Apple Pie Bread combines the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie with the convenience and texture of a quick bread. This ingenious creation captures all the warm, spiced essence of America’s favorite dessert in a form that’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a cozy snack. The bread is studded with tender chunks of cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a buttery streusel that adds a delightful crunch to every slice.
What makes this recipe particularly special is its versatility and the way it fills your home with an irresistible aroma as it bakes. Unlike traditional apple pie, there’s no fussy crust to worry about, yet you still get all those beloved flavors. The quick bread format means you can enjoy these flavors any time, without the time commitment of making a whole pie.
This bread also offers a perfect balance of textures – moisture from the fresh apples, tenderness from the enriched dough, and that magnificent crispy streusel topping that makes each bite interesting. It’s a recipe that celebrates the essence of fall baking while being enjoyable year-round.
This Apple Pie Bread transforms the classic dessert into a moist, spiced quick bread that’s perfect for any time of day. Fresh apples and warm spices create a tender loaf that tastes like autumn in every bite. Topped with a crispy streusel, this bread brings together the best elements of apple pie in an easy-to-make format that’s both practical and delicious.
Storage Options:
- Room temperature: Up to 3 days in an airtight container
- Refrigerator: Up to 1 week wrapped tightly
- Freezer: Up to 3 months (wrap in plastic wrap and foil)
- For best results, warm slightly before serving
Summary: Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 60-65 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes Servings: 1 loaf (12 slices) Calories: 275 per slice
Equipment:
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Large mixing bowls
- Medium bowl for streusel
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Parchment paper
Ingredients: For the Apple Mixture:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup apple sauce
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Make the streusel: Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add walnuts if using. Refrigerate until needed.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk and applesauce.
- Fold in the spiced apple mixture.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
- Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over batter.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then remove to wire rack.
Notes:
- Use firm baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding flour
- Tent with foil if top browns too quickly
- Insert toothpick near center for most accurate doneness test
- Allow to cool completely before slicing for clean cuts
- Can be made into muffins (adjust baking time to 20-25 minutes)
- Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts to batter if desired
- Ensure ingredients are at room temperature before starting
- Can substitute apple sauce with sour cream for richer texture