Name: Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup brown sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; 2 large eggs, room temperature; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 cups chopped apples (Pink Lady, Gala, Honeycrisp – peeled and chopped, about 2 apples)

Jump to Recipe

When the air turns crisp and the leaves don their vibrant colors, nothing captures the essence of the season quite like baking a loaf of Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat. This bread is a cozy, fragrant celebration of tender apples folded into a warmly spiced batter that bakes up golden and irresistible. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet cinnamon, soft fruit, and buttery crumb that feels like a hug from an autumn afternoon. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises a comforting, delicious experience that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.

Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things delightfully simple, relying on familiar pantry staples and fresh apples to create layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the rich brown sugar that adds molasses notes to the cinnamon’s warming spice, making every single bite unforgettable.

Brown sugar (½ cup): Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the apples perfectly.
Ground cinnamon (1 ½ teaspoons): Infuses the bread with warm spice, the hallmark of any fall dessert.
Eggs, large (2, room temperature): Bind the batter and provide structure for a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances sweetness and helps create a lovely golden crust.
Butter, melted (½ cup): Brings moisture, richness, and keeps the bread delectably soft.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a subtle, fragrant note.
All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The base that gives the bread its satisfying body and texture.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise and stay fluffy.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Works alongside baking powder for optimal leavening.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and boosts all other flavors.
Chopped apples (2 cups): Choose crisp varieties like Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp—peeled and chopped (about 2 apples) to add juicy bursts every bite.

How to Make Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat

Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s perfectly warm when your batter is ready. Grease and flour an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper—this small step guarantees your Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat will release effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Mixing the Cinnamon Brown Sugar

Whisk together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This blend will become a lovely layer in your bread, adding bursts of sweetness and spice that make each slice extra special.

Step 3: Combining Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk eggs and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined, creating a light base that traps air for a tender crumb. Then stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, making the batter rich and flavorful.

Step 4: Adding Dry Ingredients

Sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix gently until the batter just comes together—it should be thick but not overworked. This is key to keeping the bread soft and moist.

Step 5: Folding in the Apples

Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter, distributing the fruit evenly without breaking the chunks apart. These apple pieces will be juicy pockets of freshness inside every slice.

Step 6: Layering the Batter and Cinnamon Sugar

Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the cinnamon brown sugar mix evenly over this layer. Then spread the remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the cinnamon sugar—swirl it gently using a knife or spoon to create beautiful ribbons of spice.

Step 7: Baking to Perfection

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until your Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat turns a golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes for an evenly baked loaf.

Step 8: Cooling and Enjoying

Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This resting time lets the flavors meld and ensures clean, beautiful slices every time you serve.

How to Serve Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light smear of softened butter can elevate each slice. For a festive touch, a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chopped nuts adds both texture and a lovely shine, making your Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat feel even more special.

Side Dishes

This bread shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot cider or a creamy chai latte. For a brunch spread, serve alongside sharp cheese or a dollop of yogurt and fresh fruit to balance sweetness with tang and richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bread into cubes and toast them lightly for a unique breakfast parfait layer. Or transform slices into French toast for a cozy weekend morning treat. Sharing your Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat wrapped in a warm tea towel is also a charming gift idea for loved ones during the fall season.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover apple bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for up to three days, making it an easy grab-and-go snack for busy mornings or afternoon cravings.

Freezing

To keep your Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat around longer, slice it and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen bread keeps well for up to 2 months and thaws quickly at room temperature or in the microwave.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for about 15 to 30 seconds to revive the soft texture and bring back that fresh-baked aroma. Adding a small pat of butter before reheating makes it even more irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this bread?

Absolutely! While Pink Lady, Gala, and Honeycrisp offer great sweetness and texture, any firm apple variety works well. Just make sure to peel and chop them evenly for the best baking results.

Is it necessary to let the bread cool before slicing?

Yes, cooling the bread completely helps it set properly, which prevents crumbling and makes for neater slices. Plus, it allows flavors to deepen and meld together beautifully.

Can I make this Apple Bread gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious. Just ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How can I make the bread sweeter or less sweet?

For a sweeter loaf, increase the brown sugar by a couple of tablespoons. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the granulated sugar slightly or choose tart apples to balance flavors.

What’s the best way to ensure the bread stays moist?

The melted butter and fresh apples contribute moisture, but be careful not to overbake. Checking a few minutes before the end of baking and removing once a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs helps keep the crumb tender and moist.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so wonderfully heartwarming about baking and sharing Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat. It’s a recipe that brings together the best parts of autumn in every slice, encouraging cozy moments and happy memories. I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe soon and make it your own delicious tradition!

Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 25 reviews

Author: Matteo
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This delightful Apple Bread is the perfect fall treat, featuring tender, moist bread packed with cinnamon-spiced apples and a sweet cinnamon sugar swirl. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or a cozy dessert, this homemade bread is easy to make and captures the essence of autumn in every bite.

Instructions

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your 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. This will create the sweet cinnamon swirl for the bread.
Combine Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy.
Add Butter and Vanilla: Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter; it should be thick.
Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the peeled and chopped apples into the batter, distributing them evenly.
Layer Batter and Cinnamon Sugar: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the cinnamon sugar mixture over this layer.
Top and Swirl: Spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar on top and gently swirl it into the batter using a knife or spoon for a beautiful marbled effect.
Bake the Bread: Bake the loaf for 35 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the bread is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing. This helps the bread set and makes for easier cutting. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use firm and sweet apple varieties like Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
If the bread starts to brown too fast on top, covering it with aluminum foil will prevent burning.
Make sure the eggs are at room temperature to help the batter combine smoothly.
For extra flavor, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
This bread stores well wrapped at room temperature for 2-3 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American