Apple Pie Bread

Warm, cinnamon-scented slices of apple pie bread are the kind of treat that feels like home. Every bite has that cozy apple pie flavor you love, baked into a soft, moist loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This quick bread combines juicy apples, brown sugar, and warm spices to create a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

WHAT IS APPLE PIE BREAD?

Apple pie bread is like the best parts of apple pie and classic sweet bread rolled into one. Imagine tender chunks of apple tucked inside a buttery loaf that’s topped with a cinnamon-sugar swirl. The texture is soft but slightly dense—just right for holding all that juicy apple goodness without falling apart.

You can slice it thick, toast it lightly, and add a pat of butter. Or serve it warm with a drizzle of caramel for a dessert-style twist. However you enjoy it, it’s pure comfort in loaf form.

APPLE PIE BREAD INGREDIENTS

You’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup sour cream

• ¼ cup milk

• 1½ cups peeled and diced apples (use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor)

• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon melted butter

WHAT KIND OF APPLES ARE BEST FOR APPLE BREAD?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith hold up beautifully when baked. They keep their shape and add a nice contrast to the sweet batter. You can mix varieties too—try adding Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji for a sweeter, juicier bite.

If you prefer a milder apple flavor, use Gala or Golden Delicious. Just be sure to peel them first so your bread stays tender.

HOW TO MAKE APPLE PIE BREAD

STEP ONE: PREPARE THE PAN AND OVEN

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift the bread out later.

STEP TWO: MIX THE DRY INGREDIENTS

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

STEP THREE: CREAM THE BUTTER AND SUGARS

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. The mixture should look creamy and pale.

STEP FOUR: ADD EGGS AND VANILLA

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, scraping the bowl as needed. Then mix in the vanilla extract.

STEP FIVE: ADD SOUR CREAM AND MILK

Mix in the sour cream and milk until well combined. The batter might look slightly curdled at this point, but that’s okay—it will come together when you add the dry ingredients.

STEP SIX: COMBINE WET AND DRY MIXTURES

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain. Don’t overmix—this keeps the bread soft and tender.

STEP SEVEN: FOLD IN APPLES AND NUTS

Gently fold in the diced apples and nuts, if using. The batter should be thick and slightly chunky from the apples.

STEP EIGHT: ADD TOPPING

In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle with half the topping mixture, then add the remaining batter. Finish with the rest of the topping.

STEP NINE: BAKE

Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

STEP TEN: COOL

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before lifting it out using the parchment overhang. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

PRO TIPS FOR THE BEST APPLE PIE BREAD

Don’t skip the sour cream. It keeps the loaf moist and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness.

Toss the apples in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom.

Use room temperature ingredients. Cold butter, eggs, or milk can cause the batter to separate or bake unevenly.

Check early. Oven times vary—start checking your loaf around the 50-minute mark.

APPLE PIE BREAD VARIATIONS

Want to change things up? Try one of these fun twists:

• Caramel Apple Bread: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top after baking.

• Apple Crumb Bread: Add a streusel topping made with butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.

• Maple Apple Bread: Swap half the sugar for maple syrup and add a touch of maple extract.

• Glazed Apple Bread: Once cooled, pour a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk over the loaf.

• Apple Cinnamon Swirl: Layer the batter with extra cinnamon sugar for a pretty marbled look inside.

HOW TO SERVE APPLE PIE BREAD

Apple pie bread tastes amazing any time of day. Here are a few favorite ways to serve it:

• Breakfast: Toast a slice and spread with butter or cream cheese.

• Snack: Pair with a cup of hot coffee or tea.

• Dessert: Warm it slightly and top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

• Brunch: Slice it thick and serve with fruit salad or bacon on the side.

This bread is sweet but not too sweet, making it perfect for almost any occasion.

HOW TO STORE APPLE PIE BREAD

At Room Temperature:
Store cooled bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Line the container with paper towels to absorb extra moisture.

In the Fridge:
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds before serving.

In the Freezer:
Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.

HOW TO REHEAT APPLE PIE BREAD

For that just-baked flavor, reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. Or toast lightly in a toaster oven to get the edges crisp again. You can even warm a whole loaf in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes if you’re serving guests.

APPLE PIE BREAD FAQS

Can I use applesauce instead of sour cream?
You can replace half the sour cream with applesauce for a lighter version, but keep some sour cream for that rich texture.

Can I make muffins instead?
Yes! Divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 22 to 25 minutes.

Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling gives a softer texture, but if you like a little chew and color, leave the skins on.

Why is my bread dense?
Overmixing can cause dense bread. Mix only until ingredients are combined.

Can I add raisins or cranberries?
Definitely. Add ½ cup dried fruit to the batter for extra sweetness and texture.

HOW TO FREEZE APPLE PIE BREAD BATTER

If you like to prep ahead, you can freeze the batter before baking. Pour it into a greased loaf pan, wrap tightly with plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.

HOW TO MAKE A STREUSEL TOPPING (OPTIONAL)

For extra crunch, make this easy streusel:

• ¼ cup flour

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Use a fork to mix until crumbly, then sprinkle on top before baking. It bakes up golden and crisp, adding texture to every bite.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH APPLE PIE BREAD

Pair your warm loaf with:

• A cup of hot apple cider

• A scoop of cinnamon ice cream

• Whipped cream and caramel drizzle

• Vanilla yogurt and fresh fruit for breakfast

• Coffee or a pumpkin spice latte on chilly mornings

HOW TO MAKE MINI APPLE PIE LOAVES

This recipe makes one large loaf or three mini loaves. Divide the batter evenly into smaller pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Mini loaves make great gifts—wrap them in parchment and tie with twine for a homemade touch.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS APPLE PIE BREAD

• It’s incredibly moist and soft

• Bursting with fresh apple flavor

• Smells amazing while baking

• Easy to make with simple ingredients

• Perfect for gifting or sharing

There’s something about the combination of cinnamon, apples, and brown sugar that makes the house smell like fall. One loaf never lasts long.

APPLE PIE BREAD RECIPE

A moist, spiced loaf filled with chunks of fresh apples and a buttery cinnamon swirl. Perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup butter softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup milk
• 1½ cups diced apples
• ¼ cup chopped nuts optional
• Topping
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment.
• In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
• Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
• Add sour cream and milk, mix until smooth.
• Add dry ingredients to wet, stirring just until combined.
• Fold in apples and nuts.
• Pour half the batter into the pan. Add half the topping. Repeat with remaining batter and topping.
• Bake 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• Cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.

For a glaze, whisk ½ cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon milk and drizzle over cooled bread.

Store tightly wrapped at room temperature up to 3 days or in the fridge up to 5.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 69gProtein: 4gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 190mgFiber: 2gSugar: 23g

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