Apple Streusel Bread

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Moist, tender, and swirled with cinnamon-sugar magic, Apple Streusel Bread is the kind of cozy treat that fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma and your heart with comfort. This loaf brings together a soft vanilla-infused crumb with layers of spiced apple goodness and a buttery brown sugar streusel topping that adds a delightful crunch in every bite. Finished with a sweet glaze drizzle, it strikes the perfect balance between cake and quick bread.

Whether you’re enjoying it warm with a cup of coffee, slicing it for a weekend brunch, or packing it for a fall picnic, this bread feels like a hug in edible form. With every slice, you’ll taste the comforting flavors of cinnamon, apple, and vanilla wrapped in a moist, bakery-style loaf that’s surprisingly easy to whip up at home.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Streusel Bread

• Classic fall flavors in every bite: apples, cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar.
• Moist, tender crumb with a ribbon of cinnamon swirl through the middle.
• Crumbly streusel topping adds irresistible texture.
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a snack.
• Freezes beautifully and makes a thoughtful edible gift.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Apple Streusel Bread successfully, you’ll want to gather the right tools to streamline the process:

• Mixing Bowls: For wet and dry ingredients – having at least two helps prevent cross-contamination and saves time.
• Whisk & Spatula: A whisk is ideal for combining wet ingredients smoothly, while a spatula ensures nothing is left behind.
• Loaf Pan (9×5 inch): The correct pan size is essential to ensure even baking and a beautiful loaf shape.
• Box Grater or Apple Peeler: For prepping the apples; a grater works well for finely shredding while a peeler helps with quick prep.
• Cooling Rack: Allows airflow around the bread so it cools evenly without getting soggy on the bottom.

Preparation Tips

Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Pink Lady to balance the sweetness of the batter and streusel. Always pat shredded apples dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture from making the bread soggy. Don’t skip the step of layering the cinnamon-sugar mixture in the middle—it creates that beautiful swirl and adds pockets of flavor. When making the streusel, use cold butter and gently mix with a fork or fingers to get those perfect crumbs. Finally, allow the bread to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to avoid crumbling.

Ingredients for this Apple Streusel Bread

For the Bread Batter:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded tart apple (such as Granny Smith), peeled and squeezed dry

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 3 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Set aside.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside. These dry ingredients form the base structure of the bread and help it rise evenly.

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Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a tender crumb.

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Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream

Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until fully combined. The sour cream adds moisture and richness.

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Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing, which can make the bread dense.

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Step 6: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold the shredded and patted-dry apples into the batter using a spatula. Ensure even distribution without overmixing.

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Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl layer. This adds bursts of sweet spice throughout the bread.

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Step 8: Layer the Batter and Swirl

Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar swirl mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and smooth the surface with a spatula. Optionally, use a knife to gently swirl the layers.

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Step 9: Make and Add the Streusel

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the batter.

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Step 10: Bake

Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil during the last 15 minutes.

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Step 11: Cool and Glaze

Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, whisk together the glaze ingredients and drizzle over the top. Let set before slicing.

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Notes

Apple Streusel Bread is incredibly versatile. You can use different apple varieties depending on your preference—Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweeter touch. The streusel topping can be doubled for extra crunch, and the glaze is entirely optional, though highly recommended for a bakery-style finish. If you’re short on time, the bread is still delicious without the swirl or glaze.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using overly wet apples: Excess moisture can make the loaf soggy or cause it to fall apart. Always squeeze out the liquid after shredding.
• Overmixing the batter: This can make your bread dense and tough. Mix just until combined.
• Skipping the layering step: The cinnamon swirl adds a lot of flavor and visual appeal. Don’t rush through it.
• Opening the oven door too often: Doing so can cause the bread to sink in the middle. Check only toward the end of baking time.
• Not cooling properly before slicing: Warm bread can crumble if sliced too soon. Allow time to cool on a rack.

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Storage Instructions

Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the bread in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place in a zip-top freezer bag. Thaw overnight at room temperature and warm slices in the microwave or oven before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 10 slices):

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 26g
• Protein: 4g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use applesauce instead of shredded apples?

Yes, you can substitute 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce, but the texture will be slightly smoother and less chunky.

What’s the best apple variety for baking?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are both excellent options—they hold their texture and provide great flavor contrast.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.

Is it okay to skip the glaze?

Absolutely. The bread is flavorful enough on its own, but the glaze adds a nice finishing touch.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and use two loaf pans. Do not try to bake it as one large loaf.

Why did my bread sink in the middle?

This usually happens when the batter is too wet, underbaked, or the oven door is opened early in baking.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Definitely! Fold in up to 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins with the shredded apple.

How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.

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Conclusion

Apple Streusel Bread is the kind of homemade comfort food that tastes like a warm embrace. It’s easy enough for novice bakers yet impressive enough to serve to guests. With its spiced cinnamon swirl, buttery crumb topping, and optional glaze, this loaf captures the essence of cozy baking in every slice. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or days later reheated with a pat of butter, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings.

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