Quick Apple Bread

Apple bread is the perfect flavor-packed fall snack! Make this easy quick bread recipe in a snap with fresh apples, cinnamon, and simple pantry ingredients!

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For many of us, autumn kicks off the holiday baking season. Filling your home with the aroma of a sweet apple dessert and/or pumpkin loaf is a great way to get into the spirit of the season!

If you are feeling the fall vibe, start by baking a loaf of apple quick bread. Then, bake an apple cobbler and/or batch of pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies as well!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

It's the perfect quick snack or easy dessert. It tastes delicious with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cider!
An unforgettable fall aroma. As the loaf of apple bread bakes in the oven, your house will be filled with the scent of warm cinnamon apples.
An easy and affordable homemade gift to share. Make a loaf or 2, wrap them up in a nice food storage container or cellophane. Then, gift them to your neighbors, family, and/or coworkers.

A plated slice of apple cinnamon quick bread, broken into two pieces.

Apple Bread Recipe Ingredients

You'll find ingredient substitutions in the next section.

large eggs
white sugar
unsalted butter
milk - Whole milk is what I use and recommend. The milkfat will ensure that your quick bread has a really moist crumb.
ground cinnamon
vanilla extract
baking soda
all purpose flour
peeled and diced baking apples

Liz's Tip - Choosing Apples for Baking

The best apples for baking are those with a firm flesh, because they hold their shape well. This is especially important for pie, cobbler, and bread recipes. I like honey crisp or braeburn apples for this recipe, but really any apples will work!

Ingredients in small white bowls on a grey background: eggs, white sugar, unsalted butter, whole milk, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, baking soda, all purpose flour, peeled and diced fruit.

Substitutions and Recipe Variations

Salted butter: I prefer to use salted butter, but unsalted butter is an acceptable substitute. However, if you use unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the apple bread batter. This recipe has not been tested with plant-based butter, but you can try it.

White sugar: Coconut sugar or even brown sugar will both work as a substitute. If not using sugar a monk fruit sweetener blend tastes just like regular white granulated sugar.

All Purpose Flour: If you need a substitute, I have an article on substitutions for all-purpose flour. To make this apple bread recipe gluten free, use a cup-for-cup variety of gluten free all-purpose flour.

Baking Soda: Baking soda is essential for this recipe. Do not substitute with baking powder.

Eggs: For each egg, you can substitute using a variety of different ingredients: ¼ cup applesauce, one half of a medium banana, or 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water. You can also read this article on Egg Substitutions for Baking for more information.

Whole Milk: While whole milk is recommended, any variety of dairy milk will work. Nut milk, soy milk, and lactose-free varieties will also work.

Vanilla extract: A great substitute for vanilla extract is vanilla bean paste. Just use half of the amount of extract called for, otherwise the vanilla flavor will be overpowering. Another good substitute for vanilla extract is apple pie extract.

Muffins: I haven't tried making this into muffins, but I think it would work! I would fill the tins ¾ the way an dbake for about 20 minutes.

Apples: I haven't tried this with other fruit, but I think it might work! If you have extra apples try our Apple Crisp or use them in this Crispy Chicken Cabbage Salad.

Variations

Stir in nuts or dried fruit. Consider including chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins to your apple cinnamon bread batter for additional texture and flavor!
Add apple icing. For a special treat, add some icing to the top of the loaf! Simply combine 2 tablespoons of apple juice with 1 cup of powdered sugar. Stir well to combine, then drizzle it over the loaf after the quick bread cools to room temperature. Let it sit for a few minutes to dry before serving.

How to Make Apple Bread

Butter, sugar, and eggs creamed together in a mixing bowl.

Mix the wet ingredients. Cream together the butter, sugar, and eggs. Then stir in the vanilla and milk

Unbaked apple bread batter in a quick bread loaf pan.

Mix the dry ingredients into the wet, then pour batter into the loaf pan.

Liz's Tips and Suggestions for the Best Apple Bread

Use butter that is soft, but not melted.
Don't over mix the batter. For the best texture, mix the batter until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing will lead to dense apple bread.
Grease the pan well. To prevent the quick bread from sticking to the pan, use butter or non-stick cooking spray to grease the inside bottom and up the sides.
Allow the bread to cool completely before adding the icing.

Storage

Storing: The bread will stay fresh for up to 4 days in airtight container at room temperature. Refrigerating the bread is another option, but not necessary. It will last a couple of days longer in the fridge.

Reheating: When reheating from the fridge, slice the portion you desire and place it in the microwave for a few seconds. When reheating from the freezer, let it thaw before following the latter steps.

How to Freeze Quick Bread

You can freeze loaves of apple bread after they are completely cool. Wrap in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag.

Freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature for 3-4 hours before serving.

fresh baked loaf of apple bread still in the pan

Apple Quick Bread Recipe FAQs

Do you need to peel apples before baking?

I recommend peeling apples before placing them in the quick bread batter. During baking, the flesh can separate from the skin, which will alter the soft texture you're looking for.

What are the best apples for apple bread?

When it comes to the best apples for baking bread, it comes down to two things; region and personal taste. Apples come in so many wonderful varieties and flavors. Some areas might have an easier time getting a hold of Granny Smith Apples while others might only have Pink Lady Apples. It really just comes down to which apple is your favorite and what you have readily available. However, Granny Smith are said to be one of the best for baking because of their bold, tart flavor.

Why is my apple bread so dense?

Like with many batters, overmixing can cause your baked good to become dense. The same goes for this quick bread recipe. Mix gently and just until combined to ensure a moist loaf.

Apple cinnamon bread slices on a white platter.

More Fall Treats to Bake