Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat Recipe
If you’re searching for a cozy, flavorful treat that instantly brings the warmth and charm of autumn into your kitchen, look no further than Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat. This loaf is a delightful combination of tender crumb, sweet cinnamon sugar swirls, and fresh chopped apples that burst with natural juiciness. Every bite is packed with comforting fall spices and just the right hint of sweetness, making it your go-to recipe when you want something homemade and heartwarming on a crisp day. Whether you’re sipping hot tea or wrapping yourself in a blanket by the fire, this Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat is exactly what you need to make the season feel a little bit sweeter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this recipe, yet each component plays an important role in creating the magnificent taste, texture, and color of this bread. Simple pantry staples combined with fresh apples and warming spices come together beautifully to create a loaf that’s both moist and irresistibly fragrant.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the apples and cinnamon perfectly.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses the bread with that quintessential warm, spicy flavor that screams fall.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Provide structure and richness for a tender, well-risen loaf.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps with browning for a golden crust.
- ½ cup butter, melted: Ensures moistness while enriching the bread’s buttery aroma.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a subtle, sweet depth that enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base for the bread, giving it structure and crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise gently and become light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with the acidity in apples and the brown sugar for perfect leavening.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- 2 cups chopped apples (Pink Lady, Gala, Honeycrisp – peeled and chopped): Add natural sweetness, moistness, and a beautiful fleck of fruit throughout the bread.
How to Make Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, grease and flour an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This little prep step prevents sticking and ensures your bread comes out clean and beautiful.
Step 2: Mix Your Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and cinnamon and set this aside. This flavorful blend will create delightful layers of sweet spice inside and on top of your bread, making every bite into a lovely fall surprise.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until fully combined and a bit frothy. Then stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This combination lays the foundation for a moist and flavorful bread.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Next, add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to your wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter—remember, a thick but tender texture is the goal here.
Step 5: Fold in the Apples
Now comes the best part: folding in the chopped apples. These juicy pieces will keep your bread wonderfully moist and add fresh bursts of sweetness that make this loaf truly stand out.
Step 6: Layer and Swirl the Batter
Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the cinnamon sugar mixture over this layer to create delicious pockets of cinnamon-sweet sugar. Carefully spread the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar over the surface. Use a knife or spoon to gently swirl the sugar into the batter, creating beautiful cinnamon ribbons.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the bread for 35 to 45 minutes. When the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. If you find the loaf browning too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking to keep it perfect.
Step 8: Cool Completely Before Slicing
This final step is important. Allow your Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat to cool entirely in the pan before slicing. This prevents it from crumbling and helps the flavors meld beautifully for the best tasting slices.
How to Serve Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey makes a lovely, simple finishing touch. For an extra indulgence, spread some softened butter or cream cheese on warm slices—this bread is a dream when paired with creamy textures.
Side Dishes
Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. Consider serving it with a bowl of cinnamon-spiced yogurt or alongside a warm fruit compote to amplify the autumnal flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For breakfast or brunch, slice the bread thick and toast it lightly, then top with nut butter and sliced bananas for a hearty, flavorful twist. You can also transform leftover slices into a rustic bread pudding or French toast for a fantastic next-day treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap your bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator, where it will maintain its moisture for about a week.
Freezing
Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat freezes beautifully. Wrap the loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until warm. This will bring back that freshly baked softness and aromatic cinnamon scent, making it taste just like it did straight from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Pink Lady, Gala, and Honeycrisp are recommended for their sweetness and texture, you can experiment with Granny Smith for a tangier bite or Fuji for extra sweetness. Just make sure to peel and chop them evenly for consistent baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for one-to-one replacement. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results, and watch the texture to avoid overmixing.
How do I know when the bread is done?
The best indicator is a toothpick inserted into the center coming out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Also, the bread should have a lovely golden top and start to pull away slightly from the pan edges.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
For sure! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins make excellent additions. Fold them in at the same time as the apples to distribute evenly. These extras add texture and flavor depth that many find irresistible.
How moist will this bread be after baking?
This bread stays wonderfully moist thanks to the melted butter and fresh apples incorporated throughout the batter. Even after a day or two, it retains moisture better than many quick breads, making it fabulous for snacking anytime.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about baking and sharing Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat. It fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma and your soul with cozy happiness. I hope you give this recipe a try and find as much joy in every bite as I do. Whether for an autumn morning or a sweet afternoon break, this bread is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home.
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Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Bread is the perfect fall treat, combining sweet apples and fragrant cinnamon for a moist, flavorful loaf. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it’s ideal for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, offering comforting autumn flavors with every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped apples (Pink Lady, Gala, Honeycrisp – peeled and chopped, about 2 apples)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Mix cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set aside for layering later.
- Combine eggs and granulated sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and well integrated.
- Add melted butter and vanilla: Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract into the egg mixture until fully combined and smooth.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Gently mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender. The batter will be thick.
- Fold in apples: Carefully fold in the chopped apples to evenly distribute them throughout the batter without breaking them down too much.
- Layer batter and cinnamon sugar: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle approximately three-quarters of the cinnamon brown sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
- Add remaining batter and cinnamon sugar: Spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer carefully. Then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the top. Use a knife or spoon to gently swirl the sugar into the batter, creating a cinnamon swirl pattern.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the loaf is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps the flavors to set and ensures clean slices. Serve as desired.
Notes
- Use firm, crisp apples like Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
- Make sure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the bread tender.
- If you want a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, you can increase the cinnamon in the sugar mixture slightly.
- The bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For extra moisture, serving warm with a spread of butter is delightful.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: apple bread, fall recipes, cinnamon apple bread, easy breakfast bread, moist apple loaf, autumn baking
