Easy Homemade Apple Bread Recipe

Nothing says comfort like the smell of warm apple bread wafting through your kitchen. This delightful recipe combines the natural sweetness of apples with the warming spices of cinnamon and nutmeg to create a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting this apple bread recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Bread

Apple bread is the perfect way to use up any extra apples sitting in your fruit bowl. Plus, it’s versatile. Pair it with a warm cup of coffee, or a dollop of cream, or simply enjoy it on its own. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:

• Easy to make: Mixing a few pantry staples with fresh apples makes for a simple, satisfying bake.
• Irresistibly moist: The grated apples in this recipe ensure your bread stays soft and tender for days.
• Packed with flavor: It’s spiced just right with cinnamon and nutmeg—a combination that screams "autumn comfort."
• Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or even a caramel glaze to make it your own.

Whether you’re baking for the holidays or craving cozy vibes any time of the year, this apple bread is a winner.

Ingredients for the Best Apple Bread

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Apple Mixture:

• 2 cups (about 2 medium apples) grated apples (peeled or unpeeled, depending on preference)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (to keep apples from browning)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ½ cup raisins
• Cinnamon sugar for topping

Feel free to tweak the recipe based on what you have in your pantry!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Apple Bread

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Apple Mixture

Grate the apples using a box grater or food processor. Toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning. If you prefer chunks of apple in your bread, reserve half of the grated apple and chop it into small pieces.

4. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined—be careful not to overmix. Fold in the grated apple mixture and any optional add-ins like nuts or raisins.

6. Transfer to the Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. If desired, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for a sweet, crunchy crust.

7. Bake to Perfection

Place the loaf in the center of your preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent it with foil after 40 minutes.

8. Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Wait until it’s completely cool before cutting to ensure clean slices.

Tips for the Best Apple Bread

• Apple Varieties: Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. A mix of apple types can add depth to the flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense loaf. Stir just until no streaks of flour remain.
• Storage: Apple bread stays moist for days! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezing: Want to bake in bulk? Apple bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Apple Bread Variations You’ll Love

• Caramel Apple Bread: Drizzle a simple caramel glaze on top for an indulgent treat.
• Gluten-Free Apple Bread: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix.
• Healthier Apple Bread: Swap half the oil for unsweetened applesauce and use whole wheat flour for added fiber.

Why Homemade Apple Bread is a Crowd Favorite

There’s something magical about the combination of apples, warm spices, and the smell of freshly baked bread. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and universally loved. Whether you’re serving it to guests, gifting it to friends, or enjoying it with your morning coffee, apple bread is a recipe that never goes out of style.

Bake Your Apple Bread Today!

Now that you have a foolproof recipe, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking. This apple bread is bound to impress, whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself.

Have you tried this recipe? We’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your photos and thoughts in the comments below—Happy baking!