Why You’ll Love This Apple Streusel Bread
Who doesn’t love the smell of warm apple bread wafting through their kitchen on a crisp fall morning?
I’m telling you, this apple streusel bread is about to become your new favorite recipe.
The moist, tender crumb studded with chunks of sweet-tart apples will have you reaching for a second slice before you’ve finished your first.
The cinnamon-spiced streusel topping adds the perfect crunch, while the optional glaze takes it into dessert territory.
It’s incredibly versatile—perfect for breakfast with coffee, an afternoon snack, or even dressed up for dessert.
Trust me, your family will beg you to make this again.
What Ingredients are in Apple Streusel Bread?
This apple streusel bread combines pantry staples with fresh, juicy apples to create a moist, flavorful quick bread that’s perfect any time of day.
The ingredient list might look long at first glance, but most items are kitchen staples you probably already have on hand. The magic happens when the warm spices meet the sweet apples and that irresistible streusel topping comes together.
Bread Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon non-alcoholic vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon non-alcoholic vanilla extract
When selecting apples for this recipe, I recommend using a variety that holds its shape well during baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. The contrast between the tart apples and sweet bread creates a beautiful flavor balance.
For the sour cream, you can absolutely substitute Greek yogurt if that’s what you have on hand—both provide the perfect amount of moisture and tanginess to complement the sweet, spiced flavors in this delightful bread.
How to Make This Apple Streusel Bread
Making this apple streusel bread is surprisingly simple, even if the final product looks like something straight from a fancy bakery. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing your 9×5-inch loaf pan with grease and parchment paper. This preparation step might seem minor, but trust me, there’s nothing worse than a perfectly baked bread that refuses to release from its pan.
First, tackle that irresistible streusel topping. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Then comes the fun part—using your fingers or a fork to cut in 3 tablespoons of cold, cubed unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set this aside while you work on the bread batter.
For the bread itself, whisk together your dry ingredients in a medium bowl: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg. In a separate, larger bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of non-alcoholic vanilla extract and 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, mixing until just combined.
Gently fold in your dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix, then fold in 1 1/2 cups of those peeled and diced apples.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the surface. The batter will be thick, so you might need to use a spatula to spread it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
If you’re going for that extra touch of sweetness, whisk together the optional glaze ingredients—1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons milk, and 1/4 teaspoon non-alcoholic vanilla extract—and drizzle it over the cooled bread. And voilà! A slice of this warm apple streusel bread with a cup of coffee? That’s what I call heaven on a plate.
Apple Streusel Bread Substitutions and Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s explore how to make this apple streusel bread your very own.
I’ve tested countless variations over the years, and trust me, this recipe is wonderfully flexible.
Swap Honeycrisp apples for tart Granny Smiths, or try pears for a subtle twist.
Can’t do dairy? Coconut oil works beautifully instead of butter, and almond milk yogurt replaces sour cream nicely.
For a richer flavor profile, fold in a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries.
Feeling indulgent? Drizzle with caramel sauce instead of the vanilla glaze.
What to Serve with Apple Streusel Bread
While apple streusel bread stands perfectly well on its own, pairing it with complementary foods and beverages can elevate your enjoyment to new heights.
I love serving mine with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that warm-cold contrast that makes desserts so memorable.
A steaming cup of coffee or hot apple cider makes the perfect beverage companion.
For brunch, try it alongside a savory egg dish or crispy bacon—the sweet-salty combination is divine.
And don’t forget cheese! A slice of sharp cheddar creates that classic apple-cheese pairing that somehow makes both taste better.
Final Thoughts
This apple streusel bread has become my go-to recipe whenever I need something that’s both impressive and comforting.
There’s something magical about the way the sweet cinnamon streusel complements those tender apple chunks.
I’ve served it at brunches, gifted it to neighbors, and honestly, devoured half a loaf standing in my kitchen more times than I care to admit.
What I love most is how forgiving the recipe is.
Had a rough day? The therapeutic process of making this bread—the mixing, the heavenly aroma during baking—can turn everything around.
Trust me on this one.
