There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked apple bread filling your kitchen. This recipe delivers a moist, tender crumb packed with sweet, juicy apple chunks and warm cinnamon spice. With just 15 minutes of prep and a little over an hour in the oven, you’ll have a golden loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
The balance of flavors—sweet, tangy, and subtly spiced—makes every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those extra apples sitting on your counter. Whether you’re baking for family or friends, this apple bread is sure to become a favorite.
The texture is pure perfection—soft and dense with a slightly crisp, buttery crust that’s impossible to resist. Each slice is studded with tender apple pieces, creating a delightful contrast to the rich, cake-like base. The hint of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth, while the brown sugar lends a caramelized sweetness. In just over an hour, you’ll have a loaf that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or enjoy it as is—it’s a treat that’s as versatile as it is satisfying. This apple bread is a simple yet indulgent way to celebrate the flavors of fall.
Ingredients for The Best Apple Bread
- For the Topping:
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 Tablespoons butter, melted (salted or unsalted is fine)
- For the Apple Bread:
- 1 ½ cups (215 g) finely chopped apples, peeled & cored (about 2 apples)
- 2 ⅓ cups (290 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup (170 g) sour cream (substitute with plain yogurt if needed)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5” bread pan with parchment paper or lightly spray with baking spray.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Set aside.
- Toss the apples: Place the chopped apples in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 ½ Tablespoons of the cinnamon/sugar mixture (reserve the rest for later). Stir to coat the apples and set aside.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together melted butter, sour cream, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently fold until mostly combined.
- Add the apples: Stir in the cinnamon-coated apples until fully incorporated (avoid over-mixing).
- Pour the batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared bread pan.
- Add the topping: Melt 2 Tablespoons of butter and drizzle it evenly over the batter. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon/sugar mixture on top.
- Bake: Place the pan on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet (to catch any spills). Bake on the center rack for 65-70 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before transferring to a cooling rack to slice and serve.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This apple bread is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a few accompaniments. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert. For breakfast, pair it with a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai tea to complement the cinnamon flavors.
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store your apple bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, slice and warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. For a sweeter twist, mix in raisins or dried cranberries. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the apples for pears or add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top before serving.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Bakers
Short on time? Use a food processor to quickly chop the apples. You can also prepare the dry and wet ingredients the night before and store them separately in the fridge. In the morning, just combine, bake, and enjoy!
Essential Equipment for Success
To make this recipe a breeze, you’ll need a 9×5-inch bread pan, parchment paper (or baking spray), and a wooden skewer for testing doneness. A stand mixer or hand mixer can also help speed up the mixing process, though a wooden spoon works just fine.
The Best Apple Bread Recipe
Ingredients
For apples/topping
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 Tablespoons butter melted (salted or unsalted is fine)
For apple bread
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped apples peeled & cored (about 2 apples) (215 g)
- 2 ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (290 g)
- ½ cup light brown sugar firmly packed (100 g)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g)
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted (113 g)
- ¾ cup sour cream (170 g)
- ¼ cup whole milk (60 ml)
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line a 9×5” bread pan with a sling of parchment paper (or lightly spray with baking spray).
- Whisk together granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Set aside. Pour apples in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 ½ Tablespoons of the cinnamon/sugar mixture (save the remaining cinnamon/sugar for later). Stir together apples and cinnamon/sugar and set aside. You will not need the 2 Tbsp of butter yet, but should have it ready.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, brown and granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together ½ cup melted butter, sour cream, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently fold together until mostly combined.
- Add apples and stir until completely combined (don’t over-mix).
- Pour batter into bread pan.
- Melt 2 Tablespoons butter and drizzle evenly over the top of the bread. Sprinkle with remaining cinnamon/sugar mixture from earlier.
- Place pan with apple bread on a foil or parchment paper lined baking sheet (in case any butter spills this will keep you from having a smoky mess in your oven) and transfer to center rack of 350F (175C) oven. Bake for 65-70 minutes or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow to cool in bread pan for at least an hour before carefully transferring to a cooling rack to slice and enjoy!