Name: Apple Loaf with Sweet Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium baking apples, peeled and chopped; ½ cup light brown sugar; 2 tsp ground cinnamon (heaping spoonfuls); 1 tsp ground ginger; 1 large egg (room temperature); ⅓ cup white granulated sugar; ¼ cup vegetable oil; ¼ cup full-fat sour cream (room temperature); 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp kosher salt; 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3 tbsp milk

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, homey treat that wraps up warm apple flavors with a touch of sweetness, you’re going to adore this Apple Loaf with Sweet Glaze Recipe. I absolutely love how this loaf turns out—moist, aromatic, and crowned with a luscious glaze that makes every bite sing. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or throwing together something quick and cozy on a weekday, this recipe feels like a warm hug. Let me walk you through it and share some tips to make sure you nail it every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in Every Slice: The combination of cinnamon, ginger, and fresh apples makes this loaf irresistibly cozy and inviting.
Easy to Make: No complicated steps here — just simple mixing and baking that anyone can do.
Sweet Glaze Finish: That smooth vanilla glaze adds a glossy, sweet touch that makes it special.
Perfect Gift and Treat: I’ve gifted this loaf plenty of times and it’s always a crowd-pleaser at holiday tables and weekend brunches.

The image shows a loaf of brown cake with a shiny white glaze dripping down the top and sides, placed on a white marbled surface. The loaf appears moist and textured with small fruit or nut pieces visible inside. Three slices lie in front of the loaf, showing the soft, dense interior and the darker, slightly caramelized crust edges. In the background, out of focus, are small orange pumpkins and some apples in a bowl, adding an autumn feel to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Apple Loaf with Sweet Glaze Recipe comes partly from the fresh baking apples that keep the loaf moist and tender, plus a wonderful blend of warm spices that elevate simple ingredients into something truly special. I always recommend using fresh, crisp apples to get that perfect bite and juicy flavor throughout.

Baking apples: Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith to balance the sweet glaze perfectly.
Light brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness and a little moisture to the loaf.
Ground cinnamon: Essential for that classic apple spice flavor.
Ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing that complements the apples beautifully.
Large egg: Make sure it’s at room temperature to mix in smoothly.
White granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar’s richness without overpowering.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the loaf moist without weighing it down.
Full-fat sour cream: This is my secret to extra tenderness in the crumb.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to both the loaf and the glaze.
All-purpose flour: The base of the loaf—make sure to measure it properly.
Baking soda: Helps the loaf rise perfectly and stay light.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors — don’t skip it!
Powdered sugar: For the sweet glaze that finishes the loaf beautifully.
Milk: Thins out the glaze for just the right consistency.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on the season or who I’m sharing the loaf with. It’s a surprisingly flexible recipe that lets you get creative without risking disaster. Here’s a few ways I’ve personalized it over time—you’ll find your own favorites too!

Spice it up: Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for more depth, and my family absolutely loves that extra warmth.
Healthier twist: I’ve experimented swapping half the oil for applesauce to reduce fat without drying out the loaf.
Nutty addition: Chopped walnuts or pecans stirred in give a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that balances the soft apple pieces.
Gluten-free version: I substitute with a gluten-free flour blend and it still holds together beautifully—just watch your bake time.

How to Make Apple Loaf with Sweet Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Spices

Start by peeling and chopping your baking apples into bite-sized pieces. I usually pick cooking apples with a nice balance of tartness to keep the loaf from being too sweet. Toss them with the ground cinnamon and ginger—it’s important to coat the apples evenly so the spice infuses every bite. This little step really woke up the flavors for me the first time I tried it, and it’s become a must.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, white granulated sugar, vegetable oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. The sour cream is my favorite secret player here; it keeps the loaf tender and moist without making it dense. Make sure your egg and sour cream are at room temp to avoid scrambling and to get a silky batter.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Apples

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry mixture to the wet and gently fold until just combined—you don’t want to overmix and lose that tender crumb. Then fold in your cinnamon-ginger coated apples. I like to be a little gentle here so the apple chunks stay intact and juicy.

Step 4: Bake and Let Cool

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 55 minutes. I start checking around the 50-minute mark by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack—this helps prevent sogginess from steam. Patience here really pays off in texture!

Step 5: Whip Up the Sweet Glaze

Whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. You want it thick but pourable—adjust the milk or sugar as needed. Drizzle the glaze all over the cooled loaf, letting it run down the sides. The glaze hardens just a bit, giving a shiny, sweet finish. Trust me, this step transforms the loaf into something truly memorable.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Loaf with Sweet Glaze Recipe

Choose the Right Apples: I’ve found that firmer, tart apples hold up better during baking and keep the loaf moist without turning mushy.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing until just combined keeps the texture tender and fluffy, which makes a noticeable difference.
Let the Loaf Cool Before Glazing: Applying glaze while the loaf is warm can cause it to melt off instead of setting nicely.
Check Doneness Early: Ovens vary, so start testing a few minutes before the suggested time to avoid a dry loaf.

How to Serve Apple Loaf with Sweet Glaze Recipe

A small, round, brown cake with a rough, textured surface sits on a white marbled board. White creamy sauce is being poured over the top from a white cup held by a woman's hand, flowing down the sides and pooling at the base. In the blurred background, there are colorful pumpkins and apples adding warm, autumn colors. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the rich texture of the cake and the smoothness of the sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes simple so the loaf’s flavors shine through. A light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts on top of the glaze adds a nice textural contrast and an extra touch of warmth. Sometimes, a few thin apple slices fanned out on the side make for a pretty presentation, especially if you’re serving guests.

Side Dishes

To make it a part of breakfast or brunch, I love pairing this apple loaf with a cup of sharp coffee or spiced chai. It also goes beautifully alongside creamy yogurt or a sharp cheddar cheese plate if you’re feeling adventurous. For a light dessert, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream works magic.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I slice the loaf thinly and serve it on a wooden board adorned with cinnamon sticks, fresh apple slices, and a drizzle of honey. If you’re gifting it, wrapping the loaf in parchment with a tied ribbon makes a sweet, homemade present that always impresses. I even once turned it into mini loaf muffins, which bake faster and are perfect for little lunchbox treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover apple loaf leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It stays moist and fresh if you tuck it away quickly. If your kitchen is especially warm, storing it in the fridge is fine—just bring it back to room temp before serving for best flavor.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing this apple loaf by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then again in foil to protect it from freezer burn. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. When ready, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm slices gently in the oven or toaster oven for a freshly baked feel.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat slices is in a toaster oven or standard oven at 300°F for about 8-10 minutes. This brings back the loaf’s softness without drying it out. Avoid microwaving—it can make the texture rubbery and take away the fresh-baked charm.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple for the Apple Loaf with Sweet Glaze Recipe?

While you can technically use most apples, I recommend using firmer, more tart baking apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn. These hold up well during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweet glaze without becoming mushy.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap the full-fat sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt alternative or coconut cream, and substitute vegetable oil with a neutral oil like avocado or light olive oil. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.
How do I know when the loaf is done baking?

Start checking around 50 minutes with a toothpick inserted in the center. When it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your loaf is ready. Overbaking can dry it out, so it’s better to check early.
Can I make mini loaves or muffins from this recipe?

Absolutely! Mini loaves or muffins are a fun variation and bake faster, usually needing about 20-25 minutes in the oven. Just adjust baking time and watch carefully to avoid drying out.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Loaf with Sweet Glaze Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s perfect for so many occasions—whether a cozy morning at home, a thoughtful gift, or a festive centerpiece. When I first tried it, the way the spices mingled with fresh apples and that indulgent glaze blew me away. It’s an easy recipe that delivers big on comfort and flavor, and I can’t wait for you to experience it too. Trust me, your family and friends will be asking for seconds — so maybe double up next time!