Made this Apple Pie Bread and my whole kitchen smelled like fall—so soft, sweet, and cozy!

 

Apple Pie Bread: A Sweet, Cozy Treat That Tastes Like Fall

Few things embody the spirit of autumn like the smell of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. If you’re craving the warmth and nostalgia of a fresh-baked apple pie but want the convenience of a loaf cake or quick bread, this Apple Pie Bread will win your heart.

It combines the classic flavors of apple pie — warm spices, tender apple chunks, and a buttery streusel topping — with the ease of a loaf that you can slice and enjoy anytime. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or dessert, this bread is always a hit. And yes — your whole kitchen will smell like fall.

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🍎 Why You’ll Love Apple Pie Bread

• 🍏 No need to make pie crust – all the flavor of pie, less work

• 🧁 Super moist and soft – thanks to apples and sour cream

• 🧂 Cinnamon-sugar topping gives a pie-like crust

• ☕ Perfect with coffee or tea

• 🧒 Kid-friendly and great for lunchboxes

• ❄️ Freezes beautifully

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🍂 Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe yields one 9x5" loaf, about 8–10 slices.

For the Apple Bread:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups peeled and chopped apples (about 1–2 apples)

For the Apple Pie Filling Swirl:

• 1 cup peeled, finely diced apples

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• Pinch of nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed

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🍏 Best Apples to Use

Choose apples that hold their shape and balance sweetness and tartness. Great options include:

• Honeycrisp

• Granny Smith

• Fuji

• Braeburn

• Gala

Using a mix of sweet and tart adds depth.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling Swirl

This step gives the bread its signature “pie-like” center.

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.

2. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.

3. Cook for 3–5 minutes until apples are tender but not mushy.

4. Optional: Stir in cornstarch to thicken if mixture is very liquidy.

5. Remove from heat and let cool while preparing the batter.

🍂 This step adds gooey, spiced apple goodness that mimics apple pie filling right inside the bread.

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Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

2. Add cold cubed butter and cut it in using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Refrigerate while you make the batter.

🧈 The streusel adds crunch and a sweet, spiced finish.

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Step 3: Make the Bread Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease a 9x5" loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

4. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.

6. Gently fold in the chopped apples.

⚠️ Don’t overmix — it can make the bread tough instead of tender.

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Step 4: Layer the Batter and Apple Pie Filling

1. Pour half the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.

2. Spoon the apple pie filling over the batter in an even layer.

3. Pour the remaining batter on top and smooth the surface.

4. Sprinkle streusel topping generously over the top.

🍎 You can swirl the filling slightly with a knife for a marbled effect.

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Step 5: Bake the Bread

1. Bake at 350°F for 55–65 minutes.

2. Check after 45 minutes — if the top is browning too quickly, tent with foil.

3. Bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

4. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Step 6: Optional Glaze

For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle with glaze:

Vanilla Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 teaspoons milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth and drizzle over cooled bread.

✨ The glaze adds bakery-style flair and sweetness.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a pat of butter or drizzle of honey.

• Pair with coffee, chai, or mulled cider.

• Slice and toast for a crunchy exterior.

• Add a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

• Wrap slices individually for an on-the-go snack.

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🔄 Variations & Customizations

1. Apple Cinnamon Nut Bread

Add ½ cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.

2. Caramel Apple Bread

Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled loaf or swirl some into the apple filling.

3. Apple Cranberry Bread

Add ½ cup dried cranberries for a sweet-tart contrast.

4. Gluten-Free Option

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend like Bob’s Red Mill. Check for doneness, as baking time may vary slightly.

5. Healthier Version

• Substitute half the butter with applesauce

• Use whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour

• Cut sugar slightly, especially if using sweet apples

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🧊 Storage & Freezing

At Room Temperature:

• Wrap tightly in plastic or foil

• Store up to 3 days in a cool place

In the Fridge:

• Keeps for 5–6 days

• Warm slices before serving for best taste

To Freeze:

• Wrap loaf or slices tightly in plastic, then foil

• Freeze for up to 3 months

• Thaw at room temp or warm in oven

🧁 Perfect for make-ahead breakfast or holiday gifting.

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🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	270–300
Carbohydrates	35–40g
Protein	3–4g
Fat	13–15g
Saturated Fat	7g
Fiber	1–2g
Sugar	18–22g
Sodium	180mg

Varies with exact ingredients and portion size.

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🍂 Pro Tips for Best Results

• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing.

• Melt and cool butter to avoid curdling eggs.

• Chop apples small so they cook through and distribute evenly.

• Tent with foil if the top browns too fast.

• Don’t overmix the batter once you add flour — it keeps the crumb soft.

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💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?

Yes, but the texture will change. Applesauce makes it softer and more cake-like, without apple chunks.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

Absolutely! Divide batter into a muffin tin (fill ¾ full) and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Bake two loaves or one large loaf in a 10x5 pan. Adjust baking time as needed (usually 60–75 minutes).

Which type of apple is best?

Granny Smith for tartness and firmness, Honeycrisp for sweetness and juiciness, or a mix of both for balance.

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🏡 A Slice of Fall in Every Bite

There’s something almost magical about the way this bread captures the essence of autumn. The warmth of cinnamon, the tender baked apples, and the soft, buttery crumb all come together in a humble loaf that feels both rustic and elegant.

Whether you’re sharing it with friends over coffee, baking it for a fall brunch, or gifting it for the holidays, this Apple Pie Bread is more than just a recipe — it’s a mood, a memory, a moment of comfort in a loaf pan.

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🍁 Final Thoughts

You don’t need a pie crust or a complicated recipe to bring the cozy, nostalgic flavors of apple pie into your kitchen. This Apple Pie Bread delivers all the warmth and joy of fall in every single slice. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to return to again and again — easy enough to make on a weekday, special enough for a holiday table.

So go ahead — grab a mixing bowl, dice some apples, and let the aroma of cinnamon and spice turn your kitchen into a warm autumn haven.