🍏 The Best Apple Cinnamon Bread with Crumb Topping and Glaze 🍞

🍏 The Best Apple Cinnamon Bread with Crumb Topping and Glaze 🍞

There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. This Apple Cinnamon Bread is moist, flavorful, and topped with a buttery crumb and a sweet glaze that makes it absolutely irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert, this bread captures the essence of fall in every bite.

🕒 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Moist and Flavorful: The combination of fresh apples and cinnamon gives the bread a warm and inviting flavor.
  • Buttery Crumb Topping: A streusel-like topping adds a delightful crunch.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely have on hand.
  • Versatile: Great as a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert.

🌟 Ingredients:

For the Bread:

  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (whole or 2% recommended)
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 cups diced apples (peeled, use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:

  • 1/3 cup (70g) brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Crumb Topping:

  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (55g) brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup (56g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tbsp milk
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Bread Batter:

  1. In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk until smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined (avoid overmixing).
  6. Fold in the diced apples gently.

3. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:

  • In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
  • Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  • Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
  • Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon sugar.

4. Make the Crumb Topping:

  1. In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
  2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter in the pan.

5. Bake:

  • Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • If the top browns too quickly, tent with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes.
  • Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Prepare the Glaze:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread for a sweet finishing touch.

🍏 Tips for Success:

  1. Choosing Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness, while sweet varieties like Honeycrisp add a natural sweetness. A mix of both works well too!
  2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures a smooth and even batter.
  3. Prevent a Dense Texture: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep it light and fluffy.
  4. Storage: Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

🌟 Variations:

  • Add Nuts: Mix in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
  • Spices: Enhance the flavor with nutmeg, cloves, or allspice.
  • Healthy Twist: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour and use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.
PREPARATION