Apple Streusel Bread

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If you love cozy, cinnamon-filled baked treats that make your kitchen smell like a dream, this Apple Streusel Bread is going to be your new favorite. It’s moist, tender, and packed with a sweet apple-cinnamon swirl that adds warmth to every bite. Topped with a buttery brown sugar streusel and a drizzle of icing, it’s the kind of quick bread that doubles as both breakfast and dessert.

This loaf captures the nostalgic flavor of apple pie with the ease of a quick bread. Whether you’re slicing it warm with coffee in the morning or serving it as a rustic dessert, it hits that perfect balance of comforting and impressive. And the best part? No yeast, no fuss—just classic fall flavor in every slice.

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What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

The best apples for this recipe are firm and slightly tart—think Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady. They hold up well while baking and add a bright contrast to the sweet streusel. If you prefer a softer, more mellow apple flavor, Fuji or Gala will work too. Be sure to finely dice the apples so they bake evenly into the batter without sinking to the bottom.

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Ingredients for the Apple Streusel Bread

• All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure for the bread and balances out the moisture from the apples.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda – The combo helps the bread rise while keeping it tender.
• Salt – Enhances the other flavors and balances sweetness.
• Cinnamon – Adds that warm, spiced apple-pie flavor we love.
• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar – Brown sugar in the streusel adds richness and a subtle molasses note.
• Butter – Melted butter keeps the bread moist and is the base for the crumbly streusel topping.
• Eggs – Add structure and richness.
• Vanilla Extract – For extra depth and classic sweetness.
• Milk or Buttermilk – Keeps the bread tender and moist.
• Apples – Finely diced fresh apples bring natural sweetness and flavor.
• Powdered Sugar + Milk (for optional glaze) – Creates a sweet finishing drizzle on top.

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How To Make the Apple Streusel Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Peel, core, and finely dice your apples, and set them aside. Mix together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon) in a bowl.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly. This will be your sweet and crunchy topping. Set it aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugars until smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated. Then stir in the milk or buttermilk.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Layer and Swirl

Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle a layer of cinnamon-sugar over the batter, then pour the remaining batter on top. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together for a marbled effect.

Step 6: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top of the batter. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 15 minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finish.

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How to Serve and Store Apple Streusel Bread

Apple Streusel Bread is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. A thick slice pairs beautifully with a morning cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For brunch spreads, slice it into mini portions to make it shareable. If you’re making it ahead for a holiday breakfast or potluck, the flavors deepen even more the next day!

To store, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or toaster oven to bring back that fresh-baked taste.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of apples work best in this recipe?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are top choices because they hold their shape and offer a balance of tartness. But any firm apple you love will work just fine.

Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?

Fresh apples provide the texture and sweet-tart contrast that make this bread special. Applesauce will make the bread too moist and cake-like, so it’s best to stick to diced apples.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for the best texture, but if you’re short on time or love the added fiber, you can leave the skin on.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.

How do I keep the streusel from sinking?

Use cold or just-melted butter in your topping, and make sure it’s crumbly, not runny. Sprinkle it gently over the batter just before baking.

Is the glaze necessary?

It’s optional, but adds a lovely finish and sweetness. You can skip it or swap it for a dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer.

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Want More Quick Bread Ideas?

If you’re into comforting, sliceable loaves like this Apple Streusel Bread, don’t stop here. These other recipes bring the same cozy vibes with unique flavor twists:

• Triple Chocolate Banana Bread for a rich and indulgent chocolate moment.
• Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies when you want citrus flavor with minimal effort.
• Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars if you’re craving nutty and sweet in bar form.
• Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Bites for a fruit-forward, grab-and-go snack.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding when you need something layered and luscious.

These all pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or a little moment of calm in your busy day.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the glaze or keep it classic? Did you swap in pears or try a mix of apples?

I love seeing how you bring these recipes to life. Questions and feedback are always welcome—let’s bake together.

👉 For more daily recipes and behind-the-scenes baking, follow along on Pinterest: Life with Nina on Pinterest

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