If there’s one recipe that truly embodies all the warmth and coziness of a crisp autumn afternoon, it’s this Homestyle Apple Pie Bread. Imagine the aroma of spiced apples wafting from your kitchen as a golden loaf rises in the oven, wrapping you in comfort with every bite. This loaf captures everything you love about classic apple pie—juicy apples, warm cinnamon, a touch of brown sugar—but in the shape of the softest, most delightful quick bread you’ve ever tasted. Whether you serve it for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, this Homestyle Apple Pie Bread always manages to steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beautiful thing about this Homestyle Apple Pie Bread is how a handful of straightforward ingredients come together to create something so irresistibly special. Each one plays a role—from the tart apples to the dash of nutmeg—to ensure your loaf is moist, tender, and packed with cozy flavors.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone that provides the perfect crumb and structure for your bread.
- Baking powder: Gives your loaf that light, irresistible lift.
- Baking soda: Works with the yogurt or sour cream to make the bread extra soft.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors together and keeps things balanced.
- Ground cinnamon: The signature warming spice that evokes homemade apple pie.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a nutty, slightly sweet undertone you don’t want to skip.
- Unsalted butter, softened: For a rich, flavorful base and unbeatable texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness while letting the apple flavor shine.
- Brown sugar: Gives depth and that signature caramel-like touch.
- Large eggs: Essential for binding everything together and making the loaf tender.
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: The secret to a moist, decadent crumb (plus a little tang).
- Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the spices perfectly.
- Peeled and diced apples: The star of the show—choose Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the perfect sweet-tart balance.
- Optional chopped walnuts or pecans: For added crunch and rich, nutty flavor if you love a bit of texture!
How to Make Homestyle Apple Pie Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it generously with butter or nonstick spray, then dust lightly with flour (or use parchment for easy removal). This little bit of prep ensures your Homestyle Apple Pie Bread will pop out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing your dry ingredients separately ensures those baking agents and spices are evenly scattered throughout each bite of your bread.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step adds air to your batter, setting the stage for a tender loaf.
Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully blended before adding the next. Stir in your Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and vanilla extract, mixing just until everything is smooth. The yogurt ensures the Homestyle Apple Pie Bread stays soft and moist with every slice.
Step 5: Combine and Fold
Gently stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, taking care not to overmix—just stop when everything is barely combined. Now fold in your diced apples (and nuts, if you’re using them). You want those apple bits distributed evenly but don’t worry about perfection.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. For extra apple pie flair, sprinkle a little cinnamon-sugar right on top. Bake for 55–65 minutes, until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine!). Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack—try to resist slicing in until it’s completely cool for the cleanest slices.
How to Serve Homestyle Apple Pie Bread
Garnishes
A warm slice of Homestyle Apple Pie Bread practically begs for something extra! A pat of creamy butter melting over the top is a classic choice, or try a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze for a sweet touch. Sprinkle a little powdered sugar or a pinch of extra cinnamon to make every slice feel bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair your bread with thick Greek yogurt and a few fresh apple slices for breakfast, or offer it alongside a steaming cup of chai or coffee as a comforting afternoon snack. For dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream really turns this into something special.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bread into cubes and serve with toothpicks as a brunch board centerpiece, or toast thick slices and top with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon. Homestyle Apple Pie Bread also makes a lovely edible gift—just wrap up a cooled loaf in parchment and tie with rustic twine for that homespun charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Homestyle Apple Pie Bread moist and delicious, wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors get even cozier as they meld overnight!
Freezing
Yes, this bread freezes beautifully! Slice the cooled loaf and wrap each piece individually, or double-wrap the whole loaf in foil and plastic wrap. Store in the freezer for up to three months—just defrost at room temperature when a craving strikes.
Reheating
To restore that just-baked warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or warm it in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for 5 to 10 minutes. A quick toast brings back the heavenly aroma and makes the edges crisp.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
You can absolutely swap in up to half whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf, though the bread may be a bit denser. For the best texture, keep at least half all-purpose flour in your Homestyle Apple Pie Bread.
Which apple varieties work best?
Go for tart and firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They keep their shape and flavor during baking, adding little bursts of apple goodness to every bite.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for the silkiest texture, but if you love a little rustic touch, you can leave the peels on—just be sure to dice the apples finely so the skin softens as it bakes.
What’s the best way to add more “apple pie” flavor?
Sprinkle the top of your batter with a cinnamon-sugar blend before baking, or add a touch more cinnamon and nutmeg. You can even chop a few more apples to dot across the top for more texture and flavor.
Can I make this bread ahead for entertaining?
Absolutely! Homestyle Apple Pie Bread actually improves after a night of resting. Baking a day ahead means perfectly developed flavors and less stress when hosting.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about slicing into a loaf of Homestyle Apple Pie Bread—each bite is sweet, spiced, and homey in the best possible way. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or just to treat yourself, this is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Go ahead and preheat that oven—your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
Print
Homestyle Apple Pie Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homestyle Apple Pie Bread is a delicious and comforting treat that combines the flavors of apple pie in a moist and flavorful loaf. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins:
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in Greek yogurt and vanilla extract.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, fold in apples and nuts if using.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan, bake for 55–65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For extra apple pie flavor, sprinkle the top with a cinnamon-sugar blend before baking.
- This bread is delicious served warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
