Description
This Apple Pie Bread combines the comforting flavors of classic apple pie with the ease of a quick bread. Featuring tender chunks of apples and a cinnamon swirl, it’s perfect for fall baking or any time you crave a sweet, spiced treat. The optional glaze adds a delightful finishing touch, making it an irresistible dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium)
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Glaze (optional)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which ensures a tender texture.
- Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then mix in the sour cream (or plain yogurt) and vanilla extract to add moisture and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense bread.
- Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the peeled and diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them down.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together to create the swirl topping for added sweetness and spice.
- Layer Batter and Swirl: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and swirl topping. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully baked.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps maintain the bread’s texture.
- Prepare and Add Glaze (Optional): Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle over the cooled bread for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
- The bread can be wrapped tightly and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil.