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Directions: How to Make Apple Pie Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. If you want to be extra sure the bread doesn’t stick, you can line the pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling
- Make the apple pie filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the melted butter and stir until everything is combined and you have a slightly sticky mixture. Set aside.
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces, about 1/2-inch cubes. You want them to be small enough to incorporate well into the bread without overwhelming the batter. Toss the apples with the apple pie filling mixture so that the apples are well coated. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Bread Batter
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will ensure the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients and sour cream: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. The batter should be thick and smooth.
Step 4: Fold in the Apples
- Fold in the apples: Gently fold the apple pie filling and chopped apples into the batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the bread to become dense. The apples should be evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Transfer the batter to the loaf pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean (with just a few moist crumbs). If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil and continue baking until fully cooked.
- Cool: Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Optional Glaze
- Make the glaze: If you’d like to add a finishing touch to your Apple Pie Bread, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread for a sweet, glossy finish.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Pie Bread
- Choose the right apples: Use firm apples that hold their shape when baked. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji are excellent choices for baking, as they’re slightly tart and won’t turn mushy in the bread.
- Add more spices: If you love a stronger spice flavor, feel free to add extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of ground ginger. These spices will really bring out the apple pie flavor in the bread.
- For a streusel topping: If you want an extra layer of sweetness and texture, you can add a crumbly streusel topping before baking. Mix together 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons cold butter. Sprinkle over the batter before baking.
- Make it your own: While the classic apple pie flavor is delicious, you can also get creative with this recipe. Add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for crunch, or mix in some raisins or cranberries for added sweetness and color.
- Storage: This bread will stay fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Simply wrap it tightly and store it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it at room temperature and reheat in the oven if desired.
Why This Apple Pie Bread Works
Apple Pie Bread combines the best parts of a classic apple pie—sweet apples, warm spices, and buttery flavor—with the convenience of a quick bread. The result is a moist, soft loaf that’s perfect for any time of day. The apple pie filling gives the bread an extra burst of flavor and a slight caramelized texture, while the cinnamon and nutmeg add the signature warmth that makes this bread so comforting.
This bread is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of apple pie without the fuss of a crust, and it’s easy to whip up any time you want a delicious fall treat. The addition of sour cream ensures that the bread is extra moist, while the apples provide just the right amount of sweetness and texture.
What to Serve With Apple Pie Bread
Apple Pie Bread is perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with a few complementary items to make a full meal or special treat:
- Coffee or Tea: A warm mug of coffee, chai, or apple cider makes the perfect beverage pairing for this bread. The spices in the drink will complement the flavors of the bread beautifully.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a slice of warm Apple Pie Bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top of the bread will make it even more decadent—perfect for serving at a fall gathering or holiday dinner.
- Cheese: For a savory twist, serve slices of Apple Pie Bread with a sharp cheese like cheddar. The sweet and salty combo is surprisingly delicious.
Conclusion
Apple Pie Bread is a delicious, comforting treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite. With its tender, spiced crumb, the burst of sweet apples, and the delightful apple pie filling, this bread is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of a homemade apple pie—without the effort of making a pie crust. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion, as an afternoon snack, or just because you’re craving something cozy, this bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it out and experience the warm, comforting taste of apple pie in a whole new way!
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