This cozy apple bread is filled with sweet, juicy apple chunks and warm spices. It’s perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack anytime. The lovely smell while baking is simply irresistible!
I love to enjoy a warm slice with a dab of butter on top. It’s comforting, just like a hug in food form! Plus, it’s an easy way to use up those apples sitting in your kitchen. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This flour is great for structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Apples: Granny Smith or Fuji are excellent choices due to their tartness. You can mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala for added sweetness or flavor. Just ensure they’re firm to hold up during baking.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: This adds moisture and a slight tang. You can replace it with buttermilk or even a dairy-free yogurt for a lighter option.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you prefer, you can skip the nuts altogether or substitute with sunflower seeds to keep it nut-free.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Texture for Apple Bread?
Getting the right texture in apple bread involves careful mixing and not overworking the batter. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix wet and dry ingredients separately before combining. This ensures even distribution.
- When you combine the batter, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread.
- Make sure your apples are chopped small enough to disperse evenly without sinking to the bottom.
- Use room temperature ingredients, as this helps the batter come together smoothly and rise better.
By following these tips, you’ll have a moist, fluffy apple bread that everyone will love! Enjoy baking!
How to Make Delicious Apple Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples, firm varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
How Much Time Will You Need?
This apple bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 55-65 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. In total, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray, then dust it with a little flour to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures the spices and leavening agent are evenly distributed throughout your bread.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer or a sturdy spoon. Mix until it’s light and fluffy—this should take about 3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Next, stir in the vanilla extract. This will add flavor to your batter.
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Now, add the dry mixture to your wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the sour cream. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
6. Fold in the Apples and Nuts:
Gently fold in the chopped apples and any nuts you want to include (if using). Be careful not to over-mix here; you want those apple chunks to stay intact.
7. Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once it’s cool, slice and serve! It’s delicious warm or at room temperature.
Your apple bread is ready to enjoy! With its tender apple pieces and warm spices, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Fuji are great for their firmness and flavor, you can also use Honeycrisp, Gala, or any other firm apple variety. Just make sure they’re not too mushy to maintain the texture in your bread.
What If I Don’t Have Sour Cream?
No worries! You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or buttermilk, or even use a dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option. Each will provide moisture and a slight tang to the bread.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for longer freshness—just be sure to wrap it well to prevent it from drying out!
Can I Freeze Apple Bread?
Yes, you can freeze apple bread! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
