Apple Bread with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe

If you’re hunting for a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat, you absolutely must try this Apple Bread with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe. The moist, tender bread spiked with cinnamon and studded with crisp, tart apples pairs perfectly with a crunchy, buttery streusel topping that just melts in your mouth. I love this recipe because it’s simple enough for any home baker yet sophisticated enough to wow guests at brunch or make a weekday snack feel special. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through all the little tricks that make this apple bread truly unforgettable.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This apple bread with cinnamon streusel recipe uses a blend of pantry staples complemented by fresh apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon to create that warm aroma we all crave. Using Greek yogurt helps keep the crumb moist without making it dense, and the streusel calls for just the right amount of buttery sweetness glaze.

• Brown sugar: Adds that deep, caramel-like sweetness to the streusel.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness in both the streusel and bread.
• All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone for both the bread and the crumbly streusel.
• Cinnamon: A must-have spice that infuses the bread and topping with that signature warmth.
• Butter: Melted for the streusel and softened for the bread, key for richness and flavor.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Gentle leavening agents that ensure a nice rise.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Egg: Binds everything and adds structure.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aroma and depth to the bread.
• Plain unsweetened Greek yogurt: Keeps the bread moist and tender without overpowering flavors.
• Whole milk: Adds just enough liquid for perfect batter consistency.
• Apple (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious): Choose a good baking apple for crispness and balance of sweet-tart.

Variations

I love how flexible this apple bread with cinnamon streusel recipe is—you can easily swap out ingredients or add your personal flair. Try different apples or even toss in some nuts for extra crunch. Playing with these variations means you can make the recipe your own each time.

• Use different apples: I’ve tried this bread with Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for extra sweetness; either works beautifully.
• Add chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans make a lovely addition to the streusel topping or mixed into the batter for texture.
• Dairy-free option: Swap yogurt and milk with coconut yogurt and almond milk to suit a dairy-free diet without losing moisture.
• Spiced it up: A pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves alongside the cinnamon gives a cozy twist for fall baking.

How to Make Apple Bread with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I always grease my 9×5-inch loaf pan and carefully line it with parchment paper, leaving about an inch overhang on the long sides. This little step is a game-changer—it makes lifting the bread out so easy and keeps the crust from sticking to the pan or tearing.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Streusel Topping

Mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Then, drizzle the melted butter over while tossing with a fork, so the butter coats the dry ingredients evenly. You want a crumbly, doughy texture—not soggy! This topping adds that deliciously crunchy, buttery layer that makes this bread unforgettable.

Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Setting these aside while you prepare the wet ingredients helps keep things moving efficiently in the kitchen.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add the Wet Ingredients

Using your mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender crumb. Next, add your egg and vanilla extract and blend until smooth. Then pour in your Greek yogurt and milk, mixing until everything comes together beautifully. The yogurt is my secret weapon for moistness without heaviness.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mix to the wet, starting on low speed so your flour doesn’t fly everywhere, then increase to medium and mix just until smooth and lump-free. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so a minute or two is plenty.

Step 6: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold your diced apples into the batter using a rubber spatula. I like to choose crisp apples like Granny Smith because they hold up well while baking and lend a lovely tart bite to contrast the sweetness of the bread.

Step 7: Pour and Top with Streusel

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and even it out. Sprinkle the cinnamon streusel generously on top—you’ll want a nice, thick layer for that signature crunch.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Perfect

Bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the streusel topping is a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end because ovens vary, and we want that perfect texture.

Step 9: Cool and Remove

Let your apple bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes—this helps it set and makes it easier to handle. Use the parchment paper sling to lift the loaf out, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool for another 5-10 minutes before slicing. If you cut it too soon, the bread may crumble, so patience pays off here!

How to Serve Apple Bread with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe

Garnishes

I like to serve slices plain to highlight the sweet-spiced flavors, but for a little indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of vanilla butter works wonders. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finish when serving guests.

Side Dishes

This apple bread pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or chai tea. For brunch, I love it alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance richness with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, try serving this bread bundled individually in parchment paper tied with twine as a thoughtful homemade gift. I’ve also topped slices with warm caramel sauce and toasted pecans for a dessert-worthy presentation at holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover apple bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigeration isn’t necessary and can dry it out, but if your kitchen is warm, the fridge is fine if well wrapped.

Freezing

I often slice this bread before freezing so I can thaw individual portions. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. It keeps well for up to 3 months without a loss in flavor or texture.

Reheating

To refresh the texture and bring back that just-baked warmth, pop a slice in the toaster oven or microwave for about 20-30 seconds. For an extra treat, spread a little butter on warm bread while it’s still hot.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this apple bread with cinnamon streusel turns out every time—warm, fragrant, and bursting with fresh apple goodness and crumbly sweetness. It brings back memories of fall afternoons baking with family, and I know you’ll enjoy it just as much as I do. Whether you’re cozying up with a book or looking for a make-ahead gift, this recipe is a total winner. Give it a try and see how easy it is to create this comforting classic in your own kitchen!

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