Are you looking for a delightful, homemade treat that captures the essence of fall? Look no further! This moist and flavorful apple bread, filled with chunks of fresh apples and warm cinnamon spice, is the perfect addition to your breakfast or brunch table. With a hint of sweetness and a soft crumb, it’s also a cozy snack for any time of day.
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk
1 ½ cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Nutmeg
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together:
Melted butter
Granulated sugar until smooth.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
Stir in vanilla extract.
Combine Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and stir until just combined.
Add Apples:
Gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serving Tips:
Warm It Up: For a cozy touch, serve slices of apple bread warm. You can briefly toast them in a toaster or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Add a Spread: Enhance the flavor by spreading a thin layer of butter, cream cheese, or even a dollop of whipped cream on top of each slice.
Pair with Beverages: This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or even hot apple cider, making it a great addition to breakfast or afternoon snacks.
Garnish with Nuts: If you added nuts to the batter, consider sprinkling some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the bread before serving for added crunch and presentation.
Create a Breakfast Platter: Slice the bread and serve it alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and granola for a wholesome breakfast platter.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Allow the apple bread to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: For longer freshness, you can store the bread in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to 1 week. Be sure to wrap it well to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing: If you want to save some for later, freeze the apple bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy frozen apple bread, slice it and reheat individual pieces in the microwave or toaster oven until warmed through.
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FAQs:
Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use a variety of apples to add different flavors and textures to your apple bread. Good choices include sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji, as well as tart options like Granny Smith. A mix of both can provide a delicious balance of sweetness and tartness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free apple bread by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend you choose includes xanthan gum for the best texture. The other ingredients in the recipe should be gluten-free as well, so check the labels on items like baking powder and vanilla extract.
How can I add more flavor to my apple bread?
To enhance the flavor of your apple bread, consider adding spices like cloves or allspice in addition to cinnamon and nutmeg. You can also incorporate a splash of apple cider or maple syrup into the wet ingredients for added sweetness and depth of flavor. For a twist, try mixing in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins.
How do I know when my apple bread is done baking?
The best way to check if your apple bread is done is to insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking periodically to avoid over-baking. The bread should also have a golden brown color on top.
Conclusion:
This apple bread recipe is not only a delicious treat but also a wonderful way to enjoy fresh apples. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, it’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Try it today and bring a taste of fall into your home!
📖 Recipe:
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Apple Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist and flavorful apple bread is a delightful combination of fresh apples and warm spices, perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. Made with simple ingredients, this easy recipe yields a deliciously soft crumb that everyone will love. Ideal for enjoying warm or toasted, it’s a must-try for apple lovers!
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk
1 ½ cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples and optional nuts until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
For added flavor, mix in a splash of apple cider or maple syrup.
Feel free to experiment with different types of apples for varied taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Breads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 slices
- Calories: 200 kcal
