This Apple Pie Bread is a delightful twist on traditional apple pie, merging the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples with the fluffy texture of freshly baked bread. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this bread brings the essence of autumn to your kitchen. It’s easy to make, and each slice is bursting with flavor and sweetness, making it an irresistible treat for apple lovers!
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar)
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Topping (Optional):
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the bread batter.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Fold in the Apples:
- Gently fold the apple mixture into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
- Transfer to Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare the Topping (Optional):
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Drizzle the melted butter over the batter in the pan and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
- Cool:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy plain or with a spread of butter or cream cheese!
Tips
- Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: This bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
This Apple Pie Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a comforting embrace in the form of food. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, family, or enjoying a quiet moment alone, each bite will remind you of cozy autumn days and the joy of home baking. Enjoy this scrumptious bread as a delightful addition to your fall baking repertoire!