If you dream of apple pie filling wrapped in the cozy goodness of homemade bread, this Apple Pie Bread is about to be your new favorite treat. Each bite is packed with tender apples, a touch of warm cinnamon spice, and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven or toasted the day after, Apple Pie Bread effortlessly brings all the flavors of classic apple pie, but with the ease and comfort of a quick bread you can whip up any time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Apple Pie Bread calls for a handful of kitchen staples, but each one plays a starring role—from the apples that add juicy bursts, to the cozy baking spices that give this loaf its irresistibly nostalgic flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, giving it stability and the perfect crumb.
- Baking soda: Ensures a light, fluffy texture by helping your bread rise beautifully.
- Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness of the apples and spices.
- Ground cinnamon: Delivers that iconic apple pie warmth with every bite.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a gentle, aromatic hint that pairs perfectly with the apples.
- Ground allspice: Rounds out the spice profile for a more complex, bakery-style flavor.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness; make sure it’s room temperature for easy creaming.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf while contributing to a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar (packed): Deepens the sweetness and adds subtle caramel notes.
- Large eggs: Give the bread structure and help bind everything together.
- Sour cream: Keeps the loaf extra moist and tender—Greek yogurt also works if you’re out.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors and gives the bread a lovely aromatic finish.
- Peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): The star ingredient—these provide bursts of juiciness and that classic apple pie taste.
How to Make Apple Pie Bread
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it well—this small act ensures your Apple Pie Bread releases easily when it’s done and bakes up with nice, crisp edges.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. This not only picks up any clumps but seamlessly infuses the flour with spice so every bite tastes like pure autumn comfort.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Cream these together until pale and fluffy—this step incorporates air, giving your bread a light texture and that glossy, golden top crust.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract. The mixture should look smooth and a bit luscious, hinting at the richness to come.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined—no need to overmix here. Overmixing can make the loaf tough rather than soft and tender, so once the batter comes together, stop!
Step 6: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in your finely chopped apples with a spatula. This helps distribute them evenly without breaking them down, so you get fruity apple pockets in every slice of Apple Pie Bread.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean; your home will smell absolutely divine at this stage!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let your Apple Pie Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This resting period allows the juices to settle and ensures neat, even slices later on. Resist cutting in too soon—even if it’s tough!
How to Serve Apple Pie Bread
Garnishes
Dress up your Apple Pie Bread with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finish, or a drizzle of vanilla glaze to make it extra decadent. A pat of butter or a dollop of whipped cream never goes amiss if you want to turn a humble slice into a true treat.
Side Dishes
Pair a slice of this bread with a morning coffee or a cup of hot apple cider for ultimate cozy vibes. If you’re serving it for brunch, fresh fruit or a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt make wonderful accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try slicing and toasting leftover Apple Pie Bread, then topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an impromptu dessert. Or, cube leftovers and use them for a bread pudding or sweet French toast casserole—your next breakfast just got amazing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep Apple Pie Bread fresh, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is especially warm or humid, pop it in the fridge to extend its shelf life—you’ll still get great flavor and texture.
Freezing
Apple Pie Bread freezes beautifully. Wrap slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge again.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat gently in a toaster oven. The apples get nice and warm and the crumb softens, making it even more comforting—perfect with a swirl of butter.
FAQs
What kinds of apples work best in Apple Pie Bread?
Tart, firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well during baking and deliver the distinctive sweet-tart flavor you want in Apple Pie Bread. However, feel free to experiment with your favorites—just avoid extra-soft apples that may turn mushy.
Can I make Apple Pie Bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. Just check that your blend contains xanthan gum to mimic the texture of wheat-based breads, and bake as directed.
How do I know when my bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. If the top is browning too quickly, lightly tent with foil for the last 10–15 minutes.
Is it okay to add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans are a delicious addition and add a lovely crunch to each bite. Stir up to 1/2 cup into the batter along with the apples.
Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
Definitely—plain Greek yogurt makes a fantastic stand-in for sour cream in Apple Pie Bread. It keeps the loaf moist while contributing the slight tang that balances the sweetness of the apples and sugars.
Final Thoughts
Every home baker deserves to have a go-to Apple Pie Bread recipe in their back pocket, and this one will quickly win your heart (and the hearts of everyone you share it with). There’s just something magical about those spiced apples woven into a cozy, golden loaf. Give it a try and let this loaf bring some joy to your kitchen—one delicious slice at a time!
