Apple crumb bread is the kind of homemade treat that makes the whole house smell like a warm hug. I still remember the first loaf I baked—it was a rainy Saturday, and I had a basket of apples waiting for something special. I combined simple pantry staples, crossed my fingers, and pulled out the most tender, cinnamon-swirled bread with a buttery crumb topping. My friends devoured it in minutes, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Baking this cozy loaf has become a seasonal ritual for me, especially when crisp apples hit peak flavor. Whether you’re welcoming fall or just need something sweet to go with your coffee, apple crumb bread never disappoints. With a perfectly moist crumb, warm spice, and that irresistible streusel topping, it checks every box.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through every detail—how to make it, how to bake it right, and how to troubleshoot common questions like crumb topping texture and doneness. You’ll also find similar cozy bakes like Pumpkin Banana Bread and Invisible Apple Cake, so you can fill your recipe box with apple-flavored love.
The Story Behind Apple Crumb Bread
A Loaf Worth Remembering
There’s something about apple crumb bread that turns an ordinary day into something sweet. It’s simple yet comforting—packed with cinnamon spice, tender apple chunks, and a buttery crumble topping that adds just the right amount of texture. It’s the kind of loaf that makes you pause for a moment with each bite.
When I started baking seriously, apple-based recipes like Zucchini Apple Pie and Pumpkin Apple Treats opened the door to countless flavor combos. But this bread stood out. It was easy, rich, and perfect for both breakfast and dessert. It became my go-to gift for neighbors and friends—and it never came back with leftovers.
Flavor and Texture You Can Count On
What makes this apple crumb bread so good? It’s the harmony of texture and taste. The soft, vanilla-scented interior is dotted with apple pieces that hold their shape, while the cinnamon crumb topping stays crisp. The final touch—a maple glaze—adds just a hint of sweetness and shine.
Even better, you don’t need any fancy ingredients. This loaf is made from scratch using items you probably already have in your pantry: flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and milk. Recipes like Pumpkin Streusel Muffins also use a similar crumble method, so if you’ve baked those, you’ll feel right at home.
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Apple Crumb Bread Recipe | 1 Bakery-Style Treat You’ll Love
- Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple crumb bread is a cozy homemade loaf made with chopped apples, cinnamon spice, and a buttery crumb topping, finished with a maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup peeled, chopped apples
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Mix crumb topping ingredients until clumpy and set aside.
3. Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
4. In another bowl, mix sugar, eggs, and melted butter, then add milk and vanilla.
5. Combine wet and dry mixtures gently until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped apples.
7. Scoop batter into pan and smooth the top.
8. Sprinkle crumb topping and lightly press into batter.
9. Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Let loaf cool completely in pan.
11. Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled bread.
12. Let glaze set, then slice and serve.
Notes
Best served fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Use any firm apple variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
You can freeze it for up to 2 months (unglazed).
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: apple crumb bread, cinnamon apple bread, crumb topping loaf, fall baking, moist apple bread
How to Make Apple Crumb Bread from Scratch
Ingredients That Keep Apple crumb bread Simple
To make your own apple crumb bread, gather these ingredients:
For the Crumb Topping
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
For the Bread
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 cup peeled, chopped apples
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
These basic ingredients come together for something greater than the sum of its parts. Just like in Pumpkin Zucchini Bread, the balance of moisture and sweetness is key.
Step-by-Step Directions to Apple crumb bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Prepare the crumb topping by mixing sugars and flour, then adding melted butter until clumps form. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, mix sugar, eggs, and melted butter. Then add milk and vanilla.
- Combine the wet and dry mixtures until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Gently fold in chopped apples.
- Pour the batter into your loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly and press it lightly into the batter.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool completely.
- Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over the cooled bread.
Recipes like Snickerdoodle Banana Bread also follow similar baking timelines and methods, so if you’ve made that one, this will feel familiar.
How to Perfect Texture and Flavor Every Time
Getting the Perfect Crumb Topping
The crumb topping is arguably the best part of apple crumb bread—but it can also be tricky. The secret is the ratio of flour to fat. Too much butter and it melts into the loaf. Too little and it’s dry and sandy.
Make sure the topping looks like wet sand when mixing. Press it gently into the batter before baking. This ensures it stays on top rather than sinking. You can even add a pinch of extra cinnamon or use the method from the Crumble Cookie Recipe to dial up the texture.
As it bakes, the topping forms crispy clusters that add contrast to the moist bread underneath. If you want to experiment, chopped pecans or oats make great additions.
Baking Times and Doneness Clues
People often wonder: How do I know when apple crumb bread is done? The sweet spot is 45–55 minutes in a 350°F oven. But since every oven varies, use a toothpick test. Insert it in the center—if it comes out with just a few crumbs, you’re golden.
Another tip is to look for color and feel. The edges should pull away slightly from the pan, and the top will be golden brown with a firm center. If you’re familiar with Pumpkin Bread Recipes, the timing is almost identical.
Don’t forget to let it cool in the pan. The crumb topping is fragile when hot, and the bread needs time to set before slicing.
Answering Your Top Apple crumb bread Baking Questions
How to Know When Apple Crumb Pie or Crumble is Done?
This question pops up a lot: How to know when apple crumb pie is done? Or even apple crumble? The answer is in the bubbling edges and golden topping. The filling should be soft and bubbling through the cracks, and the top should be crisp and golden—not pale.
If you’re baking an apple loaf like this bread, a toothpick test in the center is your best bet. You want moist crumbs but no wet batter.
What’s the Secret to Open Crumb Bread?
While apple crumb bread leans toward a moist and tight crumb, many bread lovers aim for open-crumb texture (like in artisan loaves). The secret? Hydration and gentle mixing. Use higher water content, avoid over-kneading, and allow long proof times.
But for this recipe, a denser texture is ideal—it holds the apples better and supports the crumb topping without collapsing.
Still curious about crumb varieties? Check out breads like Blueberry Zucchini Bread for inspiration.
Conclusion: Apple crumb bread A Loaf You’ll Bake Again and Again
Apple crumb bread is more than just a loaf—it’s a cozy baking tradition. With its simple ingredients, quick prep, and irresistible results, it’s a go-to recipe that never disappoints. Whether it’s your first loaf or your fiftieth, there’s always something special about pulling this bread from the oven.
You can enjoy it warm from the pan, with a drizzle of glaze, or even slightly toasted with butter the next day. However you slice it, it’s bakery-level comfort straight from your kitchen.
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FAQ Section About Apple crumb bread
How to know when apple crumb pie is done?
When the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the top and edges, it’s done. Let it cool before slicing to help it set.
What is the secret to open crumb bread?
High hydration dough, minimal handling, and long fermentation are key to creating large, irregular air pockets typical in artisan bread.
How long to bake an apple loaf?
Bake for 45–55 minutes at 350°F. Start checking at the 45-minute mark using a toothpick in the center
How to know if apple crumble is done?
The topping should be golden and crisp, and the fruit should be bubbling. Bake times usually range from 40–50 minutes depending on pan depth.