Apple Bread: Cozy Fall Treat My Go-To Recipe! (Print Version)

Apple Bread is my favorite fall treat! This warm, spiced loaf brings back so many memories. Learn my easy recipe, complete with all my kitchen 'oops' moments.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 cups (240g) All-Purpose Flour
02 - 1 cup (200g) Granulated Sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
04 - 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon Salt
06 - 2 large Eggs
07 - 1/2 cup (120ml) Vegetable Oil
08 - 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
09 - 1/2 cup (120ml) Whole Milk
10 - 2 cups (about 2 medium) diced Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp preferred)

→ Flavor Boosters

11 - 1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
12 - 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

→ Optional Extras

13 - 1/2 cup chopped Walnuts or Pecans
14 - 1/4 cup Dried Cranberries
15 - 1 tablespoon Demerara Sugar (for topping)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those apples ready! Peel, core, and dice about two cups worth. I usually go for small, even pieces so they distribute nicely throughout the Apple Bread. While you’re doing that, grab a big bowl and whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps—I always give it a good, enthusiastic whisk, like I'm whipping up a magic potion! You want everything evenly combined for a consistent bake. This is where I always double-check my measurements, because a little too much or too little of a leavening agent can really mess things up.
02 - In another medium bowl, crack your eggs. Give them a quick whisk, then pour in the vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth. You want these liquids fully incorporated before they meet the dry ingredients. I've definitely rushed this step before, and ended up with streaks of unmixed oil, which, to be honest, isn't the end of the world but it makes for a slightly less uniform crumb. Just take your time here; it's worth it for a perfectly moist Apple Bread.
03 - Now for the big moment! Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Grab a spatula and gently fold everything together. This is where you don't want to overmix, hon! Overmixing develops the gluten too much, and you'll end up with tough Apple Bread instead of tender. Mix just until no dry streaks of flour remain. A few small lumps are totally fine; it's part of the charm! This step always smells so promising, that hint of cinnamon already wafting up.
04 - Once your batter is mostly combined, it’s time for the star of the show: the diced apples! Gently fold them into the batter. You want them evenly distributed so every slice of your Apple Bread gets a lovely bite of apple. I like to make sure they're not all clumped together in one spot. This is also where you can get creative; sometimes I add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans here for extra crunch. It just adds another layer of texture that I didn't expect to love so much!
05 - Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. I always smooth out the top with my spatula; it just makes it look prettier, you know? Pop it into your preheated oven. Now, here's where patience comes in. Don't open the oven door too early! I've been guilty of peeking way too soon, and it can affect the rise. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be a beautiful golden brown, and your kitchen will smell absolutely divine, I promise.
06 - Once your Apple Bread is baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This helps it set up and makes it easier to remove without it falling apart. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Or, if you're like me and can't wait, slice into it while it's still warm – that's my favorite way to enjoy it, honestly! The steam, the aroma... pure bliss. A perfect slice of warm Apple Bread with a cup of coffee? Yes, please!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overmix the batter; it makes the bread tough!
02 - This Apple Bread freezes beautifully for up to 3 months; wrap tightly.
03 - Try adding a pinch of allspice with the cinnamon for extra warmth.
04 - Serve warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert treat.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Loaf pan (9x5 inch)
02 - Mixing bowls
03 - Whisk
04 - Spatula
05 - Wire rack

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 280
Total Fat: 12g
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Protein: 4g

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