This Dutch Apple Bread is a delightful blend of soft, buttery bread with chunks of fresh apples, crunchy nuts, and a cinnamon-sugar crumble topping that adds just the right amount of sweetness and texture. The tender, moist bread bursts with the flavor of diced green apples, and the warm spices make it the perfect comfort treat for fall or any time you crave a homemade baked good. Finished with a drizzle of vanilla glaze, this bread is a true crowd-pleaser and ideal for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- ½ cup softened butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1½ cups peeled and diced green apples
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
For the Topping:
- 5 tablespoons cold butter, diced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and creamy. Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth and well-combined. - Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined—be careful not to overmix. - Add the Apples and Nuts:
Gently fold in the diced green apples and chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. - Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the cold butter, flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix the ingredients until they form a crumbly texture. - Assemble and Bake:
Pour the bread batter into a parchment-lined loaf pan (10 x 4 x 3 inches). Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the top of the batter. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack. - Add the Glaze:
While the bread is cooling, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create the vanilla glaze. Once the bread has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top for added sweetness and presentation.
Tips for Success:
- Apple Selection: Green apples, like Granny Smith, add a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the bread. Feel free to experiment with other apple varieties for different flavor profiles.
- Topping Texture: For an even crispier topping, ensure the butter is very cold when mixing the crumble. This will help create a perfectly crunchy, golden-brown crust.
- Storage: This bread stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature, but you can also refrigerate or freeze it to enjoy later. Just reheat slices for a warm treat!
This Dutch Apple Bread is the perfect combination of rich, buttery bread, juicy apples, and a sweet, crunchy topping, making it an irresistible addition to your recipe collection!
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