If there’s a smell that instantly whisks me back to cozy weekend mornings, it’s the irresistible aroma of Apple Bread baking in the oven. This quick bread is bursting with tender chunks of sweet apple and swirls of warm cinnamon, making it the sort of comforting treat you’ll want to share with everyone (or maybe keep all to yourself—no judgment!). Each bite is perfectly moist, lightly spiced, and the kind of delicious that never lasts long in anyone’s kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Apple Bread comes together with a handful of simple pantry staples and crisp apples—nothing fancy, just tried-and-true basics. Every ingredient plays its part, ensuring the loaf is moist, flavorful, and inviting.

All-purpose flour: The structure and base for our bread; be sure to measure it lightly for a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Adds classic sweetness and helps the bread brown nicely.
Brown sugar: Brings extra moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
Baking soda: Gives just the right lift so the bread stays light and fluffy.
Salt: Balances sweetness and highlights the flavors of the apples and spices.
Ground cinnamon: The essential warm spice for that irresistible apple-cinnamon aroma.
Ground nutmeg: Adds depth and a little nostalgic bakery magic.
Eggs: Bind everything together for a cohesive, sliceable loaf.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread wonderfully moist all the way through.
Milk: A splash of richness that helps bring the batter together.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the apple and spice flavors with a fragrant finish.
Peeled and finely chopped apples: The star of the show—use Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweet, juicy pockets in every bite.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): A bit of crunch for texture and a hint of nuttiness—totally up to you!

How to Make Apple Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a trusty 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a light greasing—this ensures your Apple Bread slides out beautifully later, with that gorgeous golden crust intact.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, both types of sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is evenly combined; this will set the stage for a flavorful and evenly textured loaf.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat your eggs until frothy. Then stir in the oil, milk, and vanilla extract. This mixture is the secret to a moist, tender crumb and layers in a subtle richness that sets homemade Apple Bread apart from anything store-bought.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour your wet ingredients over the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix! A few streaks of flour are perfectly fine. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so a gentle approach works best here.

Step 5: Fold in Apples and Nuts

Now, gently fold in the chopped apples and, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, the walnuts or pecans. You’ll see the batter come alive with bits of fruit and flecks of spice—exactly what you want for picture-perfect Apple Bread.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The bread is ready when your kitchen is brimming with the scent of apples and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let your Apple Bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This makes slicing easier and keeps those tender chunks of apple right where they belong—in every single bite.

How to Serve Apple Bread

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar gives Apple Bread a charming, bakery-style finish, or try a light drizzle of vanilla glaze for special occasions. If you love crunch, a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top adds a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Pair a warm slice alongside your morning coffee or an autumnal cup of spiced tea. For a brunch spread, serve it next to scrambled eggs, fruit salad, or creamy Greek yogurt to round out the flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, slice Apple Bread and toast it lightly, then slather with whipped butter or cinnamon cream cheese. Transform leftovers into decadent French toast, or cube and bake into a bread pudding for an extra-special dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Apple Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and the texture stays delightfully moist after a day or two.

Freezing

This loaf freezes incredibly well! Once fully cooled, wrap your Apple Bread snugly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or pop it in a freezer bag. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight when a craving hits.

Reheating

To restore that fresh-baked warmth, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a toaster oven until just heated through. If reheating from frozen, let the bread thaw first for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in Apple Bread?

Absolutely! While sweet varieties like Honeycrisp and Fuji are favorites for their flavor and moisture, you can experiment with Gala, Pink Lady, or a mix for a unique spin. Avoid overly tart or mealy apples for the best results.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeled apples blend more seamlessly into the bread’s crumb, but if you prefer a hint of extra texture and fiber, you can leave the skins on. Just make sure to chop them finely!

Can I make Apple Bread nut-free?

Definitely. The nuts are completely optional—just skip them and perhaps add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries if you’d like a little extra surprise in each bite.

Why did my bread turn out dry?

Dryness usually happens from overbaking or overmixing the batter. Keep a close eye on your loaf near the minimum bake time and mix the batter only until the ingredients are combined.

Is Apple Bread suitable for breakfast or dessert?

Both! It’s naturally sweet and spiced, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or served as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Honestly, it’s hard to find a time when Apple Bread isn’t welcome!

Final Thoughts

Few things feel as comforting as a homemade loaf of Apple Bread wafting its way from the oven to your kitchen. Whether it’s a crisp autumn morning or a lazy Sunday at home, I truly hope you give this recipe a try and make it your own. Happy baking!

Apple Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This delicious apple bread is a perfect treat for breakfast or snacking. Loaded with fresh apples and warm spices, it’s a cozy and comforting baked good that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugars, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in the oil, milk, and vanilla.
Combine and Fold: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts if desired.
Bake: Pour the batter into the loaf pan, smooth the top, and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.