APPLE CINNAMON SWIRL BREAD
I’m excited about this bread for a few reasons. First, I didn’t think I liked anything with baked apple (it’s a texture thing), but I’m trying to be an adult and try new things.
Last week we were at a cider mill and my mom bought a loaf of their apple bread. I tried it and actually liked it. Enough that I wanted to try to recreate it which leads to the second reason why I’m excited about it.
I think I did a pretty good job recreating it! I did some research and came up with this recipe that I think is really, really good.
I asked on Facebook what your favorite type of apples to bake with are and got mixed responses. Like I said, I haven’t liked baked apples in the past (apple pie, apple bread, apple tarts…) so I wasn’t sure where to start. I ended up using Gala apples because they’re sweet and one of my favorites.
I diced the apples pretty small (though you can still see them in the pics and definitely still taste them) but if you like big chunks, chop big chunks. The streusel makes a crunchy, sugary crust that is so good.
This recipe makes two loaves – I immediately had to wrap one up to give away because there was a good chance I would have eaten it. By myself. The whole thing.
Things you may need:
Loaf pans
An apple slicer will make your life easier
So will a good peeler
And pretty mixing bowls, because why not
- For the bread
- 3 cups Gala apples, diced (this was 2 large apples for me)
- 3 cups flour
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup canola oil
- ½ cup extra light olive oil
- 3 eggs
- 1½ cups sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the streusel
- 4 Tablespoons butter, softened (I used salted)
- 4 Tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
- To make the bread
- Preheat the oven to 325 and lightly spray two 9×5 loaf pans with non-stick spray (I use Trader Joe’s coconut oil spray). Set aside.
- Peel your apples and dice into small pieces. Two large apples came out to 3 cups for me.
- In a medium bowl, add the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt and whisk together.
- In another large bowl, add the oils, eggs, sugars, and vanilla and mix with a whisk until fully combined.
- Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in batches (I did three parts) and stir with a spatula until fully combined. The batter will be very thick.
- Stir in the diced apples.
- Pour half of the batter into each prepared loaf pan – try to keep the amounts even.
- To make the streusel
- In a small bowl, add the softened butter, cinnamon, and sugar and mix together with a fork. Drop the streusel mixture onto the tops of the batter and lightly swirl.
- Bake for 1 hour then check on your loaves. Insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean, with moist crumbs, your bread is done. Mine took about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes then lightly run a knife around the edges to loosen. Flip onto a plate, slice and enjoy!
Need more apple ideas?
I made this bread a few days ago. This recipe was simple and easy to put together in no time. Those who have eaten the bread said it was DELICIOUS!! A few things different which I did……I used a little less than a cup of vegetable oil and canola oil spray. Even using the vegetable oil the bread came out a little oily on the bottom once cooled and removed from the pan. I blotted the bread off with a paper towel and it was perfect! Also, there were several areas from the bottom of the bread which stuck to the pan. Next time I will slightly grease the loaf pan and not use the spray oil. The batter reminds me of a recipe which my mom makes called a Holiday Apple Pound Cake which is absolutely out of this world AMAZING!!!! It is ALWAYS a hit and everyone wants the recipe. I’m unable to eat due to having cancer and having my tongue removed in June 2014; however that hasn’t stopped my LOVE for being in the kitchen and cooking/baking for family and friends!! #cancersurvivor
Hi Shannon,
I’m happy to hear you’re a survivor – thanks for the comment =)