I absolutely love sharing The Best Apple Bread Recipe with friends because it’s that perfect mix of cozy, comforting flavors and a moist, tender crumb that just makes your kitchen smell heavenly. Whether you’re baking it for a casual weekend breakfast or bringing it to a potluck, this apple bread never fails to impress with its subtle cinnamon notes and bursts of fresh apple in every bite.
When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised how simple it was to pull together, yet the results tasted like something from a bakery. You’ll find that the combination of sour cream and butter keeps it wonderfully moist, while the cinnamon sugar topping adds a sweet crunch that your family and guests will go crazy for. It’s truly The Best Apple Bread Recipe for all seasons!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist & Flavorful: The sour cream and butter create an incredibly tender crumb that makes every slice deliciously soft.
- Easy to Make: You don’t need fancy equipment—just simple pantry ingredients and a little stirring.
- Perfect Cinnamon-Apple Balance: The cinnamon sugar topping adds a sweet crunch that complements the tart apples beautifully.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy morning treat or an afternoon snack, this bread works every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in The Best Apple Bread Recipe plays a special role, from the tart apples to the warm cinnamon and the richness of butter. I recommend picking fresh firm apples for balance — this recipe shines best when your apples have a slight tang to contrast the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Used both in the bread and the cinnamon sugar topping for sweetness and texture.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds that warm, spicy flavor throughout the bread and topping.
- Butter (melted): Keeps the bread moist and tender while giving a slightly rich flavor.
- Finely chopped apples (peeled and cored): Fresh apples bring juiciness and natural sweetness—Granny Smith or Gala work wonderfully.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure.
- Light brown sugar: Adds subtle caramel notes and moisture.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These work together to help the bread rise perfectly.
- Salt: Highlights the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Sour cream: Makes the bread extra moist with a mild tang.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess to the batter.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide lift.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor for a sweet aromatic touch.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations
I love how flexible The Best Apple Bread Recipe is—you can easily make it your own. Over time, I’ve experimented by swapping a few ingredients to suit my mood or diet, and every version turns out delicious. Feel free to customize!
- With Nuts: Adding walnuts or pecans gives a pleasant crunch and an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and apples.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum for similar texture and rise.
- Spiced Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to deepen the fall spice flavors.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut yogurt or a non-dairy sour cream and use a plant-based butter to keep it moist and tasty.
How to Make The Best Apple Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Topping
Start by mixing the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping—that’s going to add a lovely sweet spice crust later on. Toss your peeled and finely chopped apples with about half of this cinnamon sugar mix. This coats the apples nicely so they’re bursting with flavor inside the bread. Keep the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture handy—you’ll sprinkle it on top with the melted butter once the batter is in the pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution so each slice has balanced flavor and a proper rise. Taking a moment here really makes a difference down the road—trust me, I learned that the hard way!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the melted butter, sour cream, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly frothy. This mix adds moisture and binds your apple bread perfectly. Using room temperature eggs and dairy here helps the batter stay smooth and blend with the dry ingredients without clumping.
Step 4: Bring it all Together
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry mix and gently fold with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined—remember, less is more when mixing! Then fold in your cinnamon-coated apples until evenly distributed. Over-mixing here can lead to a tough bread, and no one wants that chewy disaster.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the batter into a parchment-lined or greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Melt your butter and drizzle it evenly over the top, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture to create that signature sweet crust. Place the loaf pan on a lined baking sheet to catch drips and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 65 to 70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a wooden skewer comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, let your apple bread cool in the pan for about an hour—this rest is key to letting it set so it slices beautifully without crumbling. Then gently transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. I like to sneak a slice when it’s still slightly warm – especially with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread!
Pro Tips for Making The Best Apple Bread Recipe
- Choose the Right Apples: I always pick firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith to prevent mushy bread and balance sweetness.
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing just until combined keeps your bread light and tender—overdoing it makes it dense.
- Use a Parchment “Sling”: This little trick makes it so much easier to lift the bread from the pan without tearing.
- Bake on a Sheet: Placing the loaf pan on a baking sheet catches any buttery drips and prevents smoke in your oven.
How to Serve The Best Apple Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my apple bread slices with a light smear of salted butter or creamy cream cheese—it melts just perfectly into the warm bread. For a little extra fancy touch, a drizzle of honey or a sprinkling of chopped nuts on top makes mornings feel like a special occasion.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy breakfast or snack. I often serve it with fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side for some extra protein and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday brunches or gatherings, I’ve plated this apple bread sliced thick and served with a side of warm caramel sauce or maple butter. I’ve also wrapped individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine for cute edible gifts or party favors—people always ask for the recipe afterward!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your apple bread cools, I recommend wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps very well for up to 5 days—perfect for packing in lunches or enjoying guilt-free slices all week long.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, slice the bread and wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or a freezer bag. From my experience, this helps prevent freezer burn and lets you pull out just what you need.
Reheating
For the best warm-up, I reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, which helps bring back that fresh-baked softness and intensifies the cinnamon aroma. Microwaves can be used but sometimes make the bread a bit soggy, so I save that for quick fixes.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
You can use frozen apples if fresh aren’t available, but be sure to thaw and drain them well so excess moisture doesn’t make the bread soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels before folding into the batter to keep the texture just right.
-
What type of apples work best for apple bread?
Firm, tart to semi-tart apples like Granny Smith or Gala are my favorites for apple bread because they hold their shape and add a nice tang that balances the sweetness in the bread.
-
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use coconut or almond yogurt instead of sour cream. The texture will be slightly different but still moist and delicious.
-
How long will the apple bread keep?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this bread stays fresh for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage and enjoy it months later.
-
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this apple bread?
Yes! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries can add extra texture and flavor. Just fold them in with the apples before baking.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give The Best Apple Bread Recipe a try soon—it’s one of those recipes I always come back to when I want something that feels like a warm hug out of the oven. It’s simple, it’s tasty, and it truly fills your home with happiness while baking. If you’re looking for a reliable apple bread that your whole family will love, this is it. Happy baking, my friend!
PrintThe Best Apple Bread Recipe
This Best Apple Bread Recipe is a moist, flavorful bread packed with finely chopped tart apples and a perfect cinnamon sugar topping. Easy to prepare and bake, it combines the sweet and spicy warmth of cinnamon with tender apples baked into a soft, buttery bread. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this apple bread promises a comforting treat bursting with autumnal flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 6 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 21 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For Apples and Topping
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (salted or unsalted)
For Apple Bread
- 1 1/2 cups (215 g) finely chopped apples, peeled and cored (about 2 apples)
- 2 1/3 cups (290 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup (170 g) sour cream
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 inch bread pan with parchment paper, creating a sling for easy removal, or lightly grease with baking spray.
- Prepare the Topping and Apples: Mix ¼ cup granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a small bowl; set aside. Place finely chopped apples in another bowl and sprinkle with 1 ½ tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Stir to coat evenly and set aside. Keep 2 tablespoons of melted butter ready for later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, remaining granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices through the batter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl or a large measuring cup, whisk the melted unsalted butter, sour cream, whole milk, lightly beaten eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently fold just until mostly combined. Careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Incorporate Apples: Fold the cinnamon-coated apples into the batter gently until evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Assemble in Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared bread pan, spreading it out evenly. Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the top of the batter, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top for a crunchy, flavorful crust.
- Bake the Bread: Place the bread pan on a foil- or parchment-lined baking sheet to catch any butter drips and prevent oven messes. Bake in the preheated oven for 65 to 70 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Let the apple bread cool in the pan for at least one hour. Carefully remove using the parchment sling, then cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and enjoying.
Notes
- Apples: Use firm and slightly tart apples such as Granny Smith or Gala for the best flavor and texture balance.
- Storing: Store the apple bread wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
