Indulging in the warmth of fresh-baked bread is an experience that transcends seasons, but few can capture the essence of fall quite like Apple Streusel Bread. This heavenly quick bread bursts with rich, comforting flavors that bring nostalgia and satisfaction in every slice. Imagine a moist, cinnamon-infused loaf enveloped with the sweetness of shredded apples and topped with a crunchy brown sugar streusel. As you take a bite, the buttery goodness melds with the aromatic spices, making it a delightful companion to your morning cup of coffee or as a cozy afternoon snack.
What sets this Apple Streusel Bread apart is its simplicity and versatility. Made with straightforward ingredients, it’s a recipe that even novice bakers can master. The bread is perfect for making ahead of time and enjoying throughout the week, or even sharing with friends and family during holiday gatherings. It’s truly a show-stopper that appears to come from a local bakery, but it’s made right in your kitchen!
This easy recipe will leave your home smelling divine and everyone reaching for just one more slice. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven or toasted with a pat of butter, this Apple Streusel Bread is the ideal way to celebrate the flavors of the season.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Streusel Bread
- Rich Flavor: The combination of apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm flavor profile that evokes the scent of autumn.
- Moist Texture: Sour cream or Greek yogurt ensures that this bread remains incredibly moist.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can bake this delightful loaf with minimal effort.
- Versatile Treat: Great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, it fits any time of day!
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the loaf in advance and enjoy it later, making it perfect for a busy week or holiday preparations.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the baking process, it’s essential to set the stage for success. Begin by gathering all your ingredients and tools. You will need a 9×5-inch loaf pan, preferably greased and floured or lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is also crucial for achieving the right baking temperature, which ensures even cooking.
When it comes to mixing, having two medium bowls ready will help streamline your process — one for combining dry ingredients and another for the wet ingredients. A whisk for the dry mix and an electric mixer for the wet ingredients will save time and effort. Don’t forget to have measuring cups and spoons handy to measure your ingredients accurately, as this is vital for a successful bake.
Before you start mixing, making sure your butter is softened to room temperature will lead to a fluffier batter. Additionally, if your recipe calls for shredded apples, it’s best to wash, peel, and squeeze out any excess moisture to avoid a soggy bread. This attention to detail at the beginning will pay off with a perfect loaf!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded tart apple, peeled and squeezed dry
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for swirl)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for swirl)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for streusel)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for streusel)
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed (for streusel)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream (for glaze)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease and flour your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This prevents the bread from sticking and makes for a cleaner presentation when it’s time to slice.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour, setting the foundation for a well-risen loaf with a balanced flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a larger bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This process incorporates air into the batter, essential for achieving a fluffy texture in the final loaf.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients
Next, add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, ensuring to beat well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and combined. This ensures that the eggs are well incorporated, adding moisture and richness to the bread.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bread.
Step 6: Incorporate Apples
Gently fold in the prepped shredded apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, adding moisture and flavor.
Step 7: Create the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, combine the 1/3 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to create the cinnamon swirl mixture. This mix will add delightful flavor layers in every bite.
Step 8: Layer in the Pan
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top. Layer the remaining batter on top, ensuring an even distribution.
Step 9: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In another bowl, mix together 1/3 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this streusel mixture over the top of the batter in the loaf pan to provide a crunchy topping for your bread.
Step 10: Bake the Bread
Pop your loaf in the oven and bake for 55–65 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it with foil during baking. Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Step 11: Add the Glaze
While the bread cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to create the glaze. Once the bread is fully cooled, drizzle the glaze over it, letting it set before slicing.
Variations
- Protein: Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that pairs well with the flavors of the bread.
- Vegetables: Mix in some shredded carrots for added moisture and nutrition.
- Spices: Experiment with additional spice variations like cardamom or ginger for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure to dry the shredded apples well to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
- For best results, use cold butter for the streusel to achieve that crumbly topping.
- Don’t skip the cinnamon swirl; it adds layers of delicious flavor to your bread.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for optimal freshness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a generous pat of butter for an unforgettable experience.
- Pair with fresh fruit or yogurt for a delightful breakfast option.
Tips
- Keep an eye on the bread towards the end of baking, as oven temperatures may vary and could affect cooking time.
- If you prefer a less sweet glaze, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the glaze recipe.
- Consider toasting slices before serving to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the glaze for a delightful sweet-salty contrast.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 250 per slice
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
Can I freeze Apple Streusel Bread?
Yes! You can freeze the bread either before or after adding the glaze. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How can I tell if the bread is done?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
What kind of apples are best to use?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully in this recipe as they hold their shape and provide a great balance to the sweetness of the bread.
Can I substitute applesauce for shredded apples?
While you can substitute applesauce, it may alter the texture slightly. If you do, reduce the amount of sour cream or yogurt to maintain moisture.
Conclusion
In summary, Apple Streusel Bread is not just a seasonal delight, but a beloved recipe suitable for any time of year. Its enticing flavors, beautiful presentation, and ease of preparation make it a favorite in any recipe collection. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted for breakfast, it will leave a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to try it. Don’t forget to experiment with variations to make this recipe your own, and be sure to share your creations and feedback! Happy baking!
Print
Delicious Apple Streusel Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Indulging in the warmth of fresh-baked bread is an experience that transcends seasons, but few can capture the essence of fall quite like Apple Streusel Bread.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded tart apple, peeled and squeezed dry
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for swirl)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for swirl)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for streusel)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for streusel)
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed (for streusel)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream (for glaze)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease and flour your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This prevents the bread from sticking and makes for a cleaner presentation when it’s time to slice.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour, setting the foundation for a well-risen loaf with a balanced flavor.
- In a larger bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This process incorporates air into the batter, essential for achieving a fluffy texture in the final loaf.
- Next, add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, ensuring to beat well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and combined. This ensures that the eggs are well incorporated, adding moisture and richness to the bread.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bread.
- Gently fold in the prepped shredded apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, adding moisture and flavor.
- In a small bowl, combine the 1/3 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to create the cinnamon swirl mixture. This mix will add delightful flavor layers in every bite.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top. Layer the remaining batter on top, ensuring an even distribution.
- In another bowl, mix together 1/3 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this streusel mixture over the top of the batter in the loaf pan to provide a crunchy topping for your bread.
- Pop your loaf in the oven and bake for 55–65 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it with foil during baking. Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
- While the bread cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to create the glaze. Once the bread is fully cooled, drizzle the glaze over it, letting it set before slicing.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 250 per slice
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 3 g