Dutch Apple Bread Recipe: A Slice of Autumn Bliss

Fall is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a warm, comforting loaf of Dutch Apple Bread? This isn’t just any apple bread; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures. Imagine tender, moist bread studded with juicy apples, topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel that practically melts in your mouth. This recipe elevates the classic apple bread to a whole new level, making it the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack.

This Dutch Apple Bread is more than just delicious; it’s surprisingly easy to make. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you’ll be able to whip up this masterpiece with confidence. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of apples and cinnamon. Let’s bake some happiness!

Why This Recipe Works

This Dutch Apple Bread recipe stands out for several reasons:

• Moisture Retention: The use of oil and applesauce ensures a wonderfully moist and tender crumb that stays fresh for days.
• Flavor Balance: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract creates a warm and inviting flavor profile that perfectly complements the apples.
• Streusel Perfection: The streusel topping is carefully crafted with the right ratio of butter, flour, and sugar to create a crisp and crumbly texture that adds a delightful contrast to the soft bread.
• Easy to Adapt: This recipe is easily customizable. You can use different types of apples, add nuts or raisins, or even experiment with different spices.
• Detailed Instructions: The step-by-step instructions are clear and concise, ensuring success even for novice bakers.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples.
6. Prepare the Streusel: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
8. Bake: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent the loaf with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
9. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

• Use Cold Butter for Streusel: Using cold butter is crucial for creating a crumbly streusel topping. Make sure the butter is very cold before cutting it into the flour mixture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
• Choose the Right Apples: Use a firm, tart apple like Granny Smith or a sweeter apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji. A combination of both can also work well.
• Grease and Flour the Pan Thoroughly: This will prevent the bread from sticking to the pan. You can also use parchment paper to line the bottom of the pan for easy removal.
• Check for Doneness: The baking time may vary depending on your oven. Use a wooden skewer to check for doneness. If the skewer comes out clean, the bread is done.
• Let it Cool Completely: Resist the urge to slice into the bread while it’s still warm. Letting it cool completely allows the crumb to set and makes it easier to slice.

Storage Instructions

To store your Dutch Apple Bread:

• Room Temperature: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: To freeze the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. You can also slice the bread before freezing for individual portions.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of flour?

A: While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can substitute it with whole wheat pastry flour for a slightly denser texture. However, the texture will change slightly.

Q: Can I add nuts or raisins to the bread?

A: Absolutely! Adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins to the batter will add extra flavor and texture.

Q: Can I use a different type of oil?

A: Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil or melted coconut oil. Just be aware that coconut oil may impart a slight coconut flavor.

Q: My streusel topping is too dry. What can I do?

A: Add a teaspoon or two of melted butter to the streusel mixture until it comes together into coarse crumbs.

Q: My bread is browning too quickly. What should I do?

A: Tent the loaf with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent the top from burning.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a bundt pan?

A: While you can, you’ll need to adjust the baking time. Start checking for doneness around 45 minutes. Make sure to grease and flour the bundt pan very well.

Conclusion

This Dutch Apple Bread recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its moist texture, flavorful apples, and irresistible streusel topping make it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or serving it as a dessert at your next gathering, this bread is sure to impress. So, go ahead and bake a loaf today and experience the taste of autumn in every bite!