Apple Pie Bread combines the warm, comforting flavors of classic apple pie with the soft texture of homemade quick bread. Packed with juicy apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a sweet glaze, this moist loaf is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with coffee or tea. Every slice tastes like a cozy bite of fall.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 55–60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 10 slices
Equipment Needed
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Bread Batter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- â…” cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1¾ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Notes
Apples
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples work wonderfully in this recipe. Use firm apples that hold their shape during baking.
Butter
Room-temperature butter creates a soft and tender crumb.
Brown Sugar
Adds a rich caramel-like flavor that mimics traditional apple pie filling.
Cinnamon
The key spice that gives this bread its classic apple pie taste.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and lightly flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Apple Mixture
In a small bowl, combine:
- Diced apples
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Mix well and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In another small bowl, stir together:
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Set aside.
Step 4: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, cream together:
- Softened butter
- Granulated sugar
Beat until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk.
Mix just until combined.
Step 6: Assemble the Bread
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Top with half of the apple mixture.
Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon swirl mixture.
Add the remaining batter.
Top with the remaining apples and cinnamon sugar mixture.
Use a knife to gently swirl the layers.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Step 8: Cool
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
Step 9: Add the Glaze (Optional)
Whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
Drizzle over the cooled bread before slicing.
Nutrition Facts
Per Slice (Approximate)
- Calories: 290
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
Tips for Best Results
Use Fresh Apples
Fresh, firm apples provide the best texture and flavor.
Avoid Overmixing
Mix the batter only until combined to keep the bread tender.
Check for Doneness
Since ovens vary, start checking around the 50-minute mark.
Cool Before Slicing
Allowing the loaf to cool helps it hold together and makes slicing easier.
Variations
Caramel Apple Pie Bread
Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the finished loaf.
Walnut Apple Bread
Fold ½ cup chopped walnuts into the batter.
Streusel-Topped Version
Add a crumb topping made from butter, flour, and brown sugar before baking.
Apple Raisin Bread
Mix ½ cup raisins into the apple filling.
Cream Cheese Apple Bread
Layer sweetened cream cheese between the batter layers for a cheesecake-inspired twist.
Storage
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator
Store for up to 1 week.
Freezer
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Warm with butter
- Drizzled with caramel sauce
- Served with vanilla ice cream
- Alongside coffee or tea
- Topped with whipped cream
