If you’re craving the cozy warmth and rich flavors of autumn, this Apple Pie Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine a tender, moist loaf bursting with the perfect balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and freshly chopped apples—all wrapped up in a sweet, buttery crumb. This delightful treat captures everything you love about classic apple pie but in a quick bread form that’s super easy to slice and share any time of day. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert, it brings a hug of homemade comfort with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are straightforward but essential, each playing its part in creating the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color. From the warming spices that make the aroma irresistible to the apples that add juicy freshness, every component is thoughtfully chosen.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure for a tender loaf.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that signature warm, cozy flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings depth and a subtle spicy touch.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice: Compliments the cinnamon and nutmeg beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Keeps the bread rich and moist with a creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Infuses a caramel-like richness for deeper flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together with moisture and lift.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds tang and tenderness, making the bread incredibly moist.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and enhances the overall taste.
- 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): The star ingredient providing fresh bursts of sweet-tart juiciness.
How to Make Apple Pie Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan is key to ensuring the bread comes out clean without any sticky surprises. This simple preparation step sets you up for baking success.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Whisking these together not only distributes the spices evenly but helps achieve a consistent texture throughout the bread.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process creates the perfect base for a tender crumb and balances sweetness with buttery richness.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, blend in the sour cream and vanilla extract until your batter is smooth and luscious. These additions add moisture and depth of flavor you’ll notice in every slice.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful to mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, but a gentle fold creates a tender bread that’s perfect for this Apple Pie Bread Recipe.
Step 6: Fold in Chopped Apples
Finally, fold in the chopped apples evenly throughout the batter. These gems bring a fresh texture and natural sweetness that makes this bread so special. Once combined, pour the batter into your greased pan and smooth the top.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the bread for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential to help the loaf set and develop its full flavor.
How to Serve Apple Pie Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for a simple, elegant touch. A dollop of whipped cream or a smear of buttery cream cheese makes each slice feel decadent. For an extra cozy vibe, drizzle some warm caramel sauce right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pairing this bread with a cup of strong coffee or freshly brewed chai tea makes a comforting combo. It’s also lovely alongside vanilla ice cream, turning this quick bread into an easy dessert with a nostalgic twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Slice the bread thickly and serve it warm with a scoop of cinnamon apple compote. Arrange slices on a rustic wooden platter with small bowls of nut butters or honey for a DIY flavor bar that invites everyone to get creative.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, store your Apple Pie Bread Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Wrapping it tightly preserves moisture and keeps the flavors vibrant, making every slice as delightful as the first.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Slice it first, then wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy portions over time without compromising taste or texture. It will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To bring your bread back to life, simply warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds. Reheating enhances the softness and makes the spices more aromatic, giving you that fresh-baked feeling any time you need it.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their balance of tartness and sweetness, feel free to experiment with your favorite apples. Just be mindful that sweeter varieties might make the bread more sugary.
Is it necessary to use sour cream in the batter?
Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that balances sweetness. If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt serves as a fantastic substitute without affecting texture.
Can I add nuts to the Apple Pie Bread Recipe?
Yes! Adding about ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans introduces a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the apples and spices perfectly.
How long will the bread stay fresh at room temperature?
If kept in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, the bread will stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature. After that, refrigeration or freezing is best to maintain quality.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but results may vary. Choose one that includes xanthan gum or other binding agents to help mimic the texture of traditional flour.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Pie Bread Recipe is such a joy to make and share, bringing the flavors of your favorite fall dessert into a quick, easy bread. It’s a wonderful way to fill your home with irresistible aromas and treat yourself with something that feels both nostalgic and fresh. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new staple for your cozy kitchen moments!
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Apple Pie Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Pie Bread is a deliciously moist quick bread infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, combined with sweet chopped apples for a perfect fall treat. Easy to make and packed with classic apple pie flavors, it’s ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other
- 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Instructions
- Prep the Pan and Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth to enrich the batter and add moisture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined to avoid overmixing, which could make the bread tough.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the finely chopped apples into the batter, distributing them evenly without deflating the mixture.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, ensuring the bread is fully cooked without being dry.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, which sets the texture and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a tangy twist and added protein.
- For extra texture and flavor, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.
- This bread tastes even better the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld.
