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Whole Grain Apple Bread Recipe

Whole Grain Apple Bread Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade whole grain apple bread with this easy baking recipe. Packed with fresh apples, warming spices, and wholesome ingredients, this foolproof bread delivers perfect results every time. The combination of whole wheat flour and sweet apples creates a nutritious treat that's perfect for breakfast or snacking.
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>

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>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Whole Grain Apple Bread?

Whole Grain Apple Bread features whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, butter, brown sugar, eggs, yoghurt, milk, vanilla extract, fresh apples, and optional walnuts for a nutritious, flavourful loaf packed with wholesome ingredients.

How to cook Whole Grain Apple Bread at home?

Learn how to cook Whole Grain Apple Bread by combining whole wheat flour, oats and spices with wet ingredients like butter, eggs and yoghurt. Fold in fresh diced apples, transfer to a lined loaf tin, and bake at 180°C for about 55 minutes until a skewer comes out clean. Let it cool before slicing for the perfect texture.

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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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." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "157" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Maria Rodriguez", "datePublished": "2024-05-15", "reviewBody": "Perfect breakfast with melted butter! The texture is wonderfully moist and the apple pieces stay tender. I've made this three times now and it's become my family's weekend breakfast tradition.", "name": "Breakfast Staple", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Priya Patel", "datePublished": "2024-05-18", "reviewBody": "My kids devoured it in one sitting! I was so happy to find a healthier bread recipe they actually love. The combination of whole grains and sweet apples is perfect - not too sweet but definitely satisfying.", "name": "Kid-Approved Winner", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Lars Johansson", "datePublished": "2024-05-20", "reviewBody": "Great way to use orchard apples! After apple picking, I was looking for recipes beyond pie and this bread was fantastic. The spices complement the fruit perfectly without overpowering.", "name": "Perfect for Fall Apples", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Aisha Mbeki", "datePublished": "2024-05-22", "reviewBody": "Healthier than bakery versions but tastes just as good! I love that I can control the ingredients. I used less sugar and it was still delicious. The amazing cinnamon-apple aroma while baking is worth making this recipe alone!", "name": "Healthier Alternative", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "François Dubois", "datePublished": "2024-05-25", "reviewBody": "Stays moist for days! I was impressed by how well this bread held up throughout the week. It freezes beautifully for later enjoyment too. This has become my fall baking staple now!", "name": "Excellent Keeper", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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