apple butter or your favorite jam. You could even turn leftover slices into a decadent French toast, or layer chunks into a trifle with custard and whipped cream for a fresh twist on classic comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Bread stays moist and delicious for several days. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, refrigerate instead; just bring the bread back to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Freezing

This loaf loves the freezer! Wrap whole or sliced Apple Bread in plastic and then foil, and it will keep beautifully for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, allow it to thaw on the counter while still wrapped so it reabsorbs any condensation and stays perfectly moist.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds, or toast gently in a toaster oven. Warmed Apple Bread makes the kitchen smell wonderful all over again and brings even more comfort to every bite.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of flour for Apple Bread?

Absolutely! While all-purpose flour is classic for a soft crumb, you can try whole wheat flour for a heartier, slightly nutty flavor, or use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to suit dietary needs. Just keep in mind that different flours may alter the texture a bit.

What kind of apples work best?

Both sweet and tart apples can shine in Apple Bread. I like using a mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for depth of flavor and moisture, but feel free to use whatever fresh apples you have on hand! The key is to peel and finely chop them so they meld seamlessly into the bread.

Do I have to include nuts?

Nope! Nuts add a little crunch and richness, but if you’re nut-free or don’t have any on hand, simply leave them out. The Apple Bread will still be tender, flavorful, and delicious.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Definitely! Dried cranberries, raisins, or even chocolate chips are all fun extras that can elevate Apple Bread and make it your own. Just keep added mix-ins to about half a cup so you don’t overwhelm the batter.

How do I know when my Apple Bread is done baking?

Your loaf is ready when a toothpick or skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, with no wet batter attached. If there are a few moist crumbs, that’s perfect—the bread will finish cooking as it cools. Avoid overbaking to keep the crumb soft and moist.

Final Thoughts

Baking Apple Bread always feels like the coziest way to celebrate the season, and I truly hope it finds a spot in your heart and home. There’s nothing quite like a kitchen filled with the scent of apples and cinnamon! Give this recipe a try and share a slice (or two) with someone you love—you might just create a new favorite tradition.

Apple Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy the flavors of fall with this delicious Apple Bread recipe. Moist and full of cinnamon-spiced apples, this bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

1½ cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Add apples and nuts: Fold in the chopped apples and nuts if using.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.