Introduction
If you’re looking to create a delightful and comforting dessert that combines the classic flavors of apple pie with the soft, tender texture of bread, then this Apple Pie Bread recipe is perfect for you. This delicious treat is easy to prepare, and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the taste of apple pie without the hassle of making a traditional crust.
Imagine biting into a warm slice of apple pie bread, where the sweetness of apples and cinnamon fills your senses. This loaf is great for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a wonderful addition to any gathering.
In this recipe, we’ll use canned apple pie filling, which not only saves time but also guarantees consistent flavor. The combination of cake mix, self-rising flour, and eggs provides structure, while the addition of fresh apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top enhances the wonderful apple-pie flavor. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 1 can of apple pie filling: Make sure to choose a can that contains quality filling filled with tender chunks of apples.
- 1 yellow cake mix: This will serve as the base for our bread, providing sweetness and moisture.
- 4 large eggs: Slightly beaten, eggs will help bind our ingredients and give the bread its rise.
- 1 cup self-rising flour: This ingredient adds extra lift to the bread and ensures a fluffy texture. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can create your own by adding 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt to all-purpose flour.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: A key player in capturing that classic apple pie flavor, cinnamon warms up the entire loaf.
- 1 medium apple, chopped: Adding fresh apple chunks enhances the texture and flavor, making each slice even more delectable. Choose an apple variety that holds up well during baking, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Sugar and cinnamon for sprinkling on top: A mixture of sugar and cinnamon, sprinkled on top before baking, creates a lovely sweet and slightly crunchy topping.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This temperature is ideal for baking bread, allowing it to cook evenly without burning.
- Prepare the Loaf Pans: Grease two loaf pans with cooking spray or butter. This will ensure that your bread doesn’t stick to the pans when it’s done baking, allowing for easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, self-rising flour, and ground cinnamon. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly, ensuring that the cinnamon is evenly distributed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, slightly beat the eggs. Then, add the apple pie filling to the eggs and mix until well combined. The apple pie filling should be well-mashed to create a smooth texture, allowing it to integrate better with the other ingredients.
- Mix the Ingredients Together: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser loaf.
- Fold in Fresh Apples: Add the chopped apple to the mixture and fold it in gently. This adds fresh apple flavor and texture, enhancing the overall experience of the bread.
- Pour into Loaf Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the two greased loaf pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops to ensure even baking.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix together some granulated sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of each loaf. This adds a lovely sweet and spiced crust that is sure to impress.
- Bake: Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean. The baking time might vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the loaves as they bake.
- Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing the bread while it is still warm will make it a bit messy, but it is absolutely delicious!
Serving Suggestions
This Apple Pie Bread can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Here are a few serving ideas:
- With a Pat of Butter: For an indulgent treat, spread a little butter on a warm slice of bread. The richness of the butter complements the sweetness of the bread perfectly.
- Drizzled with Caramel Sauce: For an extra-special dessert, drizzle warm caramel sauce over a slice of the bread. This adds a delicious gooeyness that mirrors the richness of traditional apple pie.
- With Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a slice of cooled Apple Pie Bread alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- As a French Toast: The bread also makes a fantastic base for French toast! Simply dip slices in an egg mixture and cook on a griddle just as you would with regular bread.
Storage
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is unlikely, but possible!), you can keep your Apple Pie Bread fresh:
- At Room Temperature: Store wrapped in plastic wrap or airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freezing: If you want to enjoy your bread later, you can freeze it for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds.
Conclusion
This Apple Pie Bread is a fantastic twist on the traditional apple pie and makes a lovely addition to any gathering or a cozy night at home. With its easy-to-follow recipe and the delightful combination of flavors, you will surely impress family and friends.
Whether you are in the mood for a sweet breakfast, a comforting snack, or a delicious dessert, this Apple Pie Bread is sure to satisfy. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the comforting taste of apple pie in a delightful bread form. Happy baking!