Dutch Apple Bread

Description:

Dutch Apple Bread is a deliciously moist quick bread packed with fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and a crumbly streusel topping. Drizzled with a sweet glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. This comforting loaf captures the flavors of autumn in every bite.

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

• All-purpose flour: 2 cups
• Granulated sugar: ¾ cup
• Baking powder: 1½ teaspoons
• Baking soda: ½ teaspoon
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
• Eggs: 2
• Unsalted butter: ½ cup (melted and cooled)
• Buttermilk: ½ cup
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• Apples: 2 cups (peeled and diced, about 2 medium apples)

For the Streusel Topping:

• Brown sugar: ⅓ cup
• All-purpose flour: ⅓ cup
• Ground cinnamon: ½ teaspoon
• Unsalted butter: 3 tablespoons (cold and cubed)

For the Glaze:

• Powdered sugar: ½ cup
• Milk or cream: 1–2 tablespoons
• Vanilla extract: ¼ teaspoon

Optional Ingredients:

• Chopped walnuts or pecans: ½ cup (for extra crunch)
• Ground nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon (for added spice)
• Raisins: ⅓ cup (for a sweeter, chewy texture)

Tips for Success:

1. Use firm apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for their balance of sweetness and tartness.
2. Don’t overmix the batter: This ensures a tender crumb.
3. Chill the streusel before baking: This helps create a crisp, crumbly texture.

Steps to Make It:

1. Prepare the Bread Batter:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the diced apples (and optional nuts or raisins if using).

2. Make the Streusel Topping:

1. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Assemble and Bake:

1. Pour the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
2. Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter.
3. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Add the Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread before slicing and serving.

Recommendations:

• Serving suggestions: Serve warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition (Per Slice, Approx. 10 slices):

• Calories: ~280
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 180mg

Warm, crumbly, and packed with apple goodness, Dutch Apple Bread is a comforting treat that’s perfect any time of year. ✨