If you’ve ever wished you could capture the warm, cozy flavors of a classic autumn treat in a loaf of bread, then this Apple Pie Bread Recipe is here to make that dream come true. Bursting with tender chunks of spiced apples and the perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple pie spice, this bread transforms your favorite dessert into an irresistible, sliceable form. It’s moist, fragrant, and wonderfully buttery, perfect for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or even a comforting dessert. Once you try it, this Apple Pie Bread Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorite ways to enjoy apples and spice, no matter the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, you can craft this Apple Pie Bread Recipe into a moist and flavorful delight. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the juicy diced apples that bring freshness, to the warming spices that make this bread smell like pure comfort.
- Diced Apples (2 cups): Choose Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness and crisp texture.
- All-purpose Flour (2 cups): The base that gives structure to your bread.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- Brown Sugar (1/2 cup): Brings moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Ensures richness and a tender crumb.
- Large Eggs (2): Bind everything together and add lift.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with a subtle warmth.
- Baking Powder (1 tbsp): Helps the bread rise perfectly light and fluffy.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp): Delivers the quintessential apple pie warmth.
- Ground Nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Adds a gentle nutty spice.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the batter moist and smooth.
- Vegetable Oil (1/4 cup): Adds moistness and keeps the bread tender.
- Apple Pie Spice (1 tsp): A blend of spices that ties everything into that iconic apple pie flavor.
How to Make Apple Pie Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Apples
Start by peeling and dicing your apples into small cubes. This ensures that each bite has a burst of sweet, tender apple pieces that cook evenly within the bread.
Step 2: Cook Apples
In a pan, combine the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, cooking gently until the apples soften and the sugar melts into a bubbly glaze. This step intensifies the apple flavor and makes the apples perfectly tender for the bread.
Step 3: Cool Apples
Remove the apple mixture from heat and let it cool completely. This is crucial so the warm mixture does not affect the texture of your batter when folded in later.
Step 4: Cream Mix
In a large bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, giving the bread a light texture despite its dense, moist appearance.
Step 5: Add Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that unmistakable warm essence.
Step 6: Mix Batter
Alternate adding your dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, apple pie spice) and milk to the creamed butter mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter and keeping your bread tender.
Step 7: Fold Apples
Gently fold in the cooled apple mixture. This step is where your Apple Pie Bread Recipe takes shape, folding in those luscious cooked apples filled with spice and sweetness.
Step 8: Fill Pan
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. This helps bake the bread evenly and gives it its classic loaf shape.
Step 9: Bake Bread
Bake your loaf at 350°F (175°C) for around 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell at this point will be absolutely irresistible.
Step 10: Cool Bread
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling fully before slicing will ensure clean cuts and that perfect, moist texture stays intact.
Step 11: Slice Bread
Slice the bread only after it has completely cooled. Eating warm bread is tempting, but slicing it too early can cause crumbs and a denser texture.
How to Serve Apple Pie Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey on top brings just a bit of extra sweetness and a pretty finish to your slices. For a decadent touch, spread some softened butter or cream cheese on warm slices.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it an ideal breakfast or afternoon treat. For a heartier snack, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to turn it into a cozy dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cubing the bread and toasting it lightly for a delightful bread pudding or French toast twist. You can also slice it thin and serve with melted cheddar for an unexpected savory-sweet combo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Pie Bread Recipe should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, where it will stay fresh and moist for up to three days. Keeping it covered well prevents drying out and preserves the delicious flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze this bread for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring back that just-baked warmth and to soften the butter. Avoid overheating, which can dry it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple in the Apple Pie Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their balance of tartness and sweetness, feel free to experiment with Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala apples. Just make sure to adjust cooking time slightly, as some apples are softer than others.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just check the blend includes xanthan gum for structure. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the Apple Pie Bread Recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins can add lovely texture and extra flavor. Fold them in gently along with the apple mixture in Step 7 to distribute evenly.
How long does the Apple Pie Bread stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the bread stays fresh for about three days. Refrigeration can extend its shelf life but may dry it out, so freezing is a better option for longer storage.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, you can double all ingredients and bake in two loaf pans, or one large pan if you have a bigger size to accommodate the batter. Just increase the baking time slightly, checking doneness with a toothpick.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Pie Bread Recipe transforms the beloved flavors of apple pie into a cozy, sliceable treat that’s perfect for nearly any occasion. It delivers comfort, sweetness, and spice all wrapped up in a loaf. Once you start baking this, you’ll find endless excuses to enjoy a warm slice, and I promise it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for fall-inspired goodness any time of year.
Print
Apple Pie Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This Apple Pie Bread recipe combines the warm flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples with a moist and tender bread batter, creating a delicious and comforting treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. The bread is loaded with tender diced apples cooked with brown sugar and spices, folded into a soft, flavorful batter and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Apple Mixture
- 2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt (a pinch)
Bread Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp apple pie spice
Instructions
- Prep Apples: Peel and dice the apples into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution in the bread.
- Cook Apples: In a saucepan, combine the diced apples with the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat until the apples are tender and the mixture is syrupy. Remove from heat and let the apple mixture cool completely.
- Cream Mix: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and additional brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which will help create a tender crumb in the bread.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground nutmeg, apple pie spice, and salt. Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined without overmixing.
- Fold Apples: Gently fold in the cooled apple mixture into the batter, ensuring even distribution without breaking up the apple pieces excessively.
- Fill Pan: Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, smoothing out the top for even baking.
- Bake Bread: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 55 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps maintain the bread’s texture and prevents sogginess.
- Slice Bread: Only slice the bread when it is fully cooled to ensure clean cuts and the best texture when serving.
Notes
- You can substitute apples with other firm fruits, but the cooking time for the apple mixture may need adjustment.
- Make sure the apple mixture is fully cooled before folding into the batter to prevent the batter from melting or separating.
- For extra texture, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This bread freezes well; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing, then thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
