If you’re looking for a slice of cozy autumn comfort, this Apple Bread might just become your new go-to recipe. Imagine tender chunks of apples tucked inside a soft, cinnamon-scented loaf, with just enough tang from sour cream to keep things perfectly moist. It’s the kind of bake that perfumes your kitchen and invites everyone to linger for another slice. Whether you’re treating yourself to a quiet breakfast, packing lunchboxes, or setting out a sweet snack for friends, Apple Bread is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These straightforward ingredients come together to create that trademark texture and irresistible apple flavor. Each one brings something special to the mix, ensuring your Apple Bread will taste like home in every bite.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your bread, helping it hold its shape while staying tender.
Baking soda: Gives a gentle lift for a soft crumb and light texture.
Baking powder: Boosts the rise so your loaf isn’t too dense.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: The classic spice that pairs beautifully with apples and makes your whole kitchen smell heavenly.
Ground nutmeg: A pinch adds warmth and depth—don’t skip it!
Unsalted butter (softened): Creates a rich base for that melt-in-your-mouth texture; softening makes creaming with sugar a breeze.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps create a gorgeous golden crust.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and adds that bakery-fresh aroma.
Sour cream or plain yogurt: Infuses moisture and a subtle tang—your key to incredibly tender Apple Bread.
Peeled and diced apples: The literal star! Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth and variety in every bite.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add a lovely crunch—toast them first for even more flavor.

How to Make Apple Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and don’t forget to grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This step keeps the Apple Bread from sticking and ensures easy release—no one wants to lose a single crumb!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisking evenly distributes the leaveners and spices, so your loaf bakes up with balanced flavor and texture in every slice.

Step 3: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes a couple of minutes. Creaming incorporates air and helps the loaf bake up beautifully moist and tender.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and the sour cream (or yogurt). This combo gives your Apple Bread that signature rich, tender crumb.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring just until everything comes together. Don’t overmix—keeping things just combined makes for a soft, tender loaf!

Step 6: Fold in Apples and Nuts

With a spatula, fold in the diced apples and nuts (if you’re using them). This ensures every bite is dotted with juicy apple bits and the occasional crunch from the nuts. A mix of sweet and tart apples takes your Apple Bread to the next level.

Step 7: Fill the Pan and Bake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top gently. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing too soon can cause a gummy texture, so patience is key. Once cool, enjoy those beautiful apple-flecked slices.

How to Serve Apple Bread

Garnishes

Dress up your Apple Bread with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of simple glaze (just stir powdered sugar with a little milk), or even a gentle shower of cinnamon. Try scattering extra toasted walnuts or pecans over the top for an irresistible crunch plus pretty presentation.

Side Dishes

Apple Bread pairs so well with a fresh fruit salad, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a cozy breakfast, serve it alongside Greek yogurt or your favorite cup of coffee or chai tea.

Creative Ways to Present

For an easy brunch treat, cut thick slices and toast them lightly, then slather with apple butter or caramel sauce. Arrange slices on a board with sharp cheddar, dried fruit, and roasted nuts for a fun, sweet-savory snack platter. For gifting, wrap individual slices in parchment and tuck into a basket!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Apple Bread stays wonderfully moist for several days. Store leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or pop them in the fridge if your kitchen runs warm. If you like a softer crust, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap.

Freezing

This loaf is fantastic for freezing—bake one for now and one for later! Let the bread cool completely, then wrap the whole loaf (or individual slices) snugly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-baked magic, warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or pop them into a toaster oven until just heated through. If you prefer, heat in a 300°F oven (wrapped loosely in foil) for about 10 minutes. The result is a slice that’s as comforting and aromatic as the day it was baked!

FAQs

Can I make Apple Bread without nuts?

Absolutely! The nuts are totally optional. If you prefer a nut-free loaf, simply leave them out, and your Apple Bread will still be moist and delicious.

What type Dessert, Breakfast

A combination of sweet and tart apples creates the most complex flavor—think Granny Smith with Honeycrisp or Fuji. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand, though; just avoid mushy varieties like Red Delicious.

Can I substitute the sour cream or yogurt?

Yes! Both sour cream and plain yogurt keep your Apple Bread extra moist. If needed, you can use buttermilk or even applesauce in a pinch, although the texture may change a bit.

How do I prevent my Apple Bread from being dry?

Measure your flour carefully by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off, and don’t overbake—keep an eye on the loaf and check for doneness with a toothpick. The sour cream (or yogurt) helps lock in moisture, and so does using plenty of diced apples.

Can I double the recipe for Apple Bread?

Definitely! If you want to make two loaves, simply double all the ingredients and bake each loaf separately. You can freeze one for later or share with friends and neighbors—Apple Bread makes a wonderful gift.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Apple Bread recipe a try—the aroma, flavor, and cozy charm are hard to resist! There’s something special about slicing into a loaf studded with apples and sharing it with the people you love. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a much-needed afternoon treat, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

Apple Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 9 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and moist apple bread with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat. This easy quick bread is loaded with diced apples and optional nuts for added texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt

Mix-ins:

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

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until just combined. Fold in diced apples and nuts if desired.
Bake: Pour batter into pan, smooth the top, and bake for 55–65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.