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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar) - 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - For the Streusel Topping: - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour - 1/3 cup rolled oats - 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - A pinch of salt To make this loaf, I gather all my ingredients first. I use fresh apples for the best taste. Granny Smith apples add a nice tart flavor, while Honeycrisp apples are sweet and juicy. These choices make the loaf really pop! I also make sure to use room temperature butter and eggs. This helps them mix better and creates a fluffier loaf. For the dry ingredients, I whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mix brings warmth and spice to each bite. The wet ingredients are just as important. I beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light. This step adds sweetness and texture. The streusel topping is a real treat. It adds a crunchy layer that everyone loves. I mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. It’s the perfect finish to our delicious loaf. As you prepare, keep everything organized. This way, the baking process flows smoothly! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. - In a small bowl, combine the following for the streusel: - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour - 1/3 cup rolled oats - 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter - A pinch of salt - Mix until crumbly and set aside. - In a medium bowl, whisk together: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - In a large bowl, beat together: - 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - Beat until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. - Add in 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. - Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. - Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with: - 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar). - Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. - Gently fold in: - 2 medium apples, peeled and diced. - Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. - Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter. - Add the remaining batter, then top with the rest of the streusel. - Bake for 55-65 minutes. - Check if a toothpick comes out clean from the center. - Cool the loaf in the pan for about 10 minutes. - Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. - Always check your oven temperature with a thermometer. An accurate temperature makes a big difference. - Use room temperature ingredients. This helps the batter rise well and bake evenly. - Choose Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. They offer the best flavor and texture. - When peeling apples, use a sharp peeler. Cut the apples into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking. - For a crunchier topping, use more oats or flour. Adjust proportions to your liking. - Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a tasty twist. You can also include spices like ginger or nutmeg for extra flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily make this loaf gluten-free. Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that has xanthan gum in it. This helps mimic the texture of wheat flour. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly. Check the consistency of the batter. It should be thick but pourable. To add more flavor, consider using spices like allspice or cardamom. They bring warmth and depth to your loaf. Just a pinch can change the whole taste. You can also add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. They pair well with apples and give a nice chew. If you want a dairy-free loaf, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Both work well in this recipe. For a different sweetness, try using brown sugar or maple syrup. Each sugar adds a unique flavor. This keeps your loaf fresh and exciting every time you bake it. To store the loaf at room temperature, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. Make sure to store it away from direct sunlight. Enjoy it as is or warm it slightly before serving. For long-term storage, freeze the loaf. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn and keeps it tasty. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, remove the loaf from the freezer. Leave it wrapped and place it in the fridge overnight. For faster results, you can thaw it at room temperature for a few hours. When ready to enjoy, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This makes it warm and fresh again. The loaf stays fresh for about three days at room temperature. If you notice any mold or an off smell, it’s best to discard it. If stored in the freezer, it can last up to three months. Always check for signs of freezer burn or changes in texture before eating. Freshness is key for the best taste. Yes, you can use other apples. Granny Smith apples are tart and crisp. Honeycrisp apples offer sweetness and crunch. Fuji apples are juicy and sweet, while Gala apples are mild. Each type gives a unique flavor to the loaf. Try different apples for fun results. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own. Mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This simple mix works well in the recipe. You can also use yogurt or sour cream thinned with milk. Check the loaf with a toothpick. Insert it into the center. If it comes out clean, the loaf is done. Look for a golden-brown crust. The loaf should feel firm but springy to the touch. If it jiggles, it needs more time. This blog post covered a delicious apple loaf recipe. We explored the key dry and wet ingredients, plus the tasty streusel topping. I provided clear steps for prepping, mixing, and baking. You learned useful tips for choosing apples and made variations to fit your needs. In conclusion, this recipe is not just easy; it’s enjoyable. You can share this tasty treat with family and friends. Happy baking, and enjoy your homemade apple loaf!

Bakery-Style Apple Streusel Loaf

Indulge in the deliciousness of bakery-style apple streusel loaf! This dreamy recipe features soft, spiced bread bursting with tender apple pieces and topped with a crunchy streusel. It’s perfect for breakfast or dessert, and the warm aroma will fill your kitchen with comfort. Ready to impress your family or guests? Click through to discover the full recipe and make this delightful loaf today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar)

2 medium apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

For the Streusel Topping:

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

A pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

    Make the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix until crumbly and set aside.

      Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

        Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until fluffy and light, about 3-4 minutes.

          Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

            Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.

              Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

                Assemble the Loaf: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, sprinkle half of the streusel topping over it, then add the remaining batter. Finish with the remaining streusel on top.

                  Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                    Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 1 hr 15 min | Serves 8-10

                        - Presentation Tips: Slice the loaf and serve it warm with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. You can also offer a side of vanilla or caramel sauce for dipping!