Easy Apple Pie Bread: A Quick & Delicious Recipe

Apple pie is a classic dessert, but sometimes you just don’t have the time to make a full-fledged pie. That’s where apple pie bread comes in! This recipe combines the comforting flavors of apple pie with the ease of a quick bread, making it the perfect treat for busy weeknights or weekend brunches.

This apple pie bread is moist, flavorful, and bursting with cinnamon-spiced apples. It’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll be able to whip up this delicious bread in no time.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe requires minimal effort and time, making it perfect for busy schedules.
* **Deliciously Flavorful:** The combination of apples, cinnamon, and spices creates a warm and comforting flavor that’s reminiscent of apple pie.
* **Moist and Tender:** The bread is incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the addition of applesauce and oil.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. It’s also great as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
* **Perfect for Fall:** The warm spices and apple flavor make this bread the perfect treat for the autumn season.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Kids will love the sweet and fruity flavor of this bread.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this easy apple pie bread:

**For the Bread:**

* **All-purpose flour:** The base of the bread, providing structure.
* **Baking powder:** A leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
* **Baking soda:** Another leavening agent that reacts with the acidity in the applesauce, creating a light and airy texture.
* **Salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Ground cinnamon:** Adds warmth and spice to the bread.
* **Ground nutmeg:** Complements the cinnamon and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
* **Granulated sugar:** Sweetens the bread and adds moisture.
* **Brown sugar:** Adds a molasses-like flavor and helps to create a tender crumb.
* **Eggs:** Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
* **Vegetable oil:** Adds moisture and helps to create a tender crumb. Canola oil also works well.
* **Applesauce:** Adds moisture and a subtle apple flavor. Use unsweetened applesauce to control the sweetness of the bread.
* **Vanilla extract:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Apples:** The star of the show! Use your favorite type of apple, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. Peeled, cored, and diced.

**For the Streusel Topping (Optional):**

* **All-purpose flour:** Provides structure to the streusel topping.
* **Brown sugar:** Adds sweetness and a caramel-like flavor to the streusel topping.
* **Ground cinnamon:** Adds warmth and spice to the streusel topping.
* **Cold butter:** Creates a crumbly texture in the streusel topping. Make sure the butter is very cold for best results.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×5 inch loaf pan:** The standard size for quick bread recipes.
* **Mixing bowls:** For mixing the dry and wet ingredients.
* **Whisk:** For combining the dry ingredients.
* **Spatula:** For folding the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and scraping the sides of the bowl.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurately measuring the ingredients.
* **Paring knife or vegetable peeler:** For peeling and coring the apples.
* **Cutting board:** For dicing the apples.
* **Optional: Pastry blender or fork:** For cutting the butter into the flour mixture for the streusel topping.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your own delicious apple pie bread:

**Step 1: Prepare the Apples**

* Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. Aim for roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
* Set the diced apples aside.

**Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping (Optional)**

* In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel topping.
* Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also use your fingers, but be sure to work quickly to keep the butter cold.
* Set the streusel topping aside.

**Step 3: Preheat Oven and Prepare Loaf Pan**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

**Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients**

* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

**Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients**

* In a separate mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
* Whisk until well combined.

**Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**

* Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
* Gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough bread. A few lumps are okay.

**Step 7: Fold in Apples**

* Gently fold the diced apples into the batter until evenly distributed.

**Step 8: Transfer to Loaf Pan**

* Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
* Spread the batter evenly.

**Step 9: Add Streusel Topping (Optional)**

* Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.

**Step 10: Bake**

* Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.
* If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.

**Step 11: Cool**

* Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

**Step 12: Slice and Serve**

* Slice the bread and serve. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t overmix the batter:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
* **Use room temperature ingredients:** Room temperature ingredients combine more easily and create a smoother batter.
* **Measure accurately:** Accurate measurements are essential for successful baking. Use measuring cups and spoons to measure the ingredients precisely.
* **Check for doneness:** Use a toothpick to check for doneness. Insert the toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.
* **Let the bread cool completely before slicing:** This will prevent the bread from crumbling.
* **Store properly:** Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* **Use parchment paper for easy removal:** Lining the loaf pan with parchment paper allows you to easily lift the bread out of the pan.
* **Adjust sweetness to your preference:** If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can add more sugar. If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce the amount of sugar.
* **Add nuts or other mix-ins:** Feel free to add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or other mix-ins, such as raisins or chocolate chips, to the batter.

## Variations

* **Apple Cranberry Bread:** Add dried cranberries to the batter for a festive twist.
* **Caramel Apple Bread:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the bread after baking.
* **Apple Walnut Bread:** Add chopped walnuts to the batter for a nutty flavor and texture.
* **Spiced Apple Bread:** Increase the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg, and add other spices, such as ginger and cloves.
* **Gluten-Free Apple Pie Bread:** Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
* **Vegan Apple Pie Bread:** Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based milk instead of dairy milk.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.
* Drizzle with caramel sauce or maple syrup.
* Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
* Spread with butter or cream cheese.
* Make French toast with the bread.
* Use it as a base for bread pudding.

## Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the apple pie bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** Store the apple pie bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving or warm it up slightly in the microwave.
* **Freezer:** Wrap the apple pie bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use different types of apples?**

A: Yes, you can use your favorite type of apple. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji apples are all good choices.

**Q: Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?**

A: While this recipe specifically uses diced apples for texture and flavor, you could potentially experiment with adding more applesauce. However, be mindful that adding too much liquid could affect the final texture of the bread. Reducing the amount of oil slightly might compensate for the added moisture from the applesauce.

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**

A: Yes, you can make the bread ahead of time. Store it according to the storage instructions above.

**Q: Can I freeze this bread?**

A: Yes, you can freeze this bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

**Q: Why is my bread dry?**

A: Overbaking is a common cause of dry bread. Be sure to check for doneness regularly and remove the bread from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Also, make sure you are using enough oil and applesauce in the recipe. Too much flour can also lead to dry bread, so measure carefully.

**Q: Why did my bread sink in the middle?**

A: There are several reasons why bread might sink in the middle. It could be due to overmixing the batter, using too much leavening agent (baking powder or baking soda), or not baking the bread long enough. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully and check for doneness before removing the bread from the oven.

**Q: Can I make this bread in a different sized pan?**

A: This recipe is specifically designed for a 9×5 inch loaf pan. If you use a different sized pan, you may need to adjust the baking time. Keep an eye on the bread and check for doneness regularly.

**Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?**

A: Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar, but keep in mind that sugar contributes to both the sweetness and the moisture of the bread. Reducing the sugar too much may result in a drier or less flavorful bread. Start by reducing the sugar by a small amount (e.g., 1/4 cup) and see how it affects the final result.

**Q: Can I add nuts to this recipe?**

A: Yes, you can add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter. Add about 1/2 cup to 1 cup of nuts to the batter before pouring it into the loaf pan.

**Q: Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?**

A: Yes, you can add chocolate chips to the batter. Add about 1/2 cup to 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter before pouring it into the loaf pan. Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips would both work well.

## Easy Apple Pie Bread Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves apple pie but doesn’t have the time to make a traditional pie. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious! Enjoy!

**Yields:** 1 loaf
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 50-60 minutes

### Ingredients:

**For the Bread:**

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)

**For the Streusel Topping (Optional):**

* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces

### Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the diced apples.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread evenly.
8. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter (if using).
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.
10. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Slice and serve. Enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious homemade apple pie bread!