If you adore the warm, comforting flavors of autumn in a single bite, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Apple Pie Bread Recipe. It’s like having your favorite classic apple pie wrapped up in the tenderest, moist bread, sprinkled generously with a cinnamon-spiced streusel topping and the delightful crunch of pecans. This recipe masterfully blends the sweetness of fresh apples and cranberries with the heartiness of a quick bread, making it an irresistible treat for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. Trust me, once you try this Apple Pie Bread Recipe, it will become your go-to comfort food whenever the craving for something cozy hits you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of 10 white bowls and small containers arranged in a loose circle on a white marbled surface. One large bowl holds white flour with a soft texture and light mounded top. Another large bowl contains shredded yellow apple pieces with a moist and fibrous look. A medium white bowl is filled with roughly chopped brown pecan nuts, showing irregular chunky pieces. Next to it, a white bowl holds dark red dried cranberries with a wrinkled texture. A smaller white bowl contains light brown soft-packed brown sugar, smooth on top. Another small bowl contains fine white granulated sugar. There is a very small white bowl with ground cinnamon and white powder placed side by side. A small clear glass holds white milk, a white stick of butter wrapped in paper sits near two white eggs, and a tiny white bowl with dark liquid vanilla extract completes the setup. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to making this Apple Pie Bread Recipe shine. Each one has a starring role in delivering the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, moisture, and texture that makes this bread truly special.

Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and tenderness to the bread’s crumb.
Granulated sugar: Provides just the right sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
Light brown sugar: Brings a subtle molasses depth, enhancing the bread’s warmth.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang, helping the bread stay soft and fluffy.
Baking powder: Your natural leavening agent to achieve a light rise.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and lend structure.
Pure vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with a sweet, floral aroma.
All-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread’s structure.
Homemade apple pie spice: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that delivers that iconic apple pie flavor.
Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavors.
Shredded peeled apples: Fresh apples bring moisture, natural sweetness, and that unmistakable fruity flavor.
Chopped pecans: Add a satisfying nutty crunch throughout the bread.
Dried cranberries: Bring bursts of tartness that perfectly contrast the sweetness.
Brown sugar (for topping): Sweetens the streusel and caramelizes during baking.
Additional flour (for topping): Helps create the crumbly texture of the streusel.
Unsalted butter (for topping): Cut into the streusel for a luscious, buttery finish.
Additional pecans (for topping): Sprinkled on top for visual appeal and extra crunch.

How to Make Apple Pie Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously spray a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your apple pie bread comes out perfectly without any sticking and with evenly distributed heat for a lovely golden crust.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of your electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds until smooth. Then, add both granulated and light brown sugars and mix until the combination is creamy and well incorporated. This creaming step is crucial as it introduces air into your batter, helping your bread achieve a light, fluffy texture.

Step 3: Add Buttermilk and Baking Powder

Pour in the buttermilk and sprinkle in the baking powder, mixing until everything blends smoothly. The buttermilk’s tang gently balances the sugars, while baking powder will give the bread its lovely rise.

Step 4: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract and beat well until the batter becomes uniform and creamy. These ingredients marry the wet and dry components together while adding flavor depth.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, homemade apple pie spice, and salt. This ensures your spices are evenly distributed throughout the bread, infusing every bite with that signature apple pie warmth.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture

Slowly add the flour-spice mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until fully combined. Overmixing here can make the bread tough, so pause as soon as no pockets of dry flour remain.

Step 7: Fold in Fruits and Nuts

Gently fold in the shredded peeled apples, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries. These add layers of texture and bursts of flavor, making the bread so much more interesting and satisfying in every bite.

Step 8: Spoon Batter into Pan and Prepare Streusel Topping

Spread your batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. For the streusel topping, mix brown sugar, flour, and apple pie spice in a small bowl. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the topping looks like coarse crumbs, then stir in chopped pecans. Sprinkle this beautifully crumbly mixture over the batter and gently press it into the surface.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Pop the loaf in the oven and bake for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is pure magic, signaling a cozy treat ahead.

Step 10: Cool and Store

Once out of the oven, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely. For the very best slices, wrap and store the bread overnight — this lets the flavors marry and the texture settle beautifully.

How to Serve Apple Pie Bread Recipe

A rectangular black metal baking pan filled with one thick layer of a crumbly topping made of light golden brown crumbs mixed with chopped pecan nuts that are rich brown in color. The crumb layer looks uneven and crunchy, covering what seems to be a creamy or cake-like base peeking through in some spots around the edges. The pan is placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Serving this Apple Pie Bread Recipe with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds an irresistible touch. Alternatively, a smear of creamy butter or a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to dessert-worthy heights.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai tea, cinnamon coffee, or a glass of cold milk for an easy breakfast or an afternoon snack that feels truly indulgent. You can even serve it alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt topped with honey and nuts for a more filling treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread into thick slabs and serving it as a base for apple fan-shaped slices and a sprinkle of toasted pecans for a rustic apple tart-inspired presentation. Or, cut it into cubes and toast them lightly for apple pie bread croutons to add crunch to salads or yogurt bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Apple Pie Bread Recipe fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Proper storage ensures it remains moist and flavorful without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this bread later, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It freezes beautifully for up to three months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge for easy enjoyment anytime.

Reheating

To revive the magic of freshly baked apple pie bread, warm slices in the toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until soft and fragrant. Adding a pat of butter while reheating helps bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling instantly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this bread?

Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully because they hold their shape and add bright flavor, but sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp can also be used to enhance the natural sweetness of the bread.

Is it okay to substitute pecans with walnuts?

Yes, walnuts are a great substitute in this Apple Pie Bread Recipe. They provide a similar texture and nutty flavor, so feel free to swap them based on what you have on hand or your personal preference.

How do I make homemade apple pie spice?

Homemade apple pie spice is a simple blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Typically, use about 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, but you can adjust the ratios to your taste.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, to make a gluten-free version of this Apple Pie Bread Recipe, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just ensure it includes xanthan gum or add some to mimic gluten’s structure.

What is the best way to shred apples for this recipe?

Using a box grater or a food processor with a shredding attachment works best. Shred the peeled apples finely to distribute moisture evenly and prevent sogginess in the bread.

Final Thoughts

Making this Apple Pie Bread Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, delicious hug that lasts all day. It’s easy, rewarding, and bursting with flavors that remind you of cozy kitchens and sweet memories. I can’t wait for you to bake it, slice it, and share it with everyone you love — and maybe keep a few slices just for yourself to savor with a cup of tea. Happy baking!