Description
A moist and flavorful apple bread infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack. This easy-to-make loaf combines tender chunks of fresh apples with a tender crumb, enhanced by optional crunchy nuts for added texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
Other Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the bread does not stick during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Incorporate Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Add Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped apples and optional nuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a more pronounced apple flavor and less sweetness.
- For a nut-free version, omit walnuts or pecans.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- Reheat slices in a toaster or microwave for a warm treat.
- Adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving enhances presentation and sweetness.
