How to Make the Best Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf: A Cozy & Delicious Recipe
Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf is the perfect combination of tender apple flavors, sweet cinnamon spice, and a buttery, crumbly streusel topping. This irresistible loaf is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert and is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it to guests, enjoying a quiet morning, or indulging in an afternoon treat, this loaf will warm your heart and taste buds.
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Ready to learn how to make the best Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf? Let’s get baking!
Ingredients for the Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf
Gather these ingredients to make your own apple cinnamon streusel loaf:
For the Apple Cinnamon Mixture:
- 1 cup apples (peeled, cored, and diced; Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are great choices)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Loaf Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- For the Streusel Topping: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
How to Make the Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf
Follow these simple steps to bake your perfect Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf:
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x5-inch loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Apple Cinnamon Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix together:
- Diced apples
- Ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Granulated sugar
- All-purpose flour
Toss everything until the apple pieces are well-coated. This mixture will add flavor and moisture to your loaf.
3. Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a separate bowl, combine:
- All-purpose flour
- Rolled oats
- Brown sugar
- Melted butter
- Ground cinnamon
Mix everything until crumbly and set it aside for later.
4. Make the Loaf Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together:
- Butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Incorporate the dry ingredients:
- Mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the butter mixture.
Add the buttermilk gradually, mixing until smooth.
Fold the prepared apple mixture into the batter.
5. Assemble the Loaf
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spread the streusel topping evenly over the batter, making sure to cover the entire top for a beautiful, crumbly finish.
6. Bake the Loaf
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Check the loaf after about 40 minutes—if the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
7. Cool & Serve
Enjoy a warm slice with a drizzle of icing, a cup of coffee, or a dollop of whipped cream!
Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf
Use Fresh Apples: Fresh, crisp apples will give the loaf the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much can lead to a dense loaf. Stir just until ingredients are combined.
Store Properly: Keep leftover loaf slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf
This versatile loaf pairs wonderfully with a variety of options:
For Breakfast: Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
For Brunch: Serve as part of a brunch spread with eggs and bacon.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this loaf gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
2. What kind of apples should I use?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work wonderfully. They are tart, sweet, and hold their shape well during baking.
3. Can I freeze Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf?
Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Ready to Bake Your Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf?
Now that you have the ultimate Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf recipe, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get started! This cozy loaf will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon, apple, and buttery goodness.
Happy baking!