If you love the cozy aroma of cinnamon and apples wafting through your kitchen, this apple bread recipe is the perfect treat for you. Packed with chunks of fresh apple, warm spices, and just the right amount of sweetness, this quick bread is ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. It’s moist, soft, and full of natural flavor—everything you want in a homemade loaf.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this easy apple bread comes together with simple pantry staples and offers a delicious reward.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Incredibly Moist Texture – The apple chunks keep the bread moist for days.
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Easy to Make – No yeast, no kneading. Just mix, pour, and bake.
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Perfect for All Occasions – Great for breakfast, tea time, or a sweet gift.
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Warm Fall Flavor – With cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, each bite is comforting and fragrant.
Ingredients List
Dry Ingredients:
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1¾ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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⅔ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup light brown sugar (packed)
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
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2 tablespoons milk
Add-Ins:
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1½ cups peeled and diced apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
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Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Optional Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
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1 tablespoon sugar
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
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Servings: 10–12 slices (1 loaf)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This will take 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Add Yogurt and Milk
Mix in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and milk until smooth.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix.
Step 7: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Gently fold in the diced apples and optional nuts with a spatula.
Step 8: Pour into Pan and Add Topping
Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan. Mix the cinnamon sugar topping and sprinkle it evenly over the top, if using.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too fast, tent with foil after 40 minutes.
Step 10: Cool and Slice
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Best Apples for Baking
Not all apples are equal when it comes to baking. For apple bread, choose firm varieties that hold their shape:
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Honeycrisp – Sweet, crisp, and juicy
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Granny Smith – Tart and firm, adds contrast
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Braeburn – Slightly tangy with good texture
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Fuji – Sweet and juicy
You can mix sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor.
Optional Mix-Ins and Toppings
Want to customize your loaf? Try adding or swapping the following:
Nuts and Seeds:
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Walnuts, pecans, or slivered almonds
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Sunflower or pumpkin seeds (for a crunchy top)
Fruits:
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Dried cranberries or raisins
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Chopped dates or figs
Toppings:
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Streusel topping for bakery-style crunch
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Cream cheese glaze or vanilla icing
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Rolled oats sprinkled on top
Tips for Perfect Apple Bread
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Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing.
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Don’t overmix the batter—it will make the bread dense.
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Fold in apples gently so they stay intact and juicy.
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Line your loaf pan to prevent sticking and easy removal.
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Check doneness with a skewer; every oven is slightly different.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Storing:
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At room temperature: Wrap in foil or an airtight container for 2–3 days.
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In the fridge: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
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In the freezer: Freeze whole or sliced (wrapped tightly) for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
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Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
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Toast slices and add a pat of butter for a cozy snack.
How to Turn Apple Bread into Muffins
Yes, you can easily turn this recipe into muffins!
Directions:
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Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
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Fill each about ¾ full.
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Healthier Apple Bread Swaps
Want a lighter version? Try these ingredient swaps:
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Use whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose flour.
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Replace butter with coconut oil or applesauce.
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Cut sugar and rely on the natural sweetness of apples.
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Use low-fat yogurt or non-dairy yogurt alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
Apple bread is versatile and delicious on its own, but here are some great pairings:
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A warm cup of coffee or tea
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A drizzle of maple syrup or honey
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A pat of salted butter or apple butter
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Topped with cream cheese spread or whipped topping
It also makes a great addition to brunch boards, lunch boxes, or after-school snacks.
FAQs
Can I make this bread without eggs?
Yes, substitute each egg with ¼ cup applesauce, mashed banana, or commercial egg replacer.
Why is my apple bread dry?
Dry bread usually results from overbaking or using too little fat. Be sure to measure carefully and test doneness early.
Can I shred the apples instead of dicing?
Yes! Shredded apples create a softer texture and distribute more moisture, but you may want to reduce the milk slightly.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute. Check that baking powder is certified gluten-free too.
Conclusion
This apple bread recipe brings comfort and warmth to your table any time of year, but especially in the fall when apples are at their peak. It’s simple to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser.