warm cinnamon, and a buttery crumb topping to create a loaf that’s as comforting as it is delicious. This moist and flavorful loaf is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Packed with Fall Flavors: Apples and cinnamon create the ultimate autumn-inspired treat.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Perfect Texture: A moist loaf with a crunchy streusel topping.
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups diced apples (peeled, about 1–2 medium apples)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line a standard loaf pan (9×5-inch) with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Add the cold butter and use a fork or your fingers to crumble the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix in the sour cream until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the diced apples and ground cinnamon.
Step 4: Assemble the Loaf
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
If the streusel starts to brown too quickly, tent the loaf with foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve as is, or with a drizzle of glaze (optional).
Optional Glaze
For added sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled loaf:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract Mix until smooth and drizzle over the loaf.
- Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Apples: Tart varieties like Granny Smith work well, but sweeter apples like Fuji or
- Honeycrisp are also delicious.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the loaf dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Adjust Baking Time: Oven times may vary; check for doneness starting at 50 minutes.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of sweet, tender apples and a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping creates a
- perfect balance of textures and flavors. The sour cream ensures the loaf stays moist, while the streusel adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch.
Conclusion
This Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf is a crowd-pleasing treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for cozy mornings or as a dessert, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite. Bake it today and enjoy the irresistible aroma of apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen!