Description
This Homestyle Apple Pie Bread combines the warm, comforting flavors of classic apple pie into a moist and tender quick bread. Loaded with diced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a buttery streusel topping, this bread is perfect as a breakfast treat or a cozy dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Streusel Topping
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Cream Sugars and Butter: In a large bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until the mixture is creamy and light in color, about 3-4 minutes. This creates a light texture for the bread.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the bread.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts or pecans if using, ensuring even distribution without crushing the fruit.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the cold cubed butter and cut it into the mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over it. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to maintain structure and enhance flavor.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or pecans.
- Ensure butter for the streusel topping is cold to achieve crumbly texture.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For extra moisture, serve slices with a smear of butter or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
