The scent of cinnamon and warm apples always transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I was just five, barely tall enough to see over the counter, when Grandma first taught me to roll out biscuit dough. It was lumpy, uneven, and utterly perfect.
That moment sparked a lifelong passion, a journey that led me to Sweet Magnolia, my little home bakery here in Asheville. Today, I am thrilled to share a recipe that truly captures that same warmth and comfort: my beloved Apple Streusel Bread. This is more than just a quick bread; it is a labor of love, a perfect blend of tender, moist apple-spiced bread crowned with a buttery, crumbly streusel topping.
Each slice offers a delightful texture contrast, from the soft crumb loaded with juicy apple pieces to the sweet, crunchy streusel. It makes mornings brighter and afternoons cozier. Get ready to bake a loaf of pure happiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are about to discover your new favorite fall bake, or frankly, your new favorite anytime bake! My Apple Streusel Bread is a true showstopper, simple to make yet incredibly impressive. First, the texture is simply divine.
The bread itself boasts a tender, moist crumb, infused with warm spices and bursting with pockets of sweet, softened apples. Then comes the streusel, a heavenly layer of buttery, sugary, cinnamon-spiced crumbs that adds an irresistible crunch to every bite. This streusel apple bread recipe finds that perfect balance between sweetness and spice, creating a comforting aroma that fills your entire home as it bakes.
This Apple Streusel Bread is wonderfully versatile too. Enjoy it warm from the oven, slathered with a pat of butter, or enjoy a slice with your morning coffee. It also makes an incredible gift for friends and neighbors.
You’ll find yourself returning to this apple streusel loaf recipe again and again because it’s just that good. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to celebrate the season. This easy streusel bread recipe simplifies the process without compromising on flavor or texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this delightful Apple Streusel Bread requires simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. We’ll make two distinct parts: the rich, apple-filled bread and the irresistible streusel topping.
For the Streusel Topping:
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ½ cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Apple Streusel Bread:
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ cup milk
* 1 ½ cups finely diced apples (about 2 medium apples, like Fuji or Gala)
Substitutions & Variations
This Apple Streusel Bread recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to experiment and make it your own. If you don’t have butter on hand, you can use a neutral-flavored vegetable oil or melted coconut oil (solid coconut oil if substituting for softened butter) in equal amounts for both the streusel and the bread.
For a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk and a good quality dairy-free butter alternative. You can also swap the milk for buttermilk for an even more tender crumb; just reduce the baking soda by half a teaspoon if doing so.
When it comes to apples, don’t limit yourself! While Fuji and Gala are excellent choices for their sweetness and firm texture, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith (for a tarter flavor), or Braeburn also work beautifully in this streusel apple bread. If you prefer, mix and match a couple of different varieties for a more complex flavor profile in your Apple Streusel Bread.
To spice things up, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the streusel or the bread batter. For an extra layer of texture and flavor, sprinkle ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel mixture. You could also fold in ½ cup of dried cranberries or golden raisins into the bread batter along with the apples.
For a delightful citrusy twist, add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a brighter-tasting streusel bread recipe. Some bakers love a cream cheese swirl; you can whisk together 4 ounces softened cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, and one egg yolk, then swirl it through the batter before baking for an extra decadent apple streusel loaf. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Apple Streusel Bread!
This Apple Streusel Bread recipe is wonderfully adaptable! If you’re looking for a delicious twist, you might be interested in trying out the Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get baking this incredible Apple Streusel Bread! Follow these steps carefully for a perfect loaf every time.
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.
Then, dust it with a little flour, tapping out any excess. This preparation ensures your Apple Streusel Bread will release easily from the pan.
2. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir these ingredients together with a fork until they form coarse, crumbly clumps. Set this delicious streusel mixture aside for later.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients for the Bread:
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined. This even distribution helps your Apple Streusel Bread rise beautifully.
4. Cream Wet Ingredients:
In another large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
For example, add about one-third of the dry mixture, mix until just combined, then add half the milk, mix again, then another third of the dry, the remaining milk, and finally the last of the dry. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to a tough Apple Streusel Bread.
6. Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold the finely diced apples into the bread batter. Distribute them evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Assemble and Bake:
Pour the apple streusel bread batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Now, generously sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over the entire surface of the batter. Try to cover as much of the top as possible.
8. Bake the Loaf:
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 55-65 minutes.
The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven. To check for doneness, insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the Apple Streusel Bread. It should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. If the streusel topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the loaf with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
9. Cool Your Apple Streusel Bread:
Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven. Let the Apple Streusel Bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes on a wire rack.
This cooling period helps the bread set and makes it easier to remove. After 10-15 minutes, carefully invert the loaf onto the wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Apple Streusel Bread!
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving a truly exceptional Apple Streusel Bread is easier with a few insider tips from my kitchen to yours.
Choose the Right Apples: For the best results, select firm, crisp apples that hold their shape well during baking. Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are excellent choices. Avoid mushy apple varieties. If you want a little tang to balance the sweetness of the streusel apple bread, add one Granny Smith apple to the mix.
Don’t Overmix: This is a golden rule for quick breads! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, dense Apple Streusel Bread. Mix until the ingredients are *just* combined. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.
Dice Apples Evenly: Cut your apples into small, uniform pieces (about ¼ to ½ inch dice). This ensures they cook evenly and are distributed well throughout the streusel bread recipe. Larger chunks might not soften properly.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more easily with the sugar, creating a smooth, emulsified batter that traps air, resulting in a lighter and fluffier Apple Streusel Bread. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy batter and a less tender crumb.
Don’t Skimp on the Streusel: That crunchy, buttery streusel is half the magic of this Apple Streusel Bread. Make sure to cover the entire top of the batter generously. For extra crispness, gently press the streusel onto the batter before baking.
Test for Doneness Properly: Ovens vary, so relying solely on time isn’t always accurate. Use the toothpick test: insert a wooden skewer into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached.
If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and test again. An underbaked streusel apple bread can be gummy.
Cool Completely: While the aroma of warm Apple Streusel Bread is tempting, resist the urge to slice into it immediately. Letting it cool completely on a wire rack allows the starches to set, resulting in a cleaner slice and a better texture for your apple streusel loaf. It also gives the flavors a chance to meld beautifully.
Achieving a truly exceptional Apple Streusel Bread is easier with a few insider tips from my kitchen to yours. To further enhance your baking repertoire, consider checking out the Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread for more great baking techniques!
Storage & Reheating Tips
You’ve baked a magnificent loaf of Apple Streusel Bread, and now you want to keep it fresh and delicious! Proper storage ensures you can enjoy its delightful flavors for days.
Room Temperature Storage:
Once your Apple Streusel Bread has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. The streusel might soften slightly over time, but the bread will remain moist and flavorful.
Refrigeration:
If you need to extend its shelf life, you can refrigerate the Apple Streusel Bread. Wrap it well and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. While refrigeration helps prevent spoilage, it can also dry out quick breads slightly.
Freezing for Longer Storage:
This Apple Streusel Bread freezes beautifully! For best results, allow the loaf to cool completely. You can freeze it whole or slice it first.
* Whole Loaf: Wrap the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag.
* Individual Slices: Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
This allows you to pull out just one slice at a time.
Frozen Apple Streusel Bread will keep well for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
* From Room Temperature: For a warm, freshly baked experience, place a slice or the whole loaf in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for 15-30 seconds.
* From Refrigerated: Follow the same oven or microwave instructions as above, but you might need an extra minute or two.
* From Frozen: If reheating a whole frozen loaf, unwrap it and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until thawed and warmed through. For individual frozen slices, you can microwave them for 45-60 seconds, or toast them lightly in a toaster oven until warm. The streusel will crisp up beautifully when reheated in the oven or toaster oven, bringing back that delightful texture to your Apple Streusel Bread.
What to Serve With This Recipe
My Apple Streusel Bread is so delicious, it stands perfectly well on its own. However, a few simple additions can elevate the experience even further, turning a lovely snack into a truly memorable treat.
For breakfast or brunch, pair a warm slice of this Apple Streusel Bread with your favorite hot beverage. A steaming mug of coffee, a robust black tea, or even a spiced chai latte complements the sweet and warm flavors beautifully. A glass of cold milk also makes a classic pairing.
For a more indulgent experience, serve your Apple Streusel Bread with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creamy texture and subtle sweetness of the cream provide a wonderful contrast to the tender bread and crunchy streusel. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream also works wonders, especially if the bread is still slightly warm from the oven. The melting ice cream creates a delightful sauce that mingles with the apple streusel bread.
Feeling extra fancy? Drizzle a little caramel sauce over a slice of Apple Streusel Bread for an added layer of rich, buttery sweetness. A sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, can also enhance the texture and add a nutty depth.
For a lighter touch, a side of fresh berries or a fruit salad offers a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the streusel apple bread. Whether enjoyed simply or dressed up, this Apple Streusel Bread is always a welcome treat.
My Apple Streusel Bread is so delicious, it stands perfectly well on its own. However, if you’re in the mood for a delightful breakfast treat, I highly recommend pairing it with Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins for a perfect morning!
FAQs
Can I use different apples for Apple Streusel Bread?
Absolutely! While I recommend Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for their firmness and sweetness, you can certainly experiment. Granny Smith apples add a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness of the streusel.
Braeburn or Pink Lady also work wonderfully in this streusel apple bread recipe. Feel free to mix and match varieties for a more complex flavor profile in your Apple Streusel Bread.
How do I prevent the streusel from sinking?
To keep your streusel topping from sinking into the Apple Streusel Bread batter, make sure your streusel mixture is properly crumbly and not too wet. Also, sprinkle it evenly over the batter, ensuring it doesn’t form heavy clumps in one spot. Sometimes, a slightly thicker batter can also help, but following the recipe closely should prevent sinking.
Can I make Apple Streusel Bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This Apple Streusel Bread actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the apple streusel loaf.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Definitely! This Apple Streusel Bread freezes exceptionally well. Once completely cooled, wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag.
It will keep for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat from frozen.
How do I know when my Apple Streusel Bread is fully baked?
The best way to check for doneness is to insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the Apple Streusel Bread. It should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking in 5-minute increments until done. The streusel topping should also be golden brown and crisp.
Can I make this Apple Streusel Bread into muffins?
Yes, you can easily adapt this Apple Streusel Bread recipe for muffins! Prepare the batter and streusel as directed. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with batter, then generously top with streusel. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
What if I don’t have all the spices?
The cinnamon and nutmeg are key to the comforting flavor of this Apple Streusel Bread. However, if you are missing one, you can double up on the other. A pinch of ground ginger or allspice would also be a lovely addition if you have it. The important thing is to have some warm spices to complement the apples in your streusel apple bread.
Apple Streusel Bread is a delightful combination of sweet apples, warm spices, and a buttery streusel topping, making it a popular choice for fall baking. It’s often enjoyed as a comforting snack or breakfast item, reflecting the traditions of home baking and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. To learn more about its variations and cultural significance, visit this Bread article.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Total Sugars | 25g |
| Protein | 4g |
Apple Streusel Bread
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Streusel Bread is a delightful blend of tender, moist apple-spiced bread topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel. Perfect for any time of the year, it captures warmth and comfort reminiscent of a grandmother’s kitchen.
Ingredients
½ cup Unsalted Butter, melted
¾ cup Granulated Sugar
½ cup All-purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamo
¼ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
1 ½ cups All-purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
½ teaspoon Baking Soda
½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamo
¼ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
¼ teaspoon Salt
½ cup Unsalted Butter, softened
¾ cup Granulated Sugar
2 Large Eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
½ cup Milk
1 ½ cups Finely Diced Apples
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it
- In a medium bowl, mix together melted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to create the streusel topping
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar, then beat in the eggs, followed by the vanilla extract
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk until just combined
- Fold in the diced apples gently into the batter
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and top with the streusel mix
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clea
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely
Notes
Ensure that your apples are firm and crisp for the best texture in the bread.
The streusel topping adds a crunchy contrast to the moist bread; be generous with it.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 55-65 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg