Apple Pie Bread

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Apple Pie Bread: A Slice of Comfort in Every Bite

Is it a pie? Is it bread? It’s the best of both! Apple Pie Bread is an incredibly moist, fragrant loaf that combines the homey flavors of a classic apple pie with the ease and versatility of a quick bread. Imagine tender chunks of apples and swirls of cinnamon sugar baked right into a rich, buttery batter. With each slice, you’ll experience the comforting taste of autumn, whether served warm with a pat of butter for breakfast or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will make your kitchen smell heavenly!

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar)
  • 2 cups (about 2 large) apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Crumb Topping:

  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup (60g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
    • In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside. This will be layered inside the bread batter to create lovely swirls of cinnamon flavor.
  2. Make the Bread Batter:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
    • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a tender bread texture.
    • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until smooth.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
    • Fold in the diced apples, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  3. Layer and Swirl:
    • Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar filling over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top, spreading it evenly again. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top, then use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the batter. This will create beautiful cinnamon ripples throughout the bread.
  4. Prepare the Crumb Topping:
    • In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a fork or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
  5. Bake and Cool:
    • Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, tent the bread with foil around the 30-minute mark.
    • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Serve:
    • Slice and serve the Apple Pie Bread warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent treat, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce!

Tips for the Best Apple Pie Bread:

  1. Choose the Right Apples:
    • Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for a bright flavor, or opt for a sweeter variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji for more natural sweetness. A mix of both works beautifully too!
  2. Don’t Skip the Cinnamon Sugar:
    • The cinnamon sugar filling is what gives this bread its signature “apple pie” flavor. It creates a sweet, spicy layer that runs through the bread, enhancing the flavor of the apples.
  3. Crumb Topping Perfection:
    • The crumb topping adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness to the bread. Make sure your butter is cold and firm when cutting it into the flour and sugar for the perfect crumbly texture.
  4. Storing and Freezing:
    • Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm slices in the microwave or oven before serving.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Apple Pie Bread

This bread has all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of an apple pie but without the fuss of rolling out pie crust. The tender crumb, juicy apple chunks, and cinnamon swirls make it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack. It’s not overly sweet, making it a versatile treat that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. Plus, the addition of the buttery crumb topping takes this bread from delicious to absolutely irresistible.

Apple Pie Bread is ideal for fall baking, but honestly, it’s so good you’ll want to bake it all year round. Each slice tastes like a slice of autumn, filled with love and warmth. Try it once, and you’ll see why this recipe is bound to become a family favorite

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