Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat

The Perfect Fall Treat: Apple Bread

As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, there’s something comforting about baking with apples. Apple bread is the perfect fall treat that warms your home and fills your kitchen with a delicious aroma. This moist and flavorful bread combines the sweetness of apples with aromatic spices, making it an ideal snack or dessert. Whether you’re spending a quiet afternoon at home or entertaining guests, baking apple bread is a wonderful way to celebrate the season. Not only is this bread easy to make, but it also uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Why Make This Recipe

You may wonder why apple bread should be on your list of must-try recipes this fall. Here are a few reasons:

• Seasonal Flavors: Apple bread showcases fall’s best flavors. The combination of fresh apples and warm spices like cinnamon brings a taste of the harvest into your home.
• Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal prep and baking time. Even beginner bakers can achieve great results with this simple method.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, apple bread fits perfectly into any part of your day.
• Customizable: This recipe can be adjusted to include nuts, raisins, or even a drizzle of icing, allowing you to make it your own.
• Great for Sharing: Apple bread makes a lovely gift or a sweet treat to share with friends and family. Who wouldn’t appreciate a homemade loaf?

Now that you understand why you should bake this delightful treat, let’s dive into how to make it yourself.

How to Make Apple Bread

Making apple bread involves a few simple steps. Follow the recipe closely for the best results, and don’t forget to enjoy the process!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chopped apples (Pink Lady, Gala, Honeycrisp – peeled and chopped, about 2 apples)

With your ingredients ready, you are all set to start putting this delicious apple bread together!

Directions

Follow these easy steps to bake your apple bread:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar and cinnamon and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until well combined.
4. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. The batter will be thick.
6. Gently fold in the chopped apples.
7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the brown sugar mixture over the batter.
8. Carefully spread the remaining batter on top of the brown sugar mixture.
9. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the top and gently swirl it into the batter using a knife or spoon.
10. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). If the bread is browning too quickly, tent it with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes.
11. Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.

That’s it! You’ve successfully made apple bread. Now let’s explore how to serve and store it properly.

How to Serve Apple Bread

Apple bread is versatile in how you can serve it. Here are a few ideas:

• Warm Slices: Serve slices warm right out of the oven with a pat of butter or a scoop of ice cream.
• With Coffee or Tea: Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack.
• Toast It: Pop a slice in the toaster for a few minutes for a delicious toasted version that brings out the flavors even more.
• Add Toppings: Consider drizzling the bread with caramel sauce, cream cheese frosting, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a special touch.

How to Store Apple Bread

To keep your apple bread fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: If you want it to last a bit longer, store it in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw at room temperature.

Tips to Make Apple Bread

Here are some tips to ensure your apple bread turns out perfectly:

• Choose the Right Apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth of flavor. Pink Lady, Gala, and Honeycrisp work wonderfully.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense bread. A few lumps are okay.
• Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures vary, so start checking your bread after 35 minutes. If the toothpick comes out clean, it’s ready!
• Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before removing it. This helps with slicing and keeps the loaf from falling apart.
• Add Texture: For an extra crunch, you can fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans before pouring the batter into the pan.

Variation

Feel free to experiment with this recipe! Here are a couple of variations to try:

• Cinnamon Walnut Apple Bread: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts to the batter for a delicious crunch.
• Caramel Swirl Apple Bread: Drizzle caramel sauce into the layers of batter for a sweet surprise.
• Pumpkin Spice Apple Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the batter for a fall twist.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour is commonly used in this recipe, and it works wonderfully. It provides a light and soft texture.

What apples are best for baking?

The best apples for baking are firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady. These apples hold their shape well and have a good balance of sweetness and tartness.

How can I tell when my apple bread is done?

You can tell it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Can I make mini loaves with this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe can be divided into smaller portions. Adjust the baking time as needed, checking for doneness after 20-25 minutes.

How can I make my apple bread more sweet?

If you prefer a sweeter loaf, you can increase the granulated sugar by a couple of tablespoons or add a light glaze on top after baking.

Now you’re ready to bake and enjoy the warmth and flavors of apple bread this fall. Happy baking!

Apple Bread

---

• Author: amanda-hart
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A moist and flavorful apple bread that combines the sweetness of apples with warm spices, perfect for fall.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chopped apples (Pink Lady, Gala, Honeycrisp – peeled and chopped, about 2 apples)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar and cinnamon and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until well combined.
4. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. The batter will be thick.
6. Gently fold in the chopped apples.
7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the brown sugar mixture over the batter.
8. Carefully spread the remaining batter on top of the brown sugar mixture.
9. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the top and gently swirl it into the batter using a knife or spoon.
10. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs).
11. Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

Consider adding nuts or a drizzle of icing for a personalized touch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: apple, bread, fall, dessert, baking