Apple Cinnamon Streusel Bread Recipe

There's something magical about the smell of fresh Apple Cinnamon Streusel Bread Recipe baking in your oven on a cool fall morning. The warm spices, sweet apples, and that irresistible buttery streusel topping create a cozy comfort food experience that never gets old. I've been making this apple cinnamon streusel bread recipe for years, and it never fails to bring smiles to my family's faces.

This moist apple breakfast bread is incredibly simple to make, even if you're new to baking. You don't need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients; just fresh apples, warming spices, and about an hour of your time. Whether you're looking for an easy fall quick bread for Sunday brunch or a homemade apple streusel cake to share with friends, this apple cinnamon streusel bread recipe delivers every single time.

What Makes This Apple Cinnamon Streusel Bread Recipe So Special

Let me tell you why this cinnamon swirl apple loaf stands out from all the other apple bread recipes out there. First, the texture is absolutely perfect; soft and moist but never dense or gummy. The secret lies in using both fresh diced apples and a touch of sour cream in the batter, which keeps this homemade apple bread incredibly tender for days. The cinnamon swirl running through the middle adds pockets of sweet spice that complement the fruit beautifully.

The real star here is that buttery apple streusel topping. Unlike some streusel breads where the topping slides off or gets soggy, this apple crumble bread loaf features a perfectly crisp, golden brown crust that stays crunchy even after storage. This spiced apple dessert bread pairs wonderfully with your morning coffee, makes an excellent afternoon snack, or can even double as a not-too-sweet dessert. Trust me, once you try this cozy autumn baking recipe, it'll become your go-to for the entire season.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The One Trick That Changes Everything
• FAQ
• Wrapping Up Your Baking Adventure
• Related
• Pairing
• Apple Cinnamon Streusel Bread Recipe

Ingredients

Bread Batter

• all-purpose flour
• baking powder
• baking soda
• salt
• ground cinnamon
• nutmeg
• unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
• granulated sugar
• eggs (or flax eggs for vegan version)
• vanilla extract
• sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Streusel Topping

• chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• all-purpose flour
• brown sugar
• cinnamon
• cold butter, cubed

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prep Your Kitchen and Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and position the rack in the center for even baking.
2. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray, then dust lightly with flour.
3. Peel and dice your apples into ½-inch cubes; keep them uniform for even distribution.
4. Take your butter and eggs out of the fridge 30 minutes before starting so they reach room temperature.
5. Measure all your dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately to make mixing easier.

Make the Streusel Topping First

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined.
2. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture.
3. Keep mixing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs; you want pea-sized chunks of butter throughout.
4. If using nuts, fold them in at the end and set the bowl aside in the fridge to keep cold.

Mix the Bread Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
4. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
5. Mix until just combined; don't overmix or your bread will be tough.
6. Gently fold in the diced apples with a spatula, making sure they're evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Assemble and Bake

1. Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
3. Sprinkle the cold streusel topping evenly over the entire surface of the batter.
4. Gently press the streusel down slightly so it adheres but doesn't sink into the batter.
5. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
6. If the streusel starts browning too quickly, tent the pan loosely with aluminum foil after 40 minutes.

Expert Cooking Tips

• Choose the Right Apples The type of apple you use dramatically affects the final result. Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast to the sweet bread and hold their shape well during baking. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples create a sweeter, softer bite. I personally love mixing two varieties for complexity. Avoid Red Delicious as they tend to get mushy and lack flavor when baked.
• Room Temperature Ingredients Matter This isn't just baking folklore; room temperature butter, eggs, and sour cream actually create a better emulsion. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle or become lumpy, resulting in an uneven texture. If you're in a hurry, place eggs in warm water for 5 minutes and microwave the sour cream for 10 seconds.
• Don't Skip the Streusel Chill Keeping that streusel cold before it hits the oven is crucial for getting those perfect crumbly pieces on top. Warm streusel will melt into the batter instead of staying on top as a distinct layer. If your kitchen is hot, pop the mixed streusel in the freezer for 10 minutes before sprinkling.
• The Toothpick Test Isn't Everything Because this bread is so moist, the toothpick might come out with a few crumbs even when fully baked. Look for other signs too: the edges should pull away slightly from the pan, the top should spring back when lightly pressed, and the internal temperature should read 200-205°F on an instant-read thermometer.
• Slice When Completely Cool I know it's tempting to cut into warm bread, but patience pays off here. Warm apple cinnamon quick bread will crumble and tear when sliced. Let it cool completely (at least 2 hours) for clean, beautiful slices. Use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion for the best results.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Make It Healthier

• Want a lighter version? Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutty flavor. Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat content while maintaining moisture. You can also cut the sugar to ½ cup; the apples provide natural sweetness. Greek yogurt works beautifully in place of sour cream and adds protein.

Gluten-Free Option

• Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Bob's Red Mill and King Arthur both make excellent blends that work perfectly in this recipe. The texture will be slightly denser but still delicious. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are certified gluten-free as well.

Vegan Apple Bread

• Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water, let sit 5 minutes). Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter. Swap sour cream with coconut cream or thick cashew cream. The result is surprisingly close to the original!

Add-In Ideas

• Raisins or cranberries: Fold in ½ cup dried fruit with the apples for extra chewiness and sweetness.
• Caramel swirl: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce through the batter before adding streusel.
• Extra spice: Add ¼ teaspoon of cardamom or allspice for a more complex flavor profile.
• Chocolate chips: Mini chocolate chips (½ cup) mixed into the batter create an apple-chocolate combination that kids love.
• Orange zest: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy note.

Equipment Recommendations

• 9x5-inch loaf pan: A good quality metal pan distributes heat better than glass; I love USA Pan for even baking
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar quick and easy
• Pastry cutter or fork: Essential for creating that perfect crumbly streusel topping
• Wire cooling rack: Allows air circulation so the bottom doesn't get soggy while cooling
• Apple peeler/corer: Speeds up prep time significantly if you bake this often
• Instant-read thermometer: Takes the guesswork out of knowing when your bread is perfectly done

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Room Temperature Storage

• Once completely cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay fresh at room temperature for 3-4 days. The streusel might soften slightly, but the flavor actually improves as the spices develop. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Refrigerator Storage

• For longer storage, refrigerate the wrapped bread for up to one week. The cooler temperature helps prevent mold, especially during humid weather. Let slices come to room temperature before eating, or warm them for 10-15 seconds in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Freezing Instructions

• This bread freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap the completely cooled loaf (whole or sliced) tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 2-3 hours. You can also freeze individual slices with parchment paper between them for quick grab-and-go breakfasts.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare the dry ingredients and streusel topping the night before and store separately in airtight containers. In the morning, you'll just need to mix the wet ingredients and bake. The bread also tastes incredible when made a day ahead; the flavors meld and develop even more.

FAQ

Wrapping Up Your Baking Adventure

You’ve now got everything you need to bake the most amazing Apple Cinnamon Streusel Bread Recipe right in your own kitchen. This cozy autumn baking recipe highlights sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and a buttery streusel topping that makes this Apple Cinnamon Streusel Bread Recipe truly irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, potlucks, or a weekend treat, this moist and flavorful Apple Cinnamon Streusel Bread Recipe is the kind of homemade bread that never disappoints and always has everyone asking for seconds.

The best part about mastering this recipe is how easily you can adapt it to your preferences. Try it with different apple varieties, experiment with the spice blend, or add your favorite mix-ins to make it uniquely yours. Once you've perfected your loaf, you might want to try our Dried Tomato Bread Recipe for a savory twist on homemade bread, or whip up a refreshing Cucumber Mint Juice Recipe to pair with your sweet treat. Happy baking, and don't forget to share your results!

💛 Happy Baking-By Lisa Johnson ✨

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