Apple Cinnamon Bread with Streusel

Introduction

Apple Cinnamon Bread with Streusel is the perfect cozy treat for fall baking. Imagine warm, fluffy bread swirled with juicy apple chunks and cinnamon, topped with a buttery, crunchy streusel. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of apples, spice, and baked goodness.

This bread is versatile enough for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, and pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. The streusel topping adds a bakery-style touch, while the apples keep the bread moist and flavorful.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this bread because it perfectly balances sweetness, spice, and texture. The apples bring natural sweetness and juiciness, the cinnamon adds warmth, and the streusel topping gives each bite a delightful crunch. It’s easy enough for a weekday bake but special enough to serve at brunch or bring to gatherings. Plus, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Cozy Fall Flavors: Cinnamon and apples are a timeless, comforting combination.
• Moist & Flavorful: The apple chunks keep the bread from drying out.
• Bakery-Worthy Streusel: Adds texture and indulgence.
• Simple to Make: No yeast, no kneading—just mix and bake.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55–65 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including cooling)
• Servings: 10–12 slices
• Calories per Serving: ~280–320 (depending on streusel amount and apples used)
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 1 ½ cups)

For the Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Make the streusel topping and set aside.
2. Mix dry ingredients for the bread.
3. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.
4. Stir in yogurt and dry ingredients.
5. Fold in apples.
6. Pour into loaf pan, top with streusel, and bake.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat & Prepare Pan
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Make Streusel Topping
   • In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
   • Stir in melted butter until crumbly. Set aside.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
   • In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Cream Butter & Sugar
   • In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
   • Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
5. Combine Batter
   • Mix in Greek yogurt or sour cream.
   • Gradually add dry ingredients until just combined.
   • Gently fold in chopped apples.
6. Assemble Bread
   • Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
   • Sprinkle streusel topping generously over batter.
7. Bake
   • Bake 55–65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   • If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil after 40 minutes.
8. Cool & Serve
   • Let bread cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
   • Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread.
• Perfect alongside coffee, chai, or hot cider.
• Can also be lightly toasted for breakfast.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for best flavor.
• Do not overmix the batter—this ensures a soft, tender crumb.
• Add a glaze (powdered sugar + milk) for extra sweetness.
• For extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel.

Variations

• Cinnamon Swirl: Layer half the batter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, then add remaining batter before streusel.
• Caramel Apple Bread: Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
• Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour.
• Apple-Pear Combo: Use a mix of apples and pears for a unique twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store tightly wrapped up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap loaf (or slices) in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9x5-inch loaf pan
• Electric mixer (hand or stand mixer)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula

Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Bread with Streusel is a cozy, flavorful, and easy-to-make recipe that captures the essence of fall in every slice. With its moist crumb, bursts of fresh apple, and irresistible crunchy topping, this bread is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to bake again and again.