Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf is a delightful treat that combines the warm, inviting flavors of cinnamon and apple with a buttery crumb topping. This loaf is perfect for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or a dessert paired with your favorite coffee or tea. Here’s a comprehensive guide to crafting this moist, flavorful loaf from scratch.
Ingredients:
For the loaf:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
For the streusel topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix in the yogurt or sour cream until the batter is smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the diced apples using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
- To prepare the streusel topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the batter, covering the surface completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent the loaf with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
This Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf is a crowd-pleaser, combining the tartness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon and the crunch of a sweet streusel topping. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family breakfast or as a treat for guests, this recipe is sure to impress!