Banana bread’s well-spiced sister … perfect for an autumnal picnic!
As we approach late summer, I find myself craving freshly picked apples more and more. With so many different varieties, the flavorful baking possibilities are endless! This apple bread is a simple, warm, and perfectly spiced version of classic banana bread. It takes your beautiful apples and turns them into a mouthwatering masterpiece that makes a great breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Moist and fluffy on the inside with a golden-brown top, apple bread is a quick and easy way to transform your fall picnic into a sweet celebration. Kids of all ages will find it a comfort food that satisfies cravings and creates new memories with the whole family. The best part? It’s simple and easy to tweak—whether by using alternative ingredients (such as gluten-free flour) or serving it with delicious sides, like homemade Frozen Yogurt.
Made with wholesome, staple ingredients that almost everyone has in their kitchen, this recipe isn’t just easy—it’s affordable and hearty, too. A warm slice of this bread goes great with a yogurt parfait for breakfast, or with a dollop of nut butter for a snack or dessert.
Is Apple Bread Healthy?
Apple bread isn’t really a healthy food, but there are ways to make it more wholesome. For example, you could try using whole-wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Bear in mind that this will produce denser results. For those who are gluten-free, I always recommend using cassava flour or a trusted gluten-free blend that has xanthan gum in it (to maintain that mouthwatering, light texture). I also like to add walnuts to this recipe for extra protein and earthy flavor. Replacing milk with Greek yogurt will boost the protein content and produce a more tender crumb. To make a vegan version, replace the milk and butter with plant-based options, and use a flax ‘egg’ (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to replace each egg. With so much simplicity and flexibility, what’s not to love?
What are the best Apples to Use?
For the best and brightest apple bread, I recommend using a combination of sweet and tart apples. Granny Smith (green) apples are known to be a bit sour-sweet, but when cooked and mixed with sugar and cinnamon, they create a divine tartness that’s beyond tempting! To harmonize this flavor further, you can also use Honeycrisp, which are very sugary apples that create a lot of juice. When I bake with apples, these are the two I use most often, and I find they mix and mingle well. You could also try Fuji, Gala, and Honeygold.
How to make ahead and store
Leftovers can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For long-term storage, freeze the bread for up to 3 months, wrapping it well with plastic wrap so it doesn’t get freezer-burnt. You can also slice it and freeze it in single portions. This way, it will thaw quicker. If you freeze an entire loaf, make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before warming it up in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. I like to brush my reheated bread with melted butter for more decadence.
Serving Suggestions
In the spirit of transitioning from summer to autumn, I recommend enjoying a slice of this bread with a slather of homemade Strawberry Chia Jam, packed with fiber and vibrant sweetness. (You’d be surprised at how well berries and apples can go together!)
Your brunch table could also benefit from a boost of protein, so serve this bread with a Quiche Florentine and feast like royalty!
Whether it’s for dessert or breakfast, this dish is a new kind of “breadwinner!” 😉
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups apples peeled and finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Gradually add flour mixture to creamed mixture, alternating with milk. Fold in chopped apples.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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