Here are various options for making apple bread, accommodating different dietary preferences and flavor profiles, including gluten-free, egg-free, and more.
Basic Apple Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1 cup apples, peeled and diced
- ½ cup butter or oil (or non-dairy alternatives)
- 2 eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix dry ingredients.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, fold in apples.
- Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.
Variations
Gluten-Free Apple Bread
Use gluten-free all-purpose flour such as Bob’s Red Mill or gfJules. Replace regular milk with non-dairy milk and use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative instead of butter. This recipe can be made without oil by using applesauce or yogurt for moisture.
Cinnamon Apple Bread
Add an extra tablespoon of cinnamon to the batter for a spiced flavor. You can also create a cinnamon swirl by mixing cinnamon with sugar and layering it in the batter.
Zucchini Apple Bread
Incorporate grated zucchini (about 1 cup) along with the apples for added moisture and nutrition. This variation keeps the bread moist without adding extra fat.
No Egg Apple Bread
Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). This will provide binding without using animal products.
No Milk Apple Bread
Use water or any non-dairy milk alternative like almond or oat milk in place of regular milk. Coconut milk can also add a rich flavor.
Banana Apple Bread
Mash one ripe banana into the batter for sweetness and moisture. Reduce the sugar slightly if desired since bananas are naturally sweet.
Orange Zest Apple Bread
Add the zest of one orange to the batter for a citrusy twist that complements the apples beautifully.
Pumpkin Apple Bread
Mix in half a cup of pumpkin puree along with the apples for a fall-inspired bread. This will also enhance moisture and flavor.
Cranberry Apple Bread
Fold in about one cup of fresh or dried cranberries to add tartness that balances the sweetness of the apples.
Blueberry Apple Bread
Add one cup of fresh blueberries along with the diced apples for a fruity combination that adds color and flavor.
Sour Cream Apple Bread
Replace some of the fat in your recipe with sour cream (about half a cup) to create a moist texture while adding a slight tanginess.
Topping Ideas
- Streusel Topping: Mix together butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon to sprinkle on top before baking.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over cooled bread for added sweetness.
These variations allow you to customize your apple bread according to your dietary needs and flavor preferences while maintaining deliciousness!
