Go Back
–+ servings
Dutch Apple Bread 1

Dutch Apple Bread

This beloved classic combines the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of brown sugar, and the tartness of fresh apples into a moist, irresistible loaf with a signature crumb topping. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert that captures autumn's essence.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, Dutch
Servings 12 slices
Calories 275 kcal

Equipment

  • 9×5-inch loaf pan
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Wire Cooling Rack

Ingredients
  

For the Bread

  • 1/2 cup butter softened (113g)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1/4 cup milk (60ml)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated preferred
  • 2 cups apples peeled, cored and diced (about 2 medium Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn)

For the Cinnamon Crumb Topping

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar packed (67g)
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (42g)
  • 2 tablespoons butter softened (28g)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
  • In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, softened butter, cinnamon, and salt. Use a fork or your fingertips to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
  • Gently fold in the diced apples, being careful not to crush them.
  • Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter, covering the entire surface.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Wait until the bread is just slightly warm before cutting for best results.

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions:
  • Use plant-based butter and milk for a dairy-free version
  • Replace white sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor profile
  • Substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition
  • While firm, tart apples work best, any apple variety will work
Healthier Alternatives:
  • Reduce refined sugar by 25% and add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to compensate
  • Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat version
  • Use whole wheat pastry flour or white whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose
  • Add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for heart-healthy fats
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
  • Don't use soft apple varieties like Red Delicious as they can become mushy
  • Allow proper cooling time to prevent gummy texture
  • Use the scoop and level method for measuring flour
  • Make sure eggs and milk are at room temperature

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 3.5gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6.5gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 205mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 25gVitamin C: 8mgIron: 4mg
Keyword Apple Bread, Dutch Apple Bread, Fall Baking, Cinnamon Crumb Topping
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!