Looking for a delicious, comforting bread that’s perfect for fall? Look no further than this Dutch Apple Bread recipe. With tender chunks of fresh apples, a buttery crumb topping, and a sweet vanilla glaze, this bread is bursting with flavor in every bite. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or tea, and it’s simple enough to bake any time you’re craving a cozy dessert or snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bread combines the rich flavors of cinnamon, sugar, and apples, giving you all the warmth and comfort of a classic fall dessert. It’s:
- Moist and Flavorful: Thanks to the fresh apples and buttery crumb topping, every bite is tender and rich with flavor.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions make this a great recipe for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Perfect for Fall: With apples, cinnamon, and a vanilla glaze, this bread is the perfect way to embrace the cozy flavors of autumn.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This Dutch Apple Bread Recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the combination of sweet apples and cinnamon. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to baking, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers an impressive result. It’s also a wonderful option for those looking for a delicious homemade treat to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- ½ cup softened butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ cups diced peeled green apple (such as Granny Smith)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
For the Topping:
- 5 tbsp cold butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Loaf pan (10 x 4 x 3 inches)
- Wire rack for cooling
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Bread Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and creamy. Add in the 2 eggs, ½ cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and well-combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
Fold in the 1 ½ cups of diced peeled green apples and ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter, making sure the apples and nuts are evenly distributed.
2. Make the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the 5 tablespoons of cold butter, ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Use a fork or pastry cutter to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Assemble and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the top of the batter.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the bread should be firm to the touch.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Vanilla Glaze
While the bread is cooling, prepare the vanilla glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of melted butter, ½ cup of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Finish and Serve
Once the bread has cooled completely, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top. Let the glaze set before slicing the bread into 9-12 slices, depending on your preferred size.
Tips and Tricks
- Choosing Apples: Granny Smith apples are great for this recipe because of their tartness, which balances out the sweetness of the bread. You can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor.
- Make it Ahead: This bread can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature in an airtight container. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Add More Spice: For extra warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon-sugar topping.
