This Dutch Apple Bread is the definition of cozy homemade baking. It’s a moist, buttery quick bread loaded with tender chunks of apple, warm cinnamon, and a sweet crumbly streusel topping that gives each slice a touch of crunch. Imagine the comforting flavor of a classic apple pie baked into a soft, sliceable loaf — perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon coffee break. The aroma alone will make your kitchen smell like a bakery. This recipe combines the best of fall flavors with a simple method that anyone can follow. There’s no yeast, no waiting for dough to rise — just mix, bake, and enjoy. Whether served warm with a pat of butter or drizzled with vanilla glaze, this bread is pure comfort in every bite. It’s an ideal treat for weekends, family brunches, or even holiday gifting.
Why You’ll Love This Dutch Apple Bread
You’ll love this Dutch Apple Bread because it’s both simple and indulgent. The texture is perfectly balanced — moist and tender inside with a sweet, crisp topping on the outside. Unlike dense loaves, this bread stays light while still being full of flavor. It’s a reliable, no-fail recipe that tastes like something you’d buy at a bakery but comes together in less than 20 minutes of prep. Each bite is filled with juicy apple pieces and hints of cinnamon that make it perfect for fall or any cozy occasion. Another reason to love it? It stays fresh for several days, making it great for meal prep or sharing with friends. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can always have a loaf ready to enjoy later.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you enjoy apple desserts like pie or crisp but want something easier and faster, this is the perfect recipe. Dutch Apple Bread gives you the same warm, spiced sweetness without the hassle of rolling pie dough. The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter creates that signature comforting flavor, while the chunks of fresh apple add moisture and texture. Moreover, it’s versatile — you can add nuts, caramel drizzle, or even cranberries for a festive touch. The batter comes together in one bowl, making cleanup effortless. Once you try it, it’s sure to become your go-to recipe for fall baking or whenever you crave something sweet and homemade.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread: ½ cup unsalted butter (softened), 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice), 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp salt, and 1½ cups peeled, chopped apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala).
For the Streusel Topping: ⅓ cup brown sugar, 3 tbsp flour, ½ tsp cinnamon, and 2 tbsp cold butter (cubed).
For the Glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tbsp milk or cream, and ¼ tsp vanilla extract.
How to Make Dutch Apple Bread (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it with butter or nonstick spray. For easier cleanup and perfect release, you can also line it with parchment paper, allowing a little to hang over the edges.
Step 2 – Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Using a fork or pastry cutter, work the cold butter into the mixture until it forms coarse crumbs. Place the streusel in the refrigerator while you make the bread batter — this helps keep it crisp and crumbly once baked.
Step 3 – Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk until smooth and creamy. This will form the rich base of your apple bread.
Step 4 – Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until evenly blended. This ensures that your leavening agents and spices are distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5 – Assemble the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently after each addition. Mix only until combined — overmixing can make the bread dense. Next, fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they’re evenly distributed but without breaking them down too much.
Step 6 – Add the Streusel Topping: Pour the finished batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle the chilled streusel over the surface, pressing it down just slightly so it adheres to the batter while baking.
Step 7 – Bake the Bread: Transfer the loaf to the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly before the middle is set, loosely cover it with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 8 – Cool and Glaze: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bread cool for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. While it cools, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze. Drizzle it generously over the cooled loaf and allow it to set before slicing into thick, soft, fragrant pieces of apple bread.
Tips for the Best Dutch Apple Bread
- Use firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji so they don’t turn mushy.
- Don’t overmix the batter or the bread will be dense.
- Use buttermilk for a soft, tender crumb.
- Keep the streusel mixture cold until baking for the crispiest texture.
- Always measure flour correctly — spoon and level it.
- Line the loaf pan with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Let the bread cool before glazing to prevent melting.
- Add nuts or raisins for extra texture.
- Store the bread wrapped to keep it moist.
- Reheat slices briefly before serving for a fresh-baked taste.
Variations & Substitutions
- Caramel Apple Bread: Drizzle caramel sauce on top before serving.
- . Apple Walnut Bread: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts to the batter.
- Apple Cranberry Loaf: Mix in ½ cup dried cranberries for a tart twist.
- Gluten-Free Bread: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs.
- Spiced Bread: Add nutmeg or allspice for a deeper flavor.
- Brown Butter Version: Use browned butter for a rich, nutty taste.
- Oat Streusel: Replace flour in the topping with rolled oats.
- Mini Loaves: Divide into small pans and bake 25–30 minutes.
- Cupcake Style: Scoop into muffin tins and bake 20–22 minutes.
What to Serve With Dutch Apple Bread
Serve warm with butter or honey for breakfast. Pair with coffee, tea, or hot apple cider for a cozy afternoon treat. Add whipped cream or ice cream for dessert. Drizzle caramel for extra indulgence. You can also serve it as part of a brunch spread alongside savory dishes like scrambled eggs or bacon.
Storage & Reheating Tips
To Store: Let the bread cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
To Freeze: Slice the bread and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap. Place the slices in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: Warm a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until just heated through. For best results, brush lightly with butter after warming.
Recipe FAQs
1. What apples work best for this bread? Firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are the best choices. They hold their shape beautifully while baking and provide the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
2. Can I use applesauce instead of chopped apples? It’s not recommended. Applesauce will make the batter too wet and change the texture of the bread, making it dense rather than soft and fluffy.
3. Can I skip the glaze? Absolutely. The bread is naturally flavorful and sweet enough on its own. However, the glaze adds a beautiful shine and a hint of extra sweetness if you want a bakery-style finish.
4. Can I add nuts to the batter? Yes, and it’s a delicious addition. Chopped walnuts or pecans bring a subtle crunch that pairs wonderfully with the tender apples and warm cinnamon flavor.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Definitely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for great results. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum to maintain the right texture.
6. How can I make this bread dairy-free? It’s easy to adapt! Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and swap the buttermilk for almond milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. The result is just as moist and flavorful.
7. How do I prevent the bread from sinking in the middle? Be sure not to open the oven door too early during baking, as that can cause the center to collapse. Also, confirm it’s fully baked before removing it from the oven — a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
8. Can I make this bread ahead of time? Yes, and it actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Simply bake, cool, and store it tightly wrapped until ready to serve.
9. How long does Dutch Apple Bread stay fresh? When stored properly, it keeps for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Make sure it’s well wrapped to prevent drying out.
10. Can I freeze it with the glaze on top? Yes, you can. Allow the glaze to set completely before wrapping the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months — just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.