Description
This Country-Style Apple Loaf is a moist, spiced quick bread bursting with tender chunks of baking apples and warm cinnamon and ginger flavors. Topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, it’s the perfect treat to celebrate apple season, ideal for holiday tables or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
Scale
Batter
- 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
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Prepare Apples and Spices: Peel and chop the baking apples into small pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples with the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger to evenly coat and infuse the fruit with warm spices.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the large egg, white granulated sugar, vegetable oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. Ensure the egg and sour cream are at room temperature for best integration and texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt to distribute the leavening and salt evenly throughout the flour.
- Make the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently folding until just combined. Then fold in the spiced apple mixture, making sure the apples are evenly dispersed throughout the batter without overmixing, to keep the loaf tender.
- Bake the Loaf: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard loaf pan, then pour the batter evenly into the pan. Bake in the center of the oven for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the loaf is baking, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust milk quantity slightly if needed to achieve a glaze that is pourable but not too runny.
- Glaze the Loaf: When the loaf is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to catch drips. Pour the vanilla glaze evenly over the warm loaf, letting it set before slicing.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the glaze is set but the loaf is still slightly warm, slice it into 8 generous pieces. Serve as a sweet breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert.
Notes
- Celebrate apple season with this delicious treat: a country apple fritter bread covered in a sweet glaze.
- It’s a fabulous gift and an absolutely delicious addition to your holiday table!
- Room temperature ingredients help ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
- If using tart apples like Granny Smith, you can soak them briefly in lemon water to prevent browning if preparing ahead.
- Check the loaf starting at 50 minutes as ovens vary to avoid over-baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 315 kcal
- Sugar: 42 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.05 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
