Name: Caramel Apple Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt; 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); ½ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Why You’ll Love Caramel Apple Bread Recipe

It’s packed with chunks of fresh apple in every slice.
A rich caramel swirl adds indulgent sweetness and a gooey texture.
Perfect for fall gatherings, bake sales, or holiday brunches.
Easy to make with pantry staples and no yeast required.
The flavor intensifies over time, making it even better the next day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vegetable oil or melted butter
Vanilla extract
Milk or buttermilk
Apples (peeled and chopped)
Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined.
Stir in the oil (or melted butter), vanilla extract, and milk.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Fold in the chopped apples evenly throughout the batter.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then drizzle a layer of caramel sauce over it.
Pour the remaining batter over the caramel layer and drizzle more caramel on top. Use a knife to gently swirl the caramel into the batter.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 standard loaf, yielding about 8–10 slices.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 55–65 minutes
Cooling time: 15–20 minutes

Variations

Add nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
Spiced twist: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for more warmth.
Glazed finish: Drizzle extra caramel or a powdered sugar glaze over the cooled loaf.
Apple choice: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for contrast or sweet varieties like Honeycrisp for a milder flavor.
Mini loaves: Divide the batter between smaller loaf pans for gifting or portion control.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cooled Caramel Apple Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To freeze, wrap the loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.

FAQs

How do I keep the apples from sinking to the bottom?

Toss the chopped apples in a little flour before adding them to the batter. This helps distribute them evenly throughout the bread.

Can I use applesauce instead of chopped apples?

You can substitute some of the oil or butter with applesauce for added moisture, but it’s best not to replace the chopped apples entirely if you want the fruity texture.

What type of apple works best in this recipe?

Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness and firmness, but you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples for a sweeter flavor.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure all other ingredients used are also gluten-free.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling the apples is recommended for a softer texture, but you can leave the peels on if you prefer a more rustic feel.

How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s done. The top should also be golden brown.

Can I make muffins with this batter?

Yes, divide the batter among muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18–22 minutes.

Should I use homemade or store-bought caramel?

Either works well. Homemade caramel will give you a richer flavor, while store-bought is convenient and still delicious.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and divide the batter between two loaf pans. Adjust the baking time as needed, and monitor for doneness.

What can I serve with Caramel Apple Bread?

It pairs wonderfully with coffee, spiced tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Bread is a delightful way to enjoy the comforting flavors of fall all year long. With tender apples, swirls of caramel, and warm spices, each bite offers a cozy, homemade taste that’s sure to please family and guests alike. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a weekend treat, this recipe is a go-to favorite you’ll want to make again and again.