Introduction

Apple Pie Bread combines everything people love about classic apple pie—warm spices, tender apples, and comforting sweetness—into a soft, sliceable quick bread. Moist, fragrant, and easy to make, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack with coffee or tea. It delivers the cozy flavor of apple pie without the fuss of rolling dough or making crust.

This recipe is especially popular during fall, but its simplicity and pantry-friendly ingredients make it a year-round favorite. Whether you are baking for your family, gifting a homemade treat, or building content for a food website, Apple Pie Bread is an evergreen recipe that consistently performs well.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to make the best Apple Pie Bread, along with tips, variations, storage advice, and answers to common questions.

What Is Apple Pie Bread?

Apple Pie Bread is a quick bread made with fresh apples, cinnamon, and warm spices that mimic the flavor profile of traditional apple pie. Unlike yeast breads, it relies on baking powder or baking soda for lift, making it faster and more approachable for home bakers.

Chunks of apple are folded into a spiced batter, then baked into a moist loaf. Some versions include a cinnamon sugar swirl or glaze, while others keep things simple with a rustic, cake-like crumb.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic apple pie flavor in easy loaf form

Moist, tender crumb with real apple pieces
No yeast or complicated techniques
Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacking

Freezer-friendly and great for gifting

Ingredients Overview

Dry Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Baking powder or baking soda

Cinnamon
Nutmeg or apple pie spice
Salt

Wet Ingredients

Eggs
Oil or melted butter
Sugar or brown sugar

Milk or yogurt
Vanilla extract

Apples

Fresh apples, peeled and diced

Apple variety and moisture level can slightly affect texture and sweetness.

How to Make Apple Pie Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, even pieces. Toss lightly with cinnamon if desired.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine wet ingredients until smooth. Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Fold in Apples

Fold the diced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly without overmixing.

Step 4: Bake

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake in a preheated oven until the loaf is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Allow the bread to cool in the pan briefly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Best Apple Pie Bread

Use firm apples that hold their shape when baked

Do not overmix the batter
Line the loaf pan with parchment for easy removal
Tent loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly

Best Apples for Apple Pie Bread

Honeycrisp
Granny Smith (for a slightly tart version)
Fuji

Gala

Avoid overly soft apples, which can become mushy.

Delicious Variations

Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread

Add a cinnamon sugar swirl in the center for extra sweetness.

Glazed Apple Pie Bread

Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze once cooled.

Apple Walnut Bread

Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.

Healthier Version

Use maple syrup, coconut oil, and whole wheat flour for a lighter option.

Serving Suggestions

Apple Pie Bread is delicious served:

Warm with butter
With cream cheese

Alongside coffee or tea
Lightly toasted

It works equally well as breakfast bread or dessert.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Store Apple Pie Bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze slices or whole loaves for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Apple Pie Bread ahead of time?

Yes. The flavor often improves the next day.

Does this bread freeze well?

Yes. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?

Applesauce changes the texture and is not recommended as a full replacement.

Is Apple Pie Bread very sweet?

It is moderately sweet, similar to coffee cake.

Why This Recipe Is So Popular

Apple Pie Bread remains popular because it delivers familiar comfort flavors in a convenient format. It appeals to a wide audience, requires no special skills, and works for multiple occasions, making it a consistent favorite on food blogs and recipe sites.

Final Thoughts

Apple Pie Bread is the perfect blend of simplicity and comfort. With warm spices, tender apples, and a soft crumb, it brings the essence of apple pie into an easy, everyday bake.

If you’re looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that fits breakfast, dessert, and snack time equally well, Apple Pie Bread deserves a permanent place in your baking rotation.

Apple Pie Bread

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

For the bread:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk or whole milk
• 2 cups peeled & finely diced apples (about 2 medium; Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)

For the crumble topping:
• ¼ cup (50g) packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5″ loaf pan; line with parchment for easy removal.
Bread: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to wet mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Fold in apples.
Crumble: Mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.

Pour batter into pan. Sprinkle crumble evenly over top.
Bake 55–65 min until a toothpick comes out clean (tent with foil if topping browns too quickly).
Cool in pan 15 min, then transfer to wire rack. Best served slightly warm or at room temperature!