This Apple Bread is a warm and cozy treat, packed with sweet, juicy apples and a hint of cinnamon. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack with your favorite cup of tea!
Baking this bread fills the kitchen with a lovely smell that even makes my neighbors a bit jealous! 😄 I love to enjoy it fresh and warm, maybe with a pat of butter on top. Yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for your bread’s structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free blend works well, but might change the texture slightly.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the sugars. Fuji or Honeycrisp are also great for a sweeter flavor. If you don’t have fresh apples, you can use applesauce; just reduce the yogurt slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds a rich flavor. If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a vegan butter can be good substitutes.
Yogurt/Sour Cream: These add moisture and tang. For a non-dairy version, Greek yogurt made from coconut milk works as a great swap!
How Do I Get the Perfect Apple Distribution in My Bread?
To ensure even distribution of the apples in your bread, it’s important to toss them in lemon juice first. This not only prevents them from browning but also keeps them from sinking to the bottom as they bake. Here’s what to do:
- Peel, core, and dice your apples into small chunks.
- In a bowl, toss them with lemon juice to coat, then set aside for a few minutes.
- This step prepares the apples so they stay distributed throughout the batter while baking.
Remember to fold them gently into your batter right before baking, avoiding overmixing. This keeps those tasty apple pieces intact!
Apple Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
Add-Ins:
- 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (to toss apples)
For Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 55-65 minutes to bake, plus some time to cool. Don’t rush; let your bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before taking it out. In total, plan for about 2 hours to complete everything!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and generously grease and flour it, or line it with parchment paper. This will help your Apple Bread slide out easily after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if you’re using it). This dry mix is essential for giving your bread that lovely structure. Once mixed, set it aside.
3. Prepare the Apples:
In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice. This not only stops them from browning but adds a bit of flavor too. Set them aside for a moment.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—this should take around 3-4 minutes. It’s the secret to a deliciously moist bread!
5. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract. This will make your batter rich and aromatic.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, fold in the yogurt (or sour cream) until just combined. Gradually add your dry ingredients to this mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon, and mix gently until everything is just combined—overmixing can make the bread dense!
7. Incorporate the Apples:
Gently fold those diced, lemon-coated apples into the batter. Be careful to distribute them evenly without breaking them apart.
8. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Place it in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for that perfect finishing touch. Slice, serve, and enjoy this delightful treat warm or at room temperature!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Bread?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can also use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or any sweet apples you like. Just remember that sweetness will vary based on the type you choose!
Is It Possible to Make This Apple Bread Vegan?
Yes! To make this recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water = 1 egg). Use a vegan butter alternative and plant-based yogurt or applesauce instead of dairy yogurt.
How Can I Store Leftover Apple Bread?
Store any leftover Apple Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.
Can I Add Nuts or Dried Fruit to This Recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch, and dried cranberries or raisins can bring extra sweetness. Just fold them into the batter along with the apples to ensure even distribution.
