Is there anything better than the smell of freshly baked apple bread filling your kitchen? Trust me, this recipe is pure comfort in a loaf pan. It’s got that warm, spiced goodness we all crave, but with a twist that makes it extra special. This one is incredibly moist, tender, and packed with little bursts of sweet apple in every single bite.
I’m convinced this is going to be your new go-to fall bake (or anytime you’re craving something cozy!). It’s super simple to put together and tastes like a big, warm hug. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: This bread is the perfect blend of sweet apples and warm spices, creating a truly irresistible treat that feels like a cozy autumn day.
- Insanely Moist: Thanks to a secret ingredient (applesauce!), this bread stays incredibly moist and tender for days. No dry loaf here, friends!
- Simple & Straightforward: This recipe is a breeze to make, even if you’re new to baking. Just mix your wet and dry ingredients, fold in the apples, and you’re good to go.
Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, beat together melted butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Gently stir in the diced apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Ingredients
Ready to get baking? This recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather them up!
- Flour, Baking Soda, and Baking Powder: These are the key dry ingredients that give our loaf its structure and help it rise into a beautiful, tall loaf.
- Warm Spices: We’re using a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to create that classic, cozy apple-pie-like flavor. The aroma alone will make you swoon!
- Salt: Just a touch to balance out all the sweet flavors and make them pop.
- Eggs, Oil, and Applesauce: The eggs bind everything together, the oil adds richness, and the applesauce is our secret weapon for keeping the bread unbelievably moist.
- Sugars and Vanilla Extract: A combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar gives a deeper, more caramel-like sweetness, while the vanilla extract ties all the flavors together.
- Apples: The star of the show! Make sure they’re peeled and finely chopped so they’re evenly distributed throughout the bread.
- Walnuts or Pecans: These are totally optional, but if you love a little crunch, they add a wonderful texture and nutty flavor to the bread.
You’ll find the full ingredient list with exact measurements in the recipe card right below this article!
How to Make the Apple Bread
This recipe is designed to be super easy, so just follow these steps and you’ll have a delicious loaf ready in no time.
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, get your 9×5-inch loaf pan ready. Give it a good greasing and dusting with flour, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a medium bowl, whisk together all of your dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate, larger bowl, it’s time to get a little messy! Whisk together your eggs, vegetable oil, applesauce, both types of sugar, and that lovely vanilla extract until it’s a smooth, well-blended mixture.
Step 3: Combine and Fold
Pour your dry ingredients right into the bowl with your wet ingredients. Stir gently, just until everything is combined. Remember, you want to avoid overmixing here, because that’s the secret to a tender, not tough, bread. After that, gently fold in your finely chopped apples and any nuts you’re using.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Pop it into your preheated oven and let the magic happen! It should take about 55-65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This is crucial as it helps the loaf set up properly. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. The hardest part is waiting, but I promise it’s worth it!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overmix: This is a big one! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a dense, tough bread. Stir just enough until the dry ingredients disappear.
- Finely Chop Your Apples: Chopping the apples into small, uniform pieces ensures they are evenly distributed and that you get a little bit of apple in every bite.
- Use the Right Pan: A 9×5-inch loaf pan is perfect for this recipe. If your pan is a different size, you may need to adjust the baking time.
- The Toothpick Test is Your Friend: Don’t rely on looks alone. Always use the toothpick test to confirm the bread is fully cooked in the center.
How to Serve
This Apple Bread is perfect on its own, but you can take it to the next level with a few simple additions.
- A Simple Pat of Butter: A classic for a reason! A little butter melted on a warm slice is pure heaven.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: A tangy cream cheese frosting would make this feel like a dessert.
- With a Warm Drink: Serve a slice alongside a steaming cup of coffee or hot tea for the ultimate cozy moment.
Make Ahead and Storage
This bread is fantastic for meal prep or if you want to save some for later.
Storing Leftovers
Once the bread has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it on the counter before enjoying.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop it in the toaster until warm.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different kind of apple for this recipe? Yes, you can! This recipe works well with a variety of baking apples. Granny Smith apples are a great choice if you prefer a tart flavor, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples will give you a sweeter result.
2. Can I make this recipe in a different pan? You can definitely use a different pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time. For example, if you use a muffin tin, the baking time will be significantly shorter. Just keep an eye on it and use the toothpick test!
3. What can I use instead of vegetable oil? You can substitute the vegetable oil with another neutral oil like canola oil, or even melted coconut oil. You could also try melted butter for a richer flavor, though the texture might be slightly different.
4. How do I know when the bread is done? The best way to tell if your bread is cooked through is by using the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the very center of the loaf. If it comes out clean with no wet batter attached, your bread is ready! If there is still batter on the toothpick, let it bake for another few minutes and check again.