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Apple Pie Bread: Moist, Cinnamon-Swirled Quick Loaf
This apple pie–inspired quick bread captures the best elements of a classic pie—tender apple pieces, warm spices, and a brown sugar cinnamon ribbon—without the fuss of a crust. It bakes into a moist, sliceable loaf that works equally well for breakfast, snack, or dessert. The recipe is beginner-friendly, uses pantry basics, and adapts easily to seasonal fruit and add-ins.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Bread
- All the familiar apple pie flavors in a simple loaf format.
- Moist texture from the apples and sour cream; no special equipment required.
- Customizable—add nuts, dried fruit, streusel, or a glaze.
- Travel-friendly: slices pack well for lunches or picnics.
Ingredients
For the bread
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120 g) sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 cups (about 300 g) peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- ¼ cup (50 g) packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar glaze (½ cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tsp milk)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until lighter in color and somewhat fluffy, about 2–3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Stir in half of the dry ingredients, then fold in the sour cream. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold the diced apples (and nuts, if using) into the batter.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. In a small bowl combine ¼ cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon; sprinkle half of this cinnamon-sugar over the batter. Add the remaining batter, top with the remaining cinnamon-sugar, and swirl gently through the top layer with a knife to create a ribbon effect.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil after 40 minutes.
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle with glaze if desired and slice to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Apple Pie Bread is versatile and pairs well with many accompaniments. Try these serving ideas:
- Warm slices with a pat of salted butter or a drizzle of honey.
- Toast and top with cream cheese or ricotta and a sprinkle of cinnamon for breakfast.
- Serve as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or spiced apple cider for an autumnal treat.
- Slice into thin pieces for a tea tray or thicker slices for an after-dinner dessert plate.
Nutrition Facts (approximate per slice — 1 of 12)
| Calories | ~290 kcal |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 55 mg |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 26 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
FAQ
- Can I make muffins instead of a loaf? Yes. Divide batter into a 12-cup muffin tin and bake 18–22 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Do I have to peel the apples? No. Leaving the peel on adds fiber; just dice them small so they cook evenly.
- How can I prevent the bottom from getting soggy? Toss diced apples in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter and avoid overripe, watery apples.
Final Notes
Apple Pie Bread is a forgiving, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings cozy flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you keep it simple or dress it up with streusel, nuts, or a glaze, this loaf offers a reliable and comforting result every time.