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Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf
For the Loaf:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan (8×4 inches) or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Streusel Topping
To make the streusel topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Add the cold cubed butter and, using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms small crumbs. Set the streusel aside while you prepare the loaf batter.
Step 3: Make the Loaf Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer or a hand whisk until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Next, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in alternating batches with the sour cream (or yogurt), starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean (a few crumbs are okay). If the top of the loaf starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf
- Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and texture, choose apples that are firm and slightly tart, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These apples hold up well in baking and balance the sweetness of the loaf.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf. Mix the ingredients just until combined, and then fold in the apples gently to avoid breaking them up.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet loaf, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. The apples themselves add natural sweetness, so you can adjust the sugar to your liking.
- Make Ahead: This loaf can be baked ahead of time and stored at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing.
- Try Different Toppings: If you want to take this loaf to the next level, consider adding a drizzle of vanilla glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar after the loaf has cooled. You could also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Variations
- Nuts: For added texture and flavor, fold in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the batter.
- Cranberries: Add dried cranberries or fresh cranberries along with the apples for a tart contrast to the sweetness of the loaf.
- Caramel Drizzle: Once the loaf is cooled, drizzle some caramel sauce on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
Conclusion
This Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf is the perfect fall-inspired treat that combines the sweetness of apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and the richness of a buttery streusel topping. Whether you’re baking it for yourself, sharing it with family and friends, or gifting it to someone special, this loaf is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to fill your home with a comforting, inviting aroma. So, grab your apples, preheat the oven, and enjoy the cozy goodness of this delightful loaf!
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