If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of autumn, look no further than this Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf. Imagine biting into a moist and tender loaf cake that’s bursting with the sweet and tangy flavor of fresh apples, spiced with aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg. Topped with a crunchy streusel that adds the perfect amount of sweetness and texture, this loaf is ideal for a cozy breakfast, a midday snack, or a dessert to share with friends and family.
The combination of warm spices and juicy apples makes this loaf a comforting and irresistible choice, no matter the occasion. It’s easy to make and sure to impress, filling your kitchen with a tantalizing aroma as it bakes. Enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect fall treat that will make you feel right at home.
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices)
For the Streusel Topping:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– To make removal easier, line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease and flour it.
2. Prepare Streusel Topping:
– In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
– Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
3. Make the Loaf Batter:
– Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium-sized bowl.
– In a sizable basin, mix the brown sugar and granulated sugar into the softened butter until it becomes light and fluffy.
– Beat thoroughly after adding each egg, one at a time
– Mix in the vanilla extract.
– Alternately add the buttermilk and the dry components to the wet ingredients gradually, beginning and finishing with the dry ingredients.
– Fold in the chopped apples.
4. Assemble the Loaf:
– Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
– Drizzle the batter with half of the streusel topping.
– Pour the remaining batter over the streusel and spread it evenly.
– Sprinkle the remaining streusel topping on top.
5. Bake:
– Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, in a preheated oven.
– If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
6. Cool and Serve:
– Give the bread ten minutes or so to cool in the pan.
– Remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy your delicious Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf!
