Banana, pumpkin, zucchini, if it’s a bread – I want it, and this vegan apple bread might just be my new favorite one. There’s something about a gooey, cinnamon apple filling that just seems to please everyone! It’s easy, moist, and bursting with flavor – you won’t believe how good apples in bread can be.
There’s no denying the delicious-ness that is banana bread, but did you know apple bread is equally as delicious? Seriously! This loaf is sweet, gooey (in the best way possible) and filled with fresh apples.
If you’re ever left with apples you need to use up, there’s few things better than making this bread (although my apple egg rolls are also quite tasty!). Plus, did I mention this recipe will make your kitchen smell like a fall scented candle? It’s basically heaven.
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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Easy to Make – While this apple bread looks fancy, it’s super easy to make. Combine the ingredients, layer in a bread pan, and you’re set.
Simple Ingredients – To make this loaf all you need are your classic quick bread ingredients as well as some apples and spices. That’s it!
Makes a Perfect Snack – I love making loafs like these because they’re the best snack! You can have a slice with your breakfast, for dessert, or just as an afternoon treat. And trust me, this bread is guaranteed to make your afternoon a thousand times better.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (WITH SUBSTITUTIONS)
To make this vegan apple bread you will need the following ingredients:
All-Purpose Flour: To make this bread, we will be using all-purpose flour and oat flour. While I have not tested it, a 1:1 GF flour blend should work as well!
Oat Flour: The combination of all-purpose and oat flour yields a fluffy loaf that rises well and supports the apple center.
Ground Flaxseed: In this recipe we are using ground flaxseed as a replacement for an egg. I love using ground flax as an egg replacement because you get protein, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids! You just mix with water, let it sit to thicken, and there you have it – a vegan “egg” substitute.
Vegan Butter: Using butter gives this bread a fluffy and rich texture.
Unsweetened Apple Sauce: You can never have too many apple products in an apple bread! Unsweetened apple sauce compliments the oil in this recipe. Unsweetened apple sauce is ideal as the recipe already calls for sweetener in the bread.
Plant Milk: Any non-dairy milk is fine in this recipe! Coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk, etc all work.
Sugar: To add a bit of sweetness.
Sea Salt, Vanilla Extract, & Baking Powder: Standard quick bread ingredients.
Cinnamon & Brown Sugar: Cinnamon and brown sugar are mixed together and added before and after the chopped apples to compliment the flavor and get a delicious, rich caramel tasting sweetness.
Apples: And of course for apple bread, we need chopped apples! You can use any apples you have lying around. No, need to go out and buy special ones! If you want a tart flavor though I do recommend using granny smith apples, otherwise Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, etc are all great options.
HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
Making this apple loaf is super easy! Simply follow the below instructions and you’ll have a delicious apple bread waiting to be devoured.
As always, for ingredient amounts and full instructions make sure to read the recipe card below.
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F. While it’s preheating stir together your “egg.” You can use a flax egg, chia egg, or an actual egg replacer and all should yield similar results! I love using ground flax – you get protein, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids and it yields a pretty consistent outcome.
Step 2: Start by making your flax egg. To do this combine the ground flax in a small bowl with water and whisk together. Let sit for 10 minutes to thicken.
Step 3: Next, you’re going to chop up the apples into small squares and set aside.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Then, in a separate bowl cream together the vegan butter and sugar. Then, mix in the apple sauce, vanilla, flax egg and non-dairy milk.
Step 6: Mix together the wet ingredients with the dry until just combined, make sure not to over mix or it can end up being very tough (both the batter and the finished product).
Step 7: Set the batter aside, then mix together the brown sugar and the cinnamon.
Step 8: Grease a 9 x 5 loaf pan (or 8 1/2 x 4 1/2) and pour in half the batter, then add 1/2 of the cinnamon sugar mixture, 3/4 of the chopped apples, and then the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Top with the remaining batter and then the remaining chopped apples.
Step 9: Start checking the bread at about 40 minutes, expecting to take it out around 45 minutes. Make sure it’s baked completely by testing the batter by sticking a toothpick in it and ensuring it comes out clean.
And there you have it, a light bread to snack on and a house that smells like a fall candle – it’s a win, win!
STORAGE & REHEATING
Because of the moist apple layer, I would keep this bread at room temperature for no longer than a day. After that, you can store in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.
You can also freeze this bread for up to 2-3 months. Let cool after baking, slice, and freeze in a single layer on a plate/baking tray for about 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or ziploc bag. When ready to enjoy, let thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I pair this bread with?
While this bread is delicious on it’s own, it pairs extremely well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, cream cheese, and/or a light spread of peanut butter.
What can I top the bread with?
If you’d like to get creative with this bread, you can top it with more than just apples! You can add your favorite nuts (walnuts and pecans would be my recommendation), raisins, chia seeds, shredded coconut and/or more brown sugar and cinnamon.
How do I avoid over mixing the batter?
When making quick breads, it’s important not to over mix the batter! To avoid this, whisk the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately.
Then, use a rubber spatula to fold the wet ingredients into the dry. If there’s a few specks of flour left, that’s okay, just combine them when pouring the batter into the bread pan.
OTHER QUICK BREAD RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
If you decide to try this recipe out, let me know! I love seeing your recreations tagged on Instagram @nourishedwithnatalie.
Vegan Apple Bread
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup oat flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¼ tsp of salt
- 2 flax eggs 2 tbsp ground flax mixed with 5 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp vegan butter, softened
- ¼ cup apple sauce
- ⅔ cup non-dairy milk
- 2 tsp vanilla
Apple Cinnamon Filling
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 2 small apples, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a standard loaf pan (9×5)
- Stir together the ground flaxseed with water and let thicken for 5-10 minutes.
- Next, chop the apples into small 1/4 – 1/2 inch pieces and set aside.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar. Then mix in the rest of the wet ingredients (oil, vanilla, plant milk, apple sauce, and flax eggs)
- Mix together the wet and dry ingredients until just combined – the batter will be thick.
- In a small bowl mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon
- Pour half the batter in the loaf pan, then add half the cinnamon sugar mixture, 3/4s of the chopped apple, followed by the the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Add the remaining batter, then top with leftover apples.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown on top
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