Imagine the cozy scent of cinnamon and apples filling your kitchen while your homemade Apple Pie Bread baking works its magic in the oven. This easy recipe turns everyday ingredients into a soft, tender loaf packed with apple pie flavor and fall nostalgia. It’s ridiculously simple to make and always draws a crowd, whether you’re slicing it up for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Enjoy a slice warm out of the oven, and you’ll understand why this has become a favorite around here!

Homemade Apple Pie Bread baking Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of homemade Apple Pie Bread baking lies in its straightforward ingredients—each one serving a flavorful purpose to create that classic apple pie essence in every bite. Simple pantry staples combine with a can of pie filling and fresh apple for a loaf that’s moist, aromatic, and full of character.

Apple pie filling (1 can, 21 ounces, mashed): Delivers the sweet, spiced apple flavor and keeps the bread incredibly moist.
Yellow cake mix (1 box): Acts as the base for the bread, lending a tender, cake-like crumb and just the right touch of sweetness.
Eggs (4, lightly beaten): Provide structure and richness while helping bind everything together for a satisfying texture.
Self-rising flour (1 cup): Adds lift and a bit of extra fluffiness; this is key to keeping the loaf light.
Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the warmth and brings that unmistakable apple pie vibe to every slice.
Fresh apple (1 medium, chopped): Offers pockets of real fruit for juicy bites and a rustic feel.
Sugar and cinnamon (for topping): Creates a sweet, crunchy top that crackles when you slice into the bread.

How to Make Homemade Apple Pie Bread baking

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This moderate temperature lets the bread bake gently, yielding a tender crumb. Grease two loaf pans well with butter or nonstick spray—this step ensures easy release, so those beautiful loaves slip right out after baking.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yellow cake mix, self-rising flour, and cinnamon. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps ensure the warm spice and leavening are distributed throughout the batter, so you get an even flavor and rise in every slice.

Step 3: Add Apples and Eggs

Stir in the mashed apple pie filling and the lightly beaten eggs. Switch to a spatula or spoon and mix until just combined—overmixing can make your bread less tender. At this stage, the batter will look thick and chunky, which is exactly what you want for homemade Apple Pie Bread baking success.

Step 4: Fold in Fresh Apples

Gently fold in the chopped fresh apple pieces. These little apple chunks give your bread pockets of fruity goodness and extra moisture, making each bite completely irresistible.

Step 5: Assemble and Sprinkle

Divide your batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. For homemade Apple Pie Bread baking that looks as great as it tastes, sprinkle the tops generously with cinnamon and sugar. As the loaves bake, this topping forms a crackly, golden crust that’s everyone’s favorite part.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pans into the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. The loaves are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with maybe a few moist crumbs attached. Let the bread cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to finish cooling. This rest time helps the loaf set, making it easy to slice cleanly.

How to Serve Homemade Apple Pie Bread baking

Garnishes

Dress up each slice with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this bread into a dreamy dessert, while a sprinkle of toasted nuts adds crunch and contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair homemade Apple Pie Bread baking with a mug of hot cider, strong coffee, or chai latte for the ultimate breakfast or brunch experience. If you’re serving it at a gathering, fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, or a platter of cheeses are perfect complements, balancing out the bread’s cozy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the loaf thick and toasting it lightly, then spreading with cinnamon butter for a decadent morning treat. For a fun twist, cut the bread into cubes and layer them in a trifle with whipped cream and caramel sauce. Homemade Apple Pie Bread baking also makes thoughtful homemade gifts—wrap cooled slices in parchment and tie with twine for a rustic, heartwarming touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This bread keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to three days. Once it’s fully cooled, wrap the loaves tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. The flavors tend to deepen on the second day, making homemade Apple Pie Bread baking even more delicious as leftovers.

Freezing

To freeze, let the bread cool completely, then wrap whole loaves or individual slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Homemade Apple Pie Bread baking thaws quickly on the counter and tastes just as fabulous as the day you baked it.

Reheating

To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or toast lightly for crisp edges. For larger portions, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through. The apple and cinnamon aromas will come alive all over again!

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! Try swapping in a spice cake mix or even vanilla for a fun twist. Each flavor brings a new dimension to homemade Apple Pie Bread baking, but classic yellow cake mix keeps things traditional and cozy.

Do I have to use canned apple pie filling?

If you prefer, you can make your own apple pie filling from scratch—just cook down apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of cornstarch until thickened. Homemade Apple Pie Bread baking is delicious either way, though canned filling is a convenient time-saver.

What’s the best type of apple to use?

Go for a crisp apple like Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or even Gala for a mellow flavor. The fresh apple chunks give homemade Apple Pie Bread baking that irresistible, homey bite, so choose your favorite variety!

Can I bake this in a single pan instead of two loaves?

If you use a large Bundt pan or a deep loaf pan, simply adjust the baking time and check for doneness with a toothpick. Keep an eye on it; homemade Apple Pie Bread baking should be golden and set in the center when it’s ready.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a gluten-free cake mix and self-rising gluten-free flour. With these swaps, more people can enjoy homemade Apple Pie Bread baking while maintaining its tender texture and comforting flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that fills your home with warmth and nostalgia, give homemade Apple Pie Bread baking a whirl. It’s comfort food at its coziest—perfect for sharing, gifting, or saving all to yourself. Go ahead, preheat your oven and get ready to fall in love with every slice!