Apple Cinnamon Streusel Bread

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm spices wafting through your home, and this Apple Cinnamon Streusel Bread delivers just that—a slice of comfort perfect for any season. Packed with tender chunks of apples, a swirl of cinnamon, and a crumbly streusel topping, this bread perfectly balances sweetness and spice.

Whether you enjoy it as a quick breakfast, an afternoon treat with coffee or a delightful dessert, this bread is guaranteed to impress. It’s easy to make, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.

When I first attempted to make an apple bread I tried to make a healthy version. I made it with whole wheat flour and made a maple cream cheese glaze to go on it. I wasn’t satisfied with it however, it wasn’t moist enough, the whole wheat flour made it taste dry and grainy so I swapped it out altogether. I decided to make this Apple Cinnamon streusel bread instead of a healthy version because I would rather have a little treat that I love than a mediocre snack that’s a bit healthier.

I adapted this recipe from my beloved Easy Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins. I mixed the diced apple with brown sugar and cinnamon before adding to the batter. So I adjusted the batter to reflect the changes by adding less cinnamon and sugar. There is also sugar and cinnamon in the streusel so I didn’t want the batter to be too sugary.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Seasonal Favorite: The perfect way to use fresh apples from the orchard or farmers’ market.

2. Easy to Make: No need for fancy equipment—just a bowl, a whisk, and your oven.

3. Versatile Treat: Great for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy evening snack.

4. Freezer-Friendly: Bake ahead and freeze for a quick treat later!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bread

• All-purpose flour: the base.
• Baking powder: the lift.
• Cinnamon: a warm and inviting spice.
• Granulated Sugar: sweeten!
• Salt: flavour enhancer.
• Eggs: holds the batter together.
• Oil: any baking oil will do such as coconut(melted), olive, avocado, canola, or vegetable.
• Vanilla Extract: flavour enhancer.
• Applesauce: more apple flavour and natural sweetener, use unsweetened for less added sugar.
• Milk: the liquid added to produce a moist batter.
• Apples: use firmer apples to bake with. I used Granny Smith, but you could also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala and Pink Lady. You will need to peel and dice them for the recipe.

For the Streusel Topping

• Brown Sugar: adds a delicious sweetness to the topping
• Cinnamon: gives a warm flavour and pairs perfectly with apples
• Flour: for the perfect streusel texture.
• Butter: just a touch of butter moistens the streusel and adds flavour.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Make the Streusel and chop apples: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Add 1 tbsp butter and use a fork or your fingers to mix until crumbly. Set aside. Peel and dice 1-2 peeled apples(1 and 1/2 cups) into little chunks and then toss them in 1/3 cup brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon. 

3. Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 and 1/2 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon. In a separate large bowl, beat 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 eggs, 1/3 cup oil, 1/3 cup applesauce, and 2 tsp vanilla until smooth. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.

4. Assemble the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top.

5. Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Apple Variety: Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.

• Customize the Streusel: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

Storage Tips

Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for a week.

Final Thoughts

The warm flavours of cinnamon and apple make it a must-have for cozy mornings and gatherings with loved ones. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your baking rotation.

So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and fill your home with the comforting aroma of this irresistible treat!

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