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Whole Grain Apple Bread Recipe

Whole Grain Apple Bread Recipe

By What’s Baking

Moist, tender whole grain bread studded with sweet apple chunks and warming spices, perfect for breakfast, snacking, or alongside a cup of tea.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Serves:
1 loaf (12 slices)
An overhead shot of a rustic loaf of Whole Grain Apple Bread with a perfect rise and golden-brown top, sliced to reveal a moist, hearty crumb studded with tender apple pieces. Captured in soft morning light on a wooden cutting board with scattered fresh apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and wheat stalks creating visual context. A pat of melting butter glistens on one warm slice, highlighting the bread's inviting texture, while steam gently rises, emphasizing its freshly-baked appeal. The rich amber tones of the crust contrast beautifully with the earthy whole grain interior and jewel-like apple chunks throughout.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">240g whole wheat flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g rolled oats</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp baking powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp baking soda</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp ground nutmeg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">90g unsalted butter, melted and cooled</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g brown sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 large eggs, at room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">80ml plain yogurt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300g apples (about 2-3 medium), peeled, cored and diced into 1cm pieces</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g walnuts, chopped (optional)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">23cm x 13cm (9x5 inch) loaf pan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Wire cooling rack</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 23cm x 13cm loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the bread out after baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. The oats add wonderful texture while the spices will complement the sweetness of the apples beautifully.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar together until smooth. The brown sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes moisture and a lovely caramel note to the bread.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, whisking well after each addition until fully incorporated. Then stir in the yogurt, milk, and vanilla extract. This wet mixture provides the perfect amount of moisture for a tender crumb.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula just until no dry flour remains visible. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher bread, so mix just until combined.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The pieces of apple will create pockets of moisture and sweetness as they bake.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with your spatula. The batter will be quite thick - this is perfect for supporting the apple pieces.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes - this resting period allows the structure to set. Then use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bread out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This patience ensures the bread won't crumble when cut.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Once cooled, slice with a serrated knife. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices wrapped individually for up to 3 months - simply thaw at room temperature or toast from frozen for a quick breakfast.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 slice
🔥 Calories: 195 calories
🥑 Fat: 7 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 30 g
🍭 Sugar: 12 g
🍗 Protein: 4 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 45 mg
🧂 Sodium: 165 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I use different types of apples in this bread recipe?

Yes, you can use various apple varieties! Tart apples like Granny Smith provide nice contrast to the sweet bread, while sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala offer more natural sweetness. Mix different types for complex flavour, just ensure they're firm enough to hold their shape during baking.

What makes whole grain bread healthier than regular white bread?

Whole grain bread contains the entire grain kernel—bran, germ, and endosperm—providing more fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than refined white flour. This higher nutritional profile supports better digestion, helps stabilise blood sugar levels, and contributes to overall heart health.

How can I tell when my apple quick bread is perfectly baked?

Your apple bread is perfectly baked when a wooden skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The top should be golden brown and spring back slightly when touched. The internal temperature should reach about 93-96°C (200-205°F).

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