As the air grows crisp and the leaves begin to turn, there’s nothing quite like the inviting aroma of warm spices and baked apples filling your kitchen. This Dutch Apple Bread with its Sweet Crumble Topping is a quintessential fall bake, embodying everything cozy and comforting about the season. It’s a moist, tender loaf packed with tender apple pieces and crowned with an irresistible, buttery streusel and a sweet vanilla icing. Perfect for a leisurely breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert, it’s a slice of pure autumn bliss.
Why I Love This Recipe
I have a deep appreciation for baked goods that offer both warmth and vibrant fruit flavors, and this Dutch Apple Bread is a perfect example. What I truly adore about this recipe is the beautiful interplay of textures and tastes. The moist, tender crumb of the bread, studded with sweet-tart apples, provides the perfect base for the buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumble topping that adds an incredible crunch. And then, a delicate drizzle of vanilla icing brings it all together with just the right amount of extra sweetness.
It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the season’s apple bounty, and its aroma alone is enough to make anyone feel cozy. This bread is impressive enough to share with guests, yet simple enough for a relaxed weekend baking project. Every bite feels like a warm hug, making it an instant favorite in my household.
Ingredients
To bake this delicious Dutch Apple Bread, you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups diced peeled green apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
For the Crumble Topping:
- 5 tablespoons cold butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Icing:
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Swaps and Notes
- Apples: Green apples like Granny Smith are ideal as their tartness provides a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the bread and crumble, and they hold their shape well when baked. However, you can use other firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Ensure they are peeled and diced into small, uniform pieces.
- Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and earthy flavor. If you have a nut allergy or prefer not to use them, you can simply omit them or swap them for a sprinkle of oats or pumpkin seeds in the batter.
- Milk: Any kind of milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work here.
- Vanilla Extract: Use a good quality vanilla extract for the best flavor in both the bread and the icing.
- Crumble Topping Butter: Make sure the butter for the crumble is cold and cut into small pieces. This helps create that delightful crumbly texture. You can also use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour and sugar mixture for the crumble.
- Sweetener Adjustments: You can slightly reduce the sugar in the bread if your apples are very sweet or if you prefer a less sweet loaf.
List of Steps for the Recipe
- Prepare Bread Batter (Wet Ingredients): In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. Next, beat in the eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the 1/2 cup milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extractuntil everything is well combined.
- Prepare Bread Batter (Dry Ingredients): In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder to ensure they’re blended nicely and aerated.
- Combine Bread Batter: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix! Overmixing will develop the gluten and result in a tough bread. A few streaks of flour are okay.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Carefully fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, creating a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
- Make the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, prepare the crumble topping. Combine the 5 tablespoons of cold butter (cut into small pieces), 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Use your fingers, a fork, or a pastry blender to work the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Prepare Loaf Pan & Assemble: Line a 10x4x3 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides to help with easy removal. Pour the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Add Crumble: Sprinkle the crumble mixture generously and evenly over the top of the batter for that perfect crunch.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Cool Bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before gently using the parchment paper overhang to transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely to room temperature before icing.
- Prepare Icing: While the bread cools, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoon of melted butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract until you have a smooth, pourable icing. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
- Drizzle & Enjoy: Once your bread has reached room temperature, drizzle that heavenly icing generously over the top. Slice and get ready to enjoy your delicious Dutch Apple Bread!
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best emulsion and a smooth batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter after flour is added can lead to tough bread. Mix just until combined.
- Cold Butter for Crumble: This is crucial for a crumbly, rather than cakey, streusel topping.
- Test for Doneness: A skewer or toothpick inserted into the very center should come out clean, indicating the bread is fully baked through.
- Cool Completely Before Icing: Icing warm bread will cause the icing to melt and run off. Patience is key for that perfect drizzle.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Dutch Apple Bread is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Breakfast or Brunch: A slice with your morning coffee or tea is pure bliss.
- Dessert: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a more decadent treat.
- Afternoon Treat: A perfect companion for an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Gift: This bread makes a thoughtful homemade gift for friends, family, or neighbors.
- Fall Gatherings: It’s an ideal addition to any fall-themed party or holiday dessert spread.
- Complementary Fall Flavors: This bread pairs beautifully with other autumn favorites. Consider serving alongside These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Are My Favorite Fall Treat in Bite-Sized Form for an ultimate apple dessert spread, or with This Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins Are My Favorite Fall Treat to Bake on Repeat.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Store your Dutch Apple Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the un-iced bread (or slices) for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw at room temperature before adding the icing and serving.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you love comforting baked goods and delightful sweet treats, be sure to explore some of these other fantastic recipes from Chef Maniac:
- For another popular fruit bread, try This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas.
- If you’re a fan of rich, decadent desserts, you’ll want to check out The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (and I’ve Made a Lot).
- And for a simple yet delicious fall-themed no-bake dessert, don’t miss This Pumpkin Delight Dessert is My Favorite No-Bake Fall Treat.
Final Thoughts
This Dutch Apple Bread with its sweet crumble topping is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to embrace the cozy, comforting flavors of fall. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and fills your home with an irresistible aroma. Get ready to enjoy a slice of pure happiness!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy baked apples in the fall? Share your thoughts and serving suggestions in the comments below! And for more amazing recipes that celebrate the seasons and bring warmth to your kitchen, be sure to follow Chef Maniac and Jason Griffith.
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