Apple Pie Bread 🍎🍞 – Warm, Sweet & Full of Cinnamon Flavor! ✨
Apple Pie Bread is the perfect blend of a comforting quick bread and the classic flavors of an old-fashioned apple pie. Bursting with chunks of fresh apples, a generous swirl of cinnamon, and a tender crumb, this cozy baked treat will fill your home with the rich aroma of autumn spices. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven, toasted with butter, or as an indulgent dessert, this bread is guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe box.
🍏 Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Bread Recipe
This Apple Pie Bread brings together everything we adore about homemade apple pie—sweet apples, warm spices, and a buttery finish—transformed into a quick, easy-to-make loaf that doesn’t require pie crust or any special skills. Ideal for fall mornings, holiday brunches, or an afternoon snack, this bread is:
- Moist, soft, and flavorful
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Packed with real apple chunks
- Has a delightful cinnamon-sugar swirl
- Freezer-friendly and easy to make ahead
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather the essentials for this rich, cinnamon-spiced Apple Pie Bread:
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional for a spicier depth)
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
Add-ins & Filling
- 1½ cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best flavor)
- ¼ cup brown sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon (for swirl/filling)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
🥣 How to Make the Best Apple Pie Bread
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is essential to ensure a moist texture and proper rise.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the Sour Cream
Mix in the sour cream, which keeps the bread moist and rich. The batter will start to look silky and creamy at this point.
6. Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix – this will keep your bread soft and tender.
7. Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in the chopped apples. You’ll want them evenly distributed for flavor in every bite.
🍂 Create the Cinnamon Swirl
Mix ¼ cup brown sugar with 1 tsp ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Pour half the batter into the loaf pan, then sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Add the remaining batter and finish with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mix. Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon into the batter.
🔥 Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
This Apple Pie Bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Warm with a pat of butter
- Toasted with cream cheese or apple butter
- Drizzled with a simple glaze or vanilla icing
- Served with ice cream for a dessert-like treat
- As a sweet gift wrapped in parchment and tied with twine
🧊 Storage & Freezing Tips
To Store: Wrap cooled bread in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature overnight or warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
🍁 Variations and Add-Ins
Give your Apple Pie Bread a personal twist:
- Add streusel topping: Mix butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for a crumbly top layer.
- Include chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch and richness.
- Mix in raisins or dried cranberries: For a chewy, fruity surprise.
- Use applesauce: Swap half the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat version.
📋 Apple Pie Bread Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 10 slices
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1½ cups diced apples
- ¼ cup brown sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon for swirl
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5” loaf pan.
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugars until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla.
- Mix in sour cream.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Fold in apples.
- Layer batter and cinnamon sugar in pan; swirl gently.
- Bake 55–65 mins. Cool before slicing.
🌟 Final Thoughts on Apple Pie Bread
This Apple Pie Bread is the kind of recipe that warms hearts and satisfies cravings. It’s quick enough for a weekend bake, yet impressive enough for guests. The moist texture, spiced apples, and comforting aroma make it a true standout. Whether you enjoy it as breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this bread delivers the full apple pie experience in every bite—with none of the hassle.