Dutch Apple Bread is made from scratch with butter, sugar and fresh apples. This apple quick bread recipe has amazing flavors and is topped with a cinnamon streusel and drizzled with warm vanilla glaze.
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The Best Apple Bread
This Dutch Apple Bread is something I love any time of the day. I have at least 4 recipes I have written already that are similar but I have to say, this one is my favorite! This apple bread has the best aroma and an almost pound cake like texture- you will not be able to stop eating it. I love how easy it is to make as well!
Dutch Apple Bread Recipe Ingredients
For the Bread, you will need:
-Butter: We use ½ cup softened butter, which is 1 stick. I usually use salted butter, but use what you have on hand!
-Sugar: You need 1 cup of granulated sugar to make this bread nice and sweet.
-Eggs: Just 2 large eggs is all you need to help bind this bread together well.
-Milk: You will need ½ cup milk for the batter. Dairy milk or almond milk works best. I do not recommend using soy milk.
-Vanilla: Using 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to help enhance the flavors in this bread.
-Flour: Use 2 cups of all-purpose flour for the base of this bread dough.
-Salt: You will need ½ teaspoon of salt to help enhance the flavors in the bread.
-Baking powder: You need 1 teaspoon of baking powder to help the bread rise and leaven properly.
-Apple: You need 1 ½ cups diced peeled green apple (you can also use a HoneyCrisp apple, Fuji, or similar!)
-Nuts: Using ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans will add a fantastic crunch to the bread.
For the Topping, you will need:
-Butter: You will need 5 tablespoons of cold butter. This will help to give the crumbly texture we want.
-Flour: Using ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour is needed for the topping to turn out just right.
-Sugars: Use 2 tablespoons each of granulated sugar and brown sugar to make the topping sweet.
-Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon will give the topping a nice warm flavor.
For the Glaze, you will need:
-Butter: Use 1 tablespoon of melted butter to make the glaze taste nice and rich.
-Powdered sugar: You need ½ cup of powdered sugar to make the glaze smooth and sweet.
-Milk: You will need 1 tablespoon of milk to get the glaze to the right consistency.
-Vanilla: Use ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract to help enhance the flavors in the icing.
How to make Dutch Apple Bread
Prep
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Then, line a bread pan with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray. I use a 10″ bread pan but this recipe works in standard 8″ loaf pans as well. The baked bread will just be taller.
Chop apples into small square pieces, set aside.
Make the bread batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the butter and sugar together.
Next, add in eggs, milk, and vanilla extract and stir well to incorporate.
Then, mix in the dry ingredients (flour, salt, and baking powder. )
Now time to fold in apples and nuts.
Lastly, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan.
Make topping
Start by combining the cold butter, brown and white sugars, flour, and cinnamon. Mix with a fork or pastry blender until crumbly.
Then, sprinkle the cinnamon mixture over the batter in the pan.
Bake
Bake for 55-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in bread, comes out clean. (Internal temperature of bread will be 200 degrees F when fully cooked.)
Let cool before adding the glaze.
Glaze
Mix together the melted butter, powder sugar, and milk until smooth.
Remove the bread from the pan and drizzle the glaze over the top.
Slice and serve. Enjoy!
WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF APPLE TO BAKE WITH?
There are many types of apples to choose from and although they are all delicious on their own, when baking some hold up better than others. I have baked with many different apples and my all time favorite truly is Granny Smith green apples. They are in every store and easy to find, they are crispy and hold their form well when they have been cooked down. More types that are good for baking with are Fuji, HoneyCrisp, Pink Lady and McIntosh Red apple. I’d avoid Red Delicious, Golden Delicious or other soft apples as they tend to fall apart and lose flavor when baked.
DUTCH APPLE BREAD
Ingredients
Apple Bread Batter
- ½ cup softened butter 1 stick
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs large
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ cups green apple diced & peeled
- ½ cup walnuts or pecans chopped
Dutch Crumb Topping
- 5 tbsp cold butter
- ⅓ cup flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a bread pan with parchment paper or spray with non-stick baking spray.
- Chop apples into small square pieces, set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together. Add in eggs, milk, and vanilla extract and stir well to incorporate.
- Mix in the flour, salt, and baking powder. Fold in apples and nuts.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, until toothpick inserted in bread comes out clean. (Internal temperature of bread will be 200 degrees F when fully cooked.) Let cool before adding the glaze.
- Whisk together the melted butter, powder sugar and milk until smooth. Remove the bread from the pan and drizzle the glaze over the top. Slice and serve. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Can you Freeze Apple Bread?
Yes, you can freeze this Dutch Apple Bread as long as you securely wrap it and store in an airtight container. I like to wrap mine in foil then store in a freezer Ziplocked bag. Be sure to eat it within 1-2 months! Also, do not add the glaze until after you have thawed it.
AVOID SUNKEN BREAD
The easiest and best way to avoid sunken bread is to use a cooking thermometer to check the inside of the loaf. Fully cooked bread will register 200°F on a thermometer. My all-time favorite thermometer is the Thermapen. It’s super fast and incredibly durable. Another great cooking thermometer is the ThermoPop which is a more basic version that works just as well!
How do I peel an Apple?
Many recipes for apples require that you core and peel them. There are a variety of ways to do this, and they’re all simple!
If you’re just peeling & coring a few apples at a time: I like to use a basic vegetable peeler, plus an apple slicer that cuts apples into 16 pieces. These smaller slices are better for baking as the apple cooks faster since they’re smaller slices. That way the crust/cake or whatever you’re baking apples into isn’t too dark before the apples are done cooking!
If you’ve got a large batch of apples to cook: If you use a lot of apples, you probably should consider getting one of these handy peeler corer slicers. You can peel, core & slice half a bushel in about 15 minutes with this tool!
What Type of Vanilla Extract Should I Use?
A few years ago I tested 10 different vanilla extracts and found new favorites! I love using TOTONAC’s Mexican Vanilla for everyday use. It’s pure vanilla and contains no alcohol, which I like because I don’t like the taste of extracts made with alcohol. Each time I try another, I go back to Totonac’s quickly afterward; it’s so good! I also love using Nielsen Massey Vanilla Bean Paste. Again, this one has the best flavor by far!
What Spices are Good in Apple Bread?
Baking apple bread? Don’t forget the spices! Adding cinnamon is a must – it will add some delicious warmth and natural sweetness to your loaf. A dash of nutmeg in the bread batter can also be wonderful when paired with cinnamon, as it lends a delicate flavor and aroma. Throw in a pinch of clove to round out the nutty, earthy notes that will really bring out the sweetness of the apples. The combination of these three spices ensures that your homemade apple bread is flavorful, moist, and utterly scrumptious!
How to know if the bread is done?
Your bread should register about 200 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer to ensure that it has been cooked fully. Not only that but the top should appear to be a nice golden brown color and as the bread cools, it shouldn’t sink, but should instead remain well-shaped with a rounded top.
BEST BREAD PAN?
I bake a lot of bread and the pans I prefer are either ceramic, glass or cast iron. These pans will bake bread more evenly and release the bread more easily after baking. I don’t like using dark or nonstick pans because the bread cooks unevenly. It darkens on the outside before the bread is cooked on the inside, so the coloring is uneven. Read more about which bread pan is the best here!
My Apple Bread sank. What happened?
This happens to me occasionally too! Often it’s because I’ve overmixed the batter. Quick bread (referring to a bread recipe that doesn’t use yeast) does not like to be stirred too much, so try to just barely mix all the ingredients together. Another culprit could be overfilling the pan. The bread pan should be only half full each time. As always, make sure your leavening ingredients- baking soda and baking powder- aren’t too old. Baking soda should only be on your shelf for 6-9 months before purchasing new. I purchase it in bulk (I bake a lot!) and refrigerate it to help it last longer.
More amazing quick bread recipes that we love:
- CARAMEL APPLE BREAD
- APPLE BANANA BREAD
- APPLE BREAD PUDDING
- GLAZED APPLE WALNUT BREAD
- APPLE CINNAMON MONKEY BREAD
- PUMPKIN APPLE GINGERBREAD
- APPLE PIE QUICK BREAD
- GLAZED APPLE CINNAMON BREAD
- APPLE PUMPKIN BREAD
- BEST APPLE RECIPES
- APPLE CINNAMON SCONES
Homemade Dutch Apple Bread with fantastic flavor & texture! Family favorite apple bread recipe that everyone enjoys. Dutch Apple Bread made from scratch with butter, sugar & fresh apples. Amazing flavor in this apple quick bread recipe topped with a cinnamon streusel & drizzled with warm vanilla glaze.
michaelene says
Followed the recipe as written, turned out beautifully – just like the picture and delicious! Honestly, the most successful recipe I’ve ever gotten from an internet search. I thank you, and my family thanks you! 🙂
Jessica says
So glad you enjoyed it!! I love the flavor of this bread too!
Olga Wall says
Absolutely fab! Made it three times and recently for Thanksgiving – and a huge hit every time. Better than an apple pie. Thanks for the recipe – going into my family vault :-). Do you need to store it in the fridge if it is to be eaten within a few days?
Jessica says
So glad you enjoyed it! It’s a favorite of ours too. I just store it in a bread bag on the counter top! https://amzn.to/3fHWqHt
Angie says
This was an awesome recipe…but wanted to know if I could double recipe and bake in a pound cake pan….
Jessica says
I think baking it in a bundt pan sounds amazing. I worry that doubling it would yield too much for a bundt pan. Maybe use some for the bundt pan, then make a mini loaf??
Sarah Johnson says
Mine is in the oven RIGHT NOW! 🙂 is the dough/batter supposed to be super thick? I was using a mixer and as soon as I started to add the flour mix it got so thick and sticky that the batter climbed right up my mixer and I had to hand mix. (I should add that substituted baking Splenda) but is that the consistency either way? Just want to know for next time! Smells delicious so far!
Nellie says
The batter is pretty thick, so that sounds right! Hope you enjoy the bread!
Lori says
Delicious bread. I tripled the recipe to use up some Golden Delicious apples on hand. I didn’t want crumble and then a glaze on top of that so I sprinkled cinnamon sugar on top of the loaves. I highly recommend this recipe. The triple batch made 2 Large full size loaves and 8 smaller personal sized loaves.
Brenda says
OMG!!!!
This was absolutely Awesome and delicious. I will make this over and over again. I used 4 different michigan apples and it was perfect… Thank you for sharing.
Jan T says
I want to try this recipe in many disposable bread tins to give as gifts this Christmas. Has anyone made this in that size pan before? Any idea what the baking times would be?
Jessica says
Mini bread tins work well- bake them for 3-35 minutes, checking for a 200 degree internal temp first. : )
Jan T says
Thank you Jessica! I did make this bread in the mini tins and baked for 30 min. I relied on a thermometer to be sure it was done. It made 5 loaves but I could easily have fit the batter into 4. It was every bit as delicious as everyone has said! My husband and I ate one of the loaves – just to be sure you know! 😉 I had to quickly hide the rest so he couldn’t find them!! LOL
Tomorrow I’ll be getting more ingredients to make another batch!!
(I had leftover Northern Spy apples that I had bought for Thanksgiving pies. I used those and 1 HoneyCrisp)
emily williams says
Made this and it was amazing. I wanted to add maybe another half a cup of apples though just because I loved them. Do you think this would mess anything up? Would I need to adjust anything else in the recipe?
Jessica says
I’m so glad you like it! I don’t think adding another 1/2 cup apples would require any changes!
Shirley E. says
I made this bread today. I messed up & forgot to add the eggs, milk, & vanilla. I stirred the eggs a bit, added milk & vanilla. Poured it in the batter & mixed it in with my hands. I just knew I had ruined it but I put it in the oven. & it raised up beautifully. Cooled it, put the glaze on it, got me a slice & low & behold it was delicious. I am 85 yrs. & forgetful. Thanks for this delicious recipe.
Mary says
Can you freeze this bread without the glaze?
Jessica says
Yes, you can. : )
Kate says
I give this almost 4 stars. The flavor was excellent but I felt the bread was a little dry, especially considering there are moist apples in the batter. Will definitely make it again and either add more apple or more fat, or maybe both. Has great potential. Would also cut back the amount of cinnamon in the topping to 1 tsp and toss the apples with the 2nd teaspoon so the cinnamon flavor goes throughout the entire loaf instead of just the topping. Overall very good but needs a few tweaks.
Melissa says
This was DELICIOUS. I only made the bread without the topping or glaze as I was rushed. I also added cinnamon and skipped the nuts (again, rushed on time.) So good! This was just what we needed as a break from our normal breakfast loaves, and so easy. I can’t wait to make it with all that it calls for. Four stars since it was rather crumbly.
Linda says
Made this to use up my Granny Smith apples. It is by far my favorite quick bread recipe. I added one tsp of pumpkin pie spice to the bread part and 3/4 cup chopped pecans to bread. I decreased the cinnamon to 1 tsp in the topping. Everyone loved it. This is the best bread ever! Make it. You’ll be happy. Thank you for this recipe.
Dani says
I made this recipe mostly as written and it was eaten within 3 days (mostly by me). The bread was tender and flavorful. After making the crumble topping I used half of it – it made more than I anticipated. I forgot to add the 1 tablespoon of butter to the icing; I don’t think it was lacking without it. The second loaf is in the oven currently. My family and I love this recipe so much I will be making it for years to come.
Alison says
I am so happy to hear this and hope you always enjoy this recipe Dani!
Sheila says
I want to make this , but what type of butter ? Salted or non salted for butter that is to be used . Can’t wait to make this bread .
Alison says
I always use salted but you can use either one!
Elsa says
Can I make the batter the night before and bake the next morning for a brunch get together?
Jessica says
I think that sounds like a GREAT idea!
Karen says
I love to cook with buttermilk so I substituted that and added 1/4 tsp baking soda plus cinnamon and ginger. I made a double batch too and the bread was wonderful! I was told by family and friends that this recipe is a keeper!! Thank you!!
Alison says
Love getting the family and friends approval! Thanks Karen!
Ashtin says
This bread is very tasty! I love the subtle apple flavor. I subbed heavy cream for milk since someone in the comments said it was dry and needed more fat, and it was perfectly moist. The crumb topping tastes mostly like flour though, so next time, I will use a lot less flour and some more sugar and cinnamon. Overall very great bread and will be making again!
Alison says
Thank you Ashtin! I hope you continue to enjoy it!
karen says
OMG girly!!!!!! It was SO fab!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😀
karen says
SO GOOD.
Alison says
Thank you Karen!!
Springfield Bob says
Hi I came across your website when I decided to bake an apple bread. As soon as I saw the recipe for Dutch Apple Bread I knew I had come to the right place! I’m a 76 year old single male and have recently gotten interested in cooking and baking different foods. This Dutch Apple Bread is so goooood! I can’t do nuts so left them out. But I managed to follow the recipe pretty well. My problem was not having a container deep enough to store the loaf with the glaze topping. I saw your response to someone else where you suggested using bread bag. Please explain specifically what you mean by that. I need something that will keep the bread fresh for a few days. I’m looking forward to trying other recipes on your site. Thank you so much!