I absolutely love this because it’s got that perfect balance of warm spices, tender apples, and moist, fluffy bread that just feels like a cozy hug from the inside. When I first tried The Best Apple Bread Recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could come together to create something both comforting and impressively delicious. You’ll find that it’s just right for breakfast, a snack alongside your afternoon tea, or even a sweet treat to impress guests without fuss.

This recipe shines especially well in autumn when apples are fresh, but honestly, you can make it any time of year and still get rave reviews. What makes The Best Apple Bread Recipe worth trying is not just the taste but the ease of preparation—I used to struggle with dense, dry apple breads until I found how the sour cream and the perfect combo of cinnamon and sugar make it irresistibly moist and flavorful.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Moist and Tender: Thanks to sour cream and a careful mix, the apple bread remains wonderfully soft.
  • Simple Ingredients: No fancy stuff, just pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
  • Warm Spiced Flavor: Cinnamon and sugar blend beautifully to create a cozy, comforting taste.
  • Great for Any Time: Whether you’re making breakfast, dessert, or a snack, it’s flexible and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here come together to form the perfect texture and flavor profile, with the apples giving freshness and the cinnamon sugar topping adding a crunchy, sweet contrast. When you shop, look for crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Gala to keep that bright apple flavor.

  • Granulated sugar: For the cinnamon sugar topping that adds a lovely sweet crunch.
  • Ground cinnamon: Essential to bring warmth and that signature spice to the bread and topping.
  • Butter: Melted into the batter for richness and drizzled on top for moisture and flavor.
  • Apples: Finely chopped, peeled and cored, providing juicy bits throughout the bread.
  • All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the bread for tender crumb.
  • Light brown sugar: Gives a deep, caramel note and additional moisture.
  • Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give the bread its perfect rise.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
  • Sour cream: Adds tang and moistness to keep the bread wonderfully soft.
  • Whole milk: Helps with the batter’s consistency.
  • Eggs: Bind everything together and help the bread rise.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet fragrant background note.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this recipe, so don’t hesitate to make it your own! Adding nuts, swapping types of apples, or even tweaking spices can make it feel brand new while keeping that classic apple bread charm.

  • Adding chopped walnuts or pecans: My family goes crazy for the crunch and nutty depth this adds—just fold in about half a cup with the apples.
  • Using different apple varieties: I’ve tried it with Honeycrisp and Fuji, both worked great and gave a sweeter, less tart twist.
  • Spice it up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice really amps up the cozy feeling around the holidays.
  • Make it gluten-free: Substitute with a trusted gluten-free flour blend and add a little xanthan gum for structure; it worked well when I tried this for a friend.

How to Make The Best Apple Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Topping Mixture

Start by mixing the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping—you’ll want to split this so part coats the apples and part is sprinkled on top. Toss your finely chopped apples with about 1 ½ tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar. I discovered this trick when I wanted each bite to sparkle with cinnamon and sugar—it works like a charm and keeps the apples from sinking to the bottom.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This step ensures everything is evenly distributed so your bread rises nicely and tastes balanced. I always take a moment here to whisk well to avoid clumps.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients Separately

Whisk together melted butter, sour cream, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Having the wet ingredients ready and mixed separately helps you combine everything smoothly without over-mixing the flour later, which can toughen the bread.

Step 4: Bring it All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, then gently fold until mostly combined—don’t worry if there’s a bit of flour left; it will hydrate while resting. Add in the cinnamon-coated apples last and fold them in carefully so you don’t crush them or overwork the batter. I’ve learned that over-mixing not only toughens the bread but also makes the apples mushy, which we definitely want to avoid.

Step 5: Bake with Care

Pour the batter into your prepared bread pan lined with parchment paper sling—this makes removing the bread so much easier! Melt the remaining butter and drizzle it evenly over the top, then sprinkle with the rest of the cinnamon sugar for that irresistible crust. Baking on a lined sheet to catch drips is a lifesaver (and oven saver) that I always recommend. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 65-70 minutes until a skewer comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool Before Slicing

Patience is key here—let your bread cool in the pan for at least an hour before transferring it to a wire rack. It sets the crumb and makes slicing clean and beautiful. I love watching the steam rise as I finally cut a generous slice, knowing I nailed The Best Apple Bread Recipe again!

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Pro Tips for Making The Best Apple Bread Recipe

  • Choose the Right Apples: I always pick firm, tart apples like Granny Smith; they hold their shape and balance the sweetness.
  • Don’t Over-Mix: Folding the batter gently keeps the bread tender and the apples intact.
  • Line Your Bread Pan: Using parchment with a sling makes removing the bread a breeze without breaking it.
  • Bake on a Sheet Tray: Placing the loaf pan on a lined baking sheet catches drips and prevents oven smoke—trust me, it saves hassle.

How to Serve The Best Apple Bread Recipe

The image shows a golden brown loaf of bread with a rough, crispy top crust, resting on parchment paper over a wooden board on a white marbled surface. The bread has three visible slices in the front with a soft, light tan interior speckled with small holes, giving it a moist look. Near the cutting board, there are two cinnamon sticks lying flat. In the background, there is a green apple to the left and a white bowl filled with red apples to the right, both slightly blurred. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like topping each slice with a light spread of creamy butter or a drizzle of honey for extra indulgence. Sometimes, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this into an effortless dessert that still feels special.

Side Dishes

This apple bread pairs beautifully with warm chai tea or coffee—perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon break. For something savory, I enjoy serving it alongside breakfast eggs or creamy yogurt with granola for a balanced brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special occasions, I like to slice the bread thick and arrange it on a beautiful wooden board with fresh apple slices, nuts, and cinnamon sticks for a rustic charm. Wrapping slices individually in parchment with a cinnamon stick tied to the bundle makes a lovely homemade gift!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or place the whole loaf in an airtight container at room temperature, and it stays fresh for about 4-5 days. If you live somewhere humid, refrigerate but bring slices to room temp before serving for best flavor.

Freezing

Freezing works great! I slice the bread first, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then keep them in a freezer-safe bag. When I want a treat, I just pop a slice directly into the toaster oven or microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming slices in a toaster oven at 300°F for a few minutes, which crisps the outside nicely while keeping the inside soft. Microwaving works if you’re short on time but can make the bread a little soggy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of apples in The Best Apple Bread Recipe?

    Absolutely! While I recommend firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Gala for the best texture and flavor balance, sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp can also work well if you prefer a milder, sweeter taste. Just be sure to chop them finely to distribute their moisture evenly.

  2. How do I prevent the apple bread from getting soggy?

    To keep your apple bread from becoming soggy, make sure not to over-mix the batter once you add the apples and use firm apples that hold their shape during baking. Also, follow the recipe’s baking times closely, and allow the bread to cool completely before slicing, which helps the bread set properly.

  3. Can I substitute sour cream in this recipe?

    Yes, sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang, but you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche in equal amounts. Remember that this might slightly change the flavor and texture, but the bread will still turn out delicious.

  4. What’s the best way to store leftover apple bread?

    Store leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To extend shelf life, you can refrigerate or freeze slices as described above, and always reheat gently to maintain moisture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making The Best Apple Bread Recipe has become one of my favorite baking rituals because it’s so rewarding to start with simple ingredients and end up with something so comforting and crowd-pleasing. I hope you enjoy the process and the sweet, spice-filled slices as much as I do. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a kitchen staple for you and your loved ones, just like it did for me!

Print
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The Best Apple Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 127 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 6 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 21 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This moist and fragrant Apple Bread features finely chopped tart apples combined with warm cinnamon and a tender crumb, topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar mixture. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, this easy-to-make quick bread balances sweetness and spice for a comforting treat.


Ingredients

For apples and topping

  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted (salted or unsalted)

For apple bread

  • 1 ½ cups (215 g) finely chopped apples, peeled and cored (about 2 apples)
  • 2 ⅓ cups (290 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup (170 g) sour cream
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract


Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5-inch bread pan with parchment paper or lightly spray with baking spray for easy removal.
  2. Make cinnamon sugar and coat apples: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Set aside. Place the finely chopped apples in another bowl, sprinkle with 1 ½ tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar mixture, and stir to coat evenly. Set both mixtures aside.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, remaining granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until combined.
  4. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk melted butter, sour cream, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
  5. Mix batter: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold together with a wooden spoon or spatula until just mostly combined—do not overmix.
  6. Add apples: Fold in the cinnamon-coated apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter without overmixing.
  7. Prepare for baking: Pour the batter into the prepared bread pan and smooth the top evenly.
  8. Add topping: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle it evenly over the top of the batter. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered top to create a sweet and spiced crust.
  9. Bake: Place the bread pan on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet to catch any drips, then transfer to the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 65-70 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Cool and serve: Allow the apple bread to cool in the pan for at least one hour before carefully removing it and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

  • Apples: Use firm, tart to somewhat tart apples for best flavor and texture; Granny Smith and Gala are excellent choices.
  • Storage: Wrap the bread tightly or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 352
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 352 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 74 mg

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