Apple Pie Bread: Discover the Perfect Comfort
There’s something magical about the smell of apples, cinnamon, and sugar wafting through the kitchen—and that’s exactly what this Apple Pie Bread delivers. Soft, moist, and bursting with warm, cozy flavors, it’s the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting afternoon snack. The first time I made it, I was worried it would be too dense or overly sweet, but the combination of fresh apples and a tender batter proved otherwise. Each bite tastes like a slice of apple pie in bread form!
How I Learned the Perfect Balance
My first attempt was a little too wet because I added too many apples at once, which made the bread dense in spots. I also discovered that tossing the apples in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter prevents them from sinking to the bottom. After adjusting these small details, the bread came out perfectly soft, evenly textured, and beautifully spiced.
Ingredients You’ll Need
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• 2 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• Optional glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tbsp milk
Step-by-Step Method (Numbered)
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. - Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. - Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. - Add Yogurt
Mix in the yogurt or sour cream until smooth. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix to keep the bread tender. - Prepare Apples
Toss chopped apples in 1–2 tablespoons of flour (helps prevent sinking). Gently fold them into the batter along with optional nuts. - Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Cool and Optional Glaze
Let the bread cool for 10–15 minutes before removing from the pan. If desired, mix powdered sugar and milk for a simple glaze and drizzle over the top.
Serving Size and Timing
Serves: 8–10 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 55–65 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
Substitutions and Add-Ons
Apples: Use any sweet-tart variety like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala.
Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add crunch.
Spices: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Special Equipment
A 9×5-inch loaf pan is ideal. A mixing bowl, whisk, and spatula are all you need.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. Slice and toast or warm before serving for a fresh-baked feel. The bread also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Calories (Per Slice)
Approximately 220–250 calories per slice, depending on added nuts and glaze.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Apple Pie Bread
• Toss apples in flour to prevent them from sinking.
• Don’t overmix the batter—it keeps the bread light and tender.
• Use ripe, firm apples for sweetness and texture.
• Let the bread cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from running.
FAQs
Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?
Yes, but reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly to prevent the batter from being too wet.
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Absolutely! Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 20–25 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Can I add caramel?
Yes! Swirl 2–3 tablespoons of caramel sauce into the batter before baking or drizzle over the top.
How do I keep the bread moist?
Use yogurt or sour cream in the batter and avoid overbaking.
Why I Keep Baking This Bread
Apple Pie Bread brings all the cozy, comforting flavors of classic apple pie into an easy, one-loaf recipe. It’s tender, aromatic, and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Every bite tastes like fall in the kitchen, and the simplicity of the recipe makes it one I return to again and again.
Apple Pie Bread
Equipment
- 9×5-inch loaf pan; mixing bowl, whisk, and spatula.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 2 cups peeled cored, and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix in yogurt or sour cream until smooth.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Toss chopped apples in 1–2 tablespoons of flour and gently fold into the batter along with optional nuts.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let bread cool for 10–15 minutes before removing from pan. If desired, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Notes
• Don’t overmix the batter to keep it light and tender.
• Use ripe, firm apples for optimal sweetness and texture.
• Cool slightly before glazing to prevent runny glaze.
