If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the irresistible flavors of classic apple pie in a form that fits neatly into your hand, Apple Pie Bread is the answer to your cravings and then some! This delightful loaf blends the cozy warmth of cinnamon, sweet apples, and a buttery crumb into every slice, making it a perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you need a little extra comfort. With an aroma that fills your kitchen and a tender crumb studded with juicy apple bits, Apple Pie Bread is always a crowd-pleaser and feels like a warm hug from your favorite baker.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering everything for Apple Pie Bread couldn’t be simpler, and each ingredient is chosen with purpose. The combination of spices, apples, and a touch of nuts creates flavor and texture that are classic yet irresistibly fresh.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure that holds together all the cozy flavors in your loaf.
Baking powder: Gives your bread the rise it needs to stay light and fluffy.
Baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder to create a perfect crumb.
Salt: Enhances every other flavor and keeps things well balanced.
Ground cinnamon: Essential for that true “apple pie” essence in every bite.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth that elevates the classic cinnamon.
Unsalted butter (softened): Creates richness and moisture, helping the bread stay tender.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and brings out the apples’ natural flavors.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add a little lift.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the overall aroma and rounds out the sweetness.
Sour cream: Helps with moistness while adding the slightest tang, which balances the sweetness.
Milk: Loosens up the batter just enough for a smooth, pourable consistency.
Peeled and diced apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best for a tart-sweet kick and hold their shape beautifully.
Chopped walnuts or pecans: These nuts add so much crunch and nutty flavor—feel free to pick your favorite.
Brown sugar (for topping): Adds a caramelized, slightly crunchy crust to the top.
Ground cinnamon (for topping): Extra spice on top locks in that nostalgic apple pie feel.

How to Make Apple Pie Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This will help your bread bake evenly and lift right out when it’s done. If you want extra insurance against sticking, line the bottom with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Taking a moment to evenly blend your dry ingredients means every slice will be perfectly seasoned and rise to perfection.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. Don’t rush this part—the air you’re whipping in keeps your Apple Pie Bread moist and tender.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in the vanilla extract. Add the sour cream and milk, mixing until everything is smooth and creamy. This luscious batter is the secret to a soft, rich loaf.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Be gentle—over-mixing can toughen your bread! You want a thick but scoopable batter.

Step 6: Fold in Apples and Nuts

Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts or pecans. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed so every bite is jam-packed with juicy, tart-sweet flavor and a bit of nutty crunch.

Step 7: Add Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it lovingly across the top of your batter. This step gives your Apple Pie Bread its signature caramelized crisp crust—absolutely irresistible.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Slide your loaf into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the thickest part comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to finish cooling. The hardest part is waiting to slice in!

How to Serve Apple Pie Bread

Garnishes

For a classic finish, a light drizzle of powdered sugar glaze makes Apple Pie Bread look almost too pretty to eat. Add a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts on top for extra texture—or keep it simple and let that cinnamon-sugar crust shine on its own.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a dollop of vanilla yogurt for breakfast or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Serving alongside a hot mug of spiced chai or fresh apple cider really makes the flavors pop and brings out the cinnamon-y richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re sharing with a crowd, slice the loaf and arrange on a platter with small bowls of honey, caramel sauce, or even whipped cream for dipping. For brunch parties, consider baking in mini loaf pans for adorable individual portions—everyone loves a personal Apple Pie Bread!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, Apple Pie Bread keeps best wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps retain its tender crumb and keeps those apples juicy.

Freezing

If you’d like to extend its shelf life, simply wrap the loaf (or slices) in foil and place in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw overnight at room temperature before serving to maintain its lovely texture.

Reheating

Craving that just-baked warmth? Heat individual slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds or pop in the toaster oven for a slightly crisp edge. This really wakes up the spices and freshens up any leftovers.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are top picks for their tartness and texture, you can use anything from Gala to Fuji for a sweeter note. Avoid extra-soft varieties, as they can become mushy while baking.

Do I have to use nuts?

Not at all! Feel free to leave out walnuts or pecans if you have allergies or simply prefer nut-free bakes. Your Apple Pie Bread will still be absolutely delicious and moist without them.

Can I make Apple Pie Bread gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Just check that your baking powder and baking soda are certified gluten-free too for best results.

Why did my bread sink in the middle?

This usually happens if the bread is underbaked or if the batter was mixed too vigorously. Always check for doneness with a toothpick, and mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to keep your loaf perfectly risen.

Is it possible to reduce the sugar?

You can, but keep in mind it may change the texture slightly. Try cutting up to 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar if you want a less sweet loaf—the natural sweetness of the apples will still shine through.

Final Thoughts

Apple Pie Bread is a joyful mashup of two beloved desserts, and it’s easier to make than you might think. Whether you’re baking for a special morning or simply want to make your home smell like autumn, give this recipe a try—you’ll fall in love with every slice!

Apple Pie Bread Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This delightful Apple Pie Bread combines the flavors of a classic apple pie with the simplicity of a quick bread. Moist, tender, and filled with chunks of apples and nuts, this bread will fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of fall spices.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk

Additional Ingredients:

2 cups peeled and diced apples
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for topping

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Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Stir in sour cream and milk. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients.
Fold in apples and nuts: Fold in the diced apples and nuts. Pour batter into the pan.
Add topping: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle over the batter.
Bake: Bake for 55 to 65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before serving.

Notes

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best for this recipe.
The bread can be drizzled with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American