Introduction:
Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf is a delightful baked treat perfect for any time of the day. It combines the soft, moist texture of a quick bread with the sweet, spiced flavor of cinnamon and apples. The streusel topping adds a lovely crunchy texture, creating the perfect balance between sweet and savory. It’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients:
For the Loaf:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup peeled, chopped apples (preferably Granny Smith or Fuji)
For the Streusel Topping:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Make the batter:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine with dry ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Fold in apples:
Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter until evenly distributed.
Prepare the streusel topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble the loaf:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the batter.
Bake:
Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Cool and serve:
Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Description:
Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf is a comforting and delicious dessert or breakfast bread. The moist and flavorful loaf is packed with apples and infused with cinnamon, making each bite warm and inviting. The streusel topping adds a sweet, buttery crunch that complements the soft, tender crumb. It’s a great way to use up fresh apples and bring cozy flavors to your kitchen, perfect for fall but enjoyed year-round.
Tips:
Apple choice: For the best texture and flavor, use apples that hold their shape when baked, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples.
Storage: Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze the loaf for up to 3 months.
Make it ahead: The batter can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.
Spices: If you love spice, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg, ground ginger, or even cloves to the batter for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
Variations:
Nutty: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this loaf gluten-free.
Vegan: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 2 tbsp water per egg) and use a dairy-free butter or oil.
Caramel: For a richer flavor, swirl in some caramel sauce into the batter before baking.
Correction:
If your loaf looks undercooked after the baking time, check the temperature with a thermometer—it should register 200°F (93°C) in the center. If it’s not done yet, continue baking, checking every 5 minutes. If the top gets too dark, cover loosely with foil and continue baking.
Enjoy:
Once the loaf has cooled, slice it and enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether as a quick breakfast or an afternoon snack, this Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf will surely satisfy your cravings!