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Apple Pie Bread Recipe

Old-Fashioned Apple Pie Bread

iamwinfred
This old-fashioned apple pie bread takes all the cozy comfort of a classic apple pie and turns it into a tender, sliceable loaf that's perfect for fall mornings or an afternoon snack. It's loaded with fresh apple chunks and a sweet streusel topping, with that nostalgic pie flavor and none of the fuss of rolling out dough.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x5 inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls small, medium, and large
  • Electric mixer or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or fork
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients
  

For the Bread

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour 240g
  • 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 113g, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar 150g
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar 50g, packed
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk 120ml
  • 2 medium apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice to toss with the apples

For the Streusel Topping

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 30g
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar 50g, packed
  • 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter 28g, cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For Preparing the Pan

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour plus a little butter or nonstick cooking spray for greasing

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place rack in the center position.
  • Whisk together 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in 2 tablespoons cold butter until coarse crumbs form. Chill until ready to use.
  • Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray, then dust with 1 tablespoon flour, tapping out the excess.
  • Peel, core, and dice 2 medium apples into 1/2-inch pieces. Toss with 1 teaspoon lemon juice to prevent browning.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • Beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup brown sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
  • Alternate adding the buttermilk and dry ingredients in two additions each, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.
  • Gently fold in the diced apples with a rubber spatula using 8-10 slow strokes.
  • Spread batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the top and press down lightly.
  • Bake for 55-65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Tent with foil after 40 minutes if browning too fast.
  • Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and invert onto a cooling rack. Flip right-side up and cool completely, about 2 hours, before slicing.

Notes

  • Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing and a tender crumb.
  • Don't skip peeling the apples; it keeps the texture soft and pleasant.
  • Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off, not scooping, to avoid a dense loaf.
  • Keep the streusel butter cold so the topping stays crumbly and crisp; chill it for 10 minutes before sprinkling if your kitchen is warm.
  • If your kitchen is humid, bake the bread 5 minutes longer and start checking for doneness early to prevent overbaking.
  • No buttermilk? Mix 1/2 cup milk with 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice or white vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
  • For a vegan version, swap butter for coconut oil, eggs for flax eggs, and use almond milk with a splash of vinegar.
  • Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat slices in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or in the microwave for 15 seconds.
  • Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, or swap apples for pears, for easy variations.

Nutrition

Serving: 1SliceCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 220mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 6IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 6mg
Keyword apple pie bread, apple streusel bread, easy apple bread recipe, fall quick bread, old fashioned apple bread
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