Apple Pie Bread

Apple Pie Bread combines the comforting flavors of classic apple pie with the heartiness of a moist, tender loaf. This sweet, cinnamon-spiced bread is loaded with juicy apple chunks and topped with a crunchy streusel for an irresistible texture. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this easy-to-make bread brings the essence of fall to your kitchen all year long. Serve it warm with a pat of butter, or enjoy it on its own with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 1 large apple)

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the streusel topping: In a small bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
3. Make the bread batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
9. Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

This Apple Pie Bread is perfect fresh out of the oven, but it also tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Enjoy it plain or with a drizzle of glaze for an extra sweet touch!