Description
This Best Apple Bread Recipe features tender, moist bread loaded with finely chopped tart apples and a warm cinnamon-sugar topping. It’s an easy-to-make, comforting quick bread perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack with your favorite cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Scale
For Apples/Topping
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 Tablespoons butter, melted (salted or unsalted)
For Apple Bread
- 1 ½ cups (215 g) finely chopped apples, peeled & cored (about 2 apples)
- 2 ⅓ cups (290 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup (170 g) sour cream
- ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5” bread pan with a parchment paper sling or lightly spray with baking spray for easy removal and cleanup.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Whisk together ¼ cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon for the topping; set aside. In a bowl, toss the chopped apples with 1 ½ tablespoons of this cinnamon-sugar mixture and set aside. Reserve the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture for topping later. Keep 2 tablespoons melted butter ready but do not add it yet.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, remaining granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the melted butter, sour cream, whole milk, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently fold using a wooden spoon or spatula just until mostly combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Add Apples: Fold in the cinnamon-coated chopped apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter without overmixing.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared bread pan and smooth the top gently.
- Add Topping and Butter: Drizzle the reserved 2 tablespoons of melted butter evenly over the batter. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on top to create a delicious crust once baked.
- Bake: Place the bread pan on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake on the center rack of the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 65-70 minutes. The bread is done when a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for at least one hour. Carefully remove it from the pan using the parchment sling and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and enjoying.
Notes
- Apples: Use firm, tart to somewhat tart apples like Granny Smith or Gala for the best flavor and texture.
- Storing: Wrap the bread tightly or place in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximate)
- Calories: 352
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 352mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 74mg
