Moist and packed with juicy fresh apple, this Apple Cinnamon Bread does not disappoint!
I could also call this “quarantine bread”, but that wouldn´t necessarily make your mouth water.
Claudio and I eat a ridiculous amount of fruit at home, especially when we are locked inside the entire day. A couple of weeks ago, the “fruitería” by our house store had run out of most fruit and only had apples left, so Claudio compensated by bringing home around 30 apples. Yes, that is too many apples for two people. So I thought, when life hands you apples, you make apple bread! After various tries, I found the perfect recipe!
I am a huge fan of sweet quick breads. To me, it is the perfect snack to have at home during the day. That being said, I have put down my fair share since the quarantine started 6 weeks ago! I always try to find a balance between being on the healthier-side with maximum flavor. This Apple Cinnamon Bread scores in all categories! It is super flavorful and moist, and uses less oil and sugar than most apple breads that you will find out there.
Nutritional Benefits
Here are a few facts that will make you feel even better about snacking on this Apple Cinnamon Bread:
- Apples contain soluble fiber, which is the kind that lowers cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease
- Cinnamon is high in antioxidants, and even small amounts daily can make a big difference
- Walnuts make this cake more hearty and filling, plus they have more omega-3 fats than any other nuts, lowering blood cholesterol and reducing heart disease risk
- Whole-wheat flour ups the fiber content, provides 6.4g of fiber per 1/2 cup serving while white flour only has 1.2g. I prefer whole-wheat flour in many loaf cakes, as it is more filling and has a slightly denser texture which I love.
What kind of apples should you use?
I like using a green apples for this recipe, Make do with what you have, it will come out delicious either way. I did make this recipe with a soft red delicious apple once, and while the cake was still very tasty, the apple kind of dissolved in the cake. Using a firmer apple such as Gala or Fuji will allow the chopped apple to keep a nice texture once it is baked.
This cake is made with ingredients that you most likely already have in your pantry. So what are you waiting for??
Apple Cinnamon Bread
Ingredients
- 1 apple, peeled and chopped in small cubes (about 1.5 cups) See Note 1
- 1 cup plant-based milk See Note 2
- ¼ cup neutral oil (I use sunflower) can sub ¼ cup applesauce (See Note 3)
- ½ cup coconut sugar can sub 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups whole-wheat flour (260g)
- 1.5 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
Topping
- 3/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1 tbs coconut sugar can sub brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, add the whole wheat flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder
- In a small bowl, mix together the plant based milk, oil, coconut sugar, & vanilla. Add to the large bowl with the dry ingredients and mix well
- Stir in the apples and transfer to a prepared loaf pan. I ike to use a strip of parchment paper to prevent sticking. If not using parchment paper be sure that you pan is greased and floured.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove from pan and allow to finish cooling on a wire-rack for 30 minutes. Then enjoy a nice warm piece!
- Store in an airtight container on the counter for 3-4 days. Freeze for long-term storage.