This Apple Bread is a warm and cozy treat, loaded with sweet apples and fragrant cinnamon. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack, and your home will smell amazing while it bakes!
I love slicing a warm piece and spreading a little butter on top. It’s like a big, comfy hug in food form! Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you’ll be enjoying it in no time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure, you can substitute with whole wheat flour if you’re looking for added fiber. Just use a bit less or add a bit more liquid.
Apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Fuji, depending on your taste. If you don’t have fresh apples, unsweetened applesauce can be used (1 cup for 2 apples).
Sour Cream/Yogurt: This keeps the bread moist. You can swap it with buttermilk or even a plant-based alternative like almond yogurt for a dairy-free version.
Nuts: Walnuts and pecans add crunch and flavor. If you’re avoiding nuts or have allergies, feel free to leave them out, or use seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead.
How Do I Get My Apple Bread to Rise Properly?
To ensure your apple bread rises well, accurate measuring and the right mixing technique are key. Here’s how:
- Measure flour properly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off. Don’t pack it down!
- Make sure your baking powder and soda are fresh. They lose potency over time.
- Beat the butter and sugar well until light and fluffy to incorporate air.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients gently. Overmixing can lead to dense bread.
Following these tips will help create a lovely, well-risen apple bread that’s soft and delicious!
How to Make Delicious Apple Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50 to 60 minutes to bake, making it a perfect weekend project. After baking, allow for an additional 10 minutes of cooling time before slicing. Altogether, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious apple bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This ensures your apple bread comes out easily when it’s done baking!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This combination of dry ingredients will give your bread great flavor and help it rise nicely.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. It’s important to cream these together properly, as it adds air to the mixture for a light bread.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor. You’ll be amazed at how nice your kitchen will smell!
5. Blend in Sour Cream:
Mix in the sour cream or yogurt until everything is well combined. This step keeps your bread moist and adds a tangy flavor that complements the apples.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep your bread tender!
7. Fold in Apples and Nuts:
Gently fold in the chopped apples and, if you’d like, the nuts. This is where the magic happens as you add in those delicious apple chunks!
8. Pour and Spread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. This step helps ensure your bread cooks evenly.
9. Bake the Bread:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check your bread by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s done!
10. Cool and Serve:
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, remove it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once it’s cool, slice it up and enjoy it warm or at room temperature. A little butter or honey on top makes it extra special!
This apple bread is a delightful treat filled with tender apple pieces and warm spices—perfect for sharing with family or enjoying all by yourself. Happy baking!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but use a bit less to avoid a dense texture. You may also need to add a little extra liquid, such as milk or water, to achieve the right batter consistency.
What Type of Apples Work Best?
Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the bread, while sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp add their natural sweetness. Feel free to mix varieties for even more flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw it at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to add raisins, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a twist. Just remember to monitor the baking time as the added ingredients may affect it slightly.
