Apple Bread

This homemade apple bread is incredibly moist, filled with chunks of fresh apples, and flavored with warm cinnamon. A simple yet delicious treat, perfect for cozy mornings or an afternoon snack. Whether you're a baking beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is easy to follow and will fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of fall spices.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Servings 1 loaf

Equipment

2 mixing bowls.
1 loaf pan

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour.
1 ½ tsp cinnamon.
1 tsp salt.
1 tsp baking powder.
½ tsp baking soda.

Wet Ingredients

¾ cup brown sugar.
2 large eggs.
½ cup vegetable oil.
2 tsp vanilla extract.
2 cups peeled and chopped apples.

Instructions

Preparing the Apples

Washing: Always start by thoroughly washing your apples to remove any dirt or residues.
Peeling: While some recipes might call for leaving the peel on, most apple bread recipes work best with peeled apples. Use a sharp vegetable peeler or paring knife to remove the skin in long, continuous strokes.
Coring: Cut the apple into quarters and use a sharp knife to remove the core and seeds from each section.
Chopping: Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even baking. I prefer to chop my apples into roughly 1/4-inch cubes. This size allows the apple pieces to soften during baking while still maintaining some texture.
Preventing browning: If you're not using the chopped apples immediately, toss them with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and any spices you're using.
Pro tip: If you're using homemade ground flour, as I often do, sift it before measuring to remove any lumps and ensure accurate measurements.

Combining Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, it's time to mix our wet ingredients.
Whisk these together until they're well combined. If you're using honey from your own bees or maple syrup as a sweetener, now's the time to add it. The key here is to make sure everything is at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth, well-incorporated batter.

Incorporating Apples into the Batter

Grated apples: This method distributes the apple flavor evenly throughout the bread and adds moisture.
Chopped apples: For a more textured bread with pockets of apple goodness.
A combination of both: My personal favorite for the best of both worlds!
Whichever method you choose, make sure to fold the apples gently into the batter. Over-mixing at this stage can lead to tough bread, and we want ours to be tender and moist.
Once your apples are incorporated, it's time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. You might see a few lumps, but that's okay – they'll bake out in the oven.
Remember, the key to a light and fluffy apple bread is not overworking the batter. Mix just until you don't see any more dry flour. This gentle handling preserves the air bubbles that will give your bread a beautiful rise and texture.

Final Touches

As a final touch, I like to sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top of the batter before it goes into the oven. It creates a delightful crispy crust that's simply irresistible.

Preparing the Baking Pan

Before we pour our batter, we need to ensure our baking pan is ready. I prefer using a 9x5 inch loaf pan for apple bread, but an 8x4 inch pan works well too. To prevent sticking, grease the pan thoroughly with butter or oil. For extra insurance against sticking (and easier cleanup), line the bottom and sides with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
If you're using a glass or ceramic pan, keep in mind that these materials retain heat differently than metal. You might need to adjust your baking time slightly, so keep a close eye on your bread as it bakes.

Oven Temperature and Baking Time

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you're using a wood-fired oven like I sometimes do, aim for a consistent medium heat. Pour your prepared batter into the greased and lined pan, spreading it evenly.
The typical baking time for apple bread is about 50-60 minutes. However, this can vary depending on your oven and the moisture content of your apples. It's always better to start checking a bit earlier rather than risk overbaking.

Checking for Doneness

Determining when your apple bread is perfectly baked is an art form. Here are a few methods I use:
The toothpick test: Insert a toothpick or thin skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is done.
Visual cues: The top of the bread should be golden brown, and you might see some cracks forming on the surface. These are good signs of doneness.
Touch test: Gently press the top of the loaf. If it springs back, it's likely done. If it leaves an indentation, it needs more time.
Internal temperature: For the most accurate results, use a food thermometer. The internal temperature should reach about 200°F (93°C) when it's fully baked.
Remember, ovens can be temperamental, especially if you're working with alternative heat sources like I often do. Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to give it a few more minutes if you're unsure.
Once your apple bread is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows the bread to set and makes it easier to remove from the pan. After 10 minutes, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bread out and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooling and Slicing Tips

Patience is key when it comes to cooling your freshly baked apple bread. It's tempting to cut into that warm, fragrant loaf right away, but resist the urge! Allow your bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This process typically takes about 1-2 hours and is crucial for several reasons:
Texture development: Cooling allows the crumb structure to set, resulting in a better texture.
Easier slicing: A cooled loaf is less likely to crumble or tear when cut.
Flavor enhancement: The flavors continue to develop as the bread cools.
When you're ready to slice, use a serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion. This helps prevent crushing the bread and ensures clean, even slices. For best results, slice only what you plan to eat immediately, keeping the rest of the loaf intact to maintain freshness.