Grated Apple Bread
This delicious Grated Apple Bread recipe solves the common problem of dry, flavorless apple bread by using freshly grated apples that infuse moisture and flavor throughout every bite. Unlike chunky apple recipes, this grated apple technique ensures the apple's natural juices and aromatics are distributed evenly, creating a moist, tender crumb that stays fresh for days.
Equipment
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Box Grater
- Parchment Paper
- Electric Mixer
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened (1 stick)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated apples about 2-3 medium apples, preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping (Optional)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Alternatively, grease and flour the pan thoroughly.
- Wash, peel, and core your apples. Using the large holes of a box grater, grate the apples directly onto a clean kitchen towel. Once grated, gently squeeze the apple shreds to remove about 2 tablespoons of juice (but not all – some moisture is essential).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid over-mixing.
- Gently fold in the grated apples and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- If using the cinnamon sugar topping, combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar topping if using.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil after 35-40 minutes.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Substitution Options:
- Flour: Substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition
- Sugar: Replace with 3/4 cup honey or maple syrup (reduce other liquids by 2 tablespoons)
- Butter: Use 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat option
- Eggs: Replace with 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water)
- Apples: Any firm apple variety works, but tart apples provide the best flavor contrast Storing Tips:
- Counter storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Refrigerator storage: Extends shelf life to 5-7 days (wrap tightly in plastic wrap first)
- Freezer storage: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months
- Refreshing tip: Microwave refrigerated slices for 10-15 seconds or toast frozen slices directly
- Flour: Substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition
- Sugar: Replace with 3/4 cup honey or maple syrup (reduce other liquids by 2 tablespoons)
- Butter: Use 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat option
- Eggs: Replace with 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water)
- Apples: Any firm apple variety works, but tart apples provide the best flavor contrast Storing Tips:
- Counter storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Refrigerator storage: Extends shelf life to 5-7 days (wrap tightly in plastic wrap first)
- Freezer storage: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months
- Refreshing tip: Microwave refrigerated slices for 10-15 seconds or toast frozen slices directly
Nutrition
Calories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 178mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 20g
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