Name: Spiced Apple Bread with Streusel Topping Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar; 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar; 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt; 1/3 cup whole milk; 1 large Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious apple, peeled and diced

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting treat that perfectly blends autumn’s best flavors, you’re in for a delight with this Spiced Apple Bread with Streusel Topping Recipe. It’s got everything you want from a quick bread—a tender crumb infused with warm spices, juicy pockets of crisp apples, and a buttery streusel topping that adds just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, afternoon tea, or just because, this bread feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image of a white bowl filled with a layer of crumbly brown sugar mixture, showing small clumps and fine grains evenly spread inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, highlighting the texture and color of the sugar crumbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because it uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create irresistible flavor and texture. Each element has a purpose, from the tang of Greek yogurt for moistness to the aromatic cinnamon that wraps around every bite.

Brown sugar: adds deep molasses sweetness to the streusel and bread for rich flavor.
Granulated sugar: balances sweetness and helps the bread rise beautifully.
All-purpose flour: the sturdy base creating structure and a tender crumb in both bread and topping.
Cinnamon: infuses warm spiced notes that define this apple bread’s signature taste.
Salt: enhances all the flavors, rounding out the sweetness with subtle contrast.
Butter: adds richness and moisture, especially melted butter in the streusel for that buttery crumble.
Baking powder and baking soda: work together to give the bread lightness and lift.
Egg: binds ingredients and provides richness for a tender texture.
Vanilla extract: brightens the batter with sweet, fragrant notes.
Plain Greek yogurt: adds moistness and a slight tang, keeping the bread tender and soft.
Whole milk: balances the batter for perfect consistency.
Apple (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious): brings fresh, crisp bursts of apple flavor and natural sweetness.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Spiced Apple Bread with Streusel Topping Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by setting your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when your batter is mixed. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving a handy one-inch overhang on the long sides to easily lift out your loaf after baking. Small prep like this makes a big difference in the final presentation and cleanup.

Step 2: Whip up the Streusel Topping

Get the streusel started by mixing brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Slowly drizzle in melted butter while tossing with a fork to create crumbly, doughy clumps. This topping gives your bread that signature crunch and a wonderful cinnamon-sugar sweetness on top.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This combination ensures your bread rises perfectly with a tender crumb that’s full of warm spice.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Using a mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until fluffy—this lightens up the batter beautifully. Add the egg and vanilla extract next, blending until smooth. Follow with Greek yogurt and milk, beating until the batter is creamy and uniform.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, starting on low speed and increasing to medium until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. This careful mixing helps maintain the bread’s tender texture.

Step 6: Fold in the Fresh Apples

Gently fold the diced apples into the batter with a rubber spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed without crushing them. This step adds bursts of fresh apple flavor and texture throughout your bread.

Step 7: Pour and Top

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan and evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over it. This layer braises in golden, buttery sweetness as it bakes, creating a perfectly textured crust.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the streusel is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It’s a clear sign that your Spiced Apple Bread with Streusel Topping Recipe is ready to wow your taste buds.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment sling and transfer to a wire rack. Let it cool another 5-10 minutes before cutting—this resting time helps the flavors settle and prevents your slices from crumbling.

How to Serve Spiced Apple Bread with Streusel Topping Recipe

The image shows a rectangular metal baking pan filled with an uncooked crumb-topped dessert. The dessert has a thick bottom layer which is smooth and light in color, likely a batter or fruit base, and is covered by a thick, even layer of crumb topping. The crumb layer is golden brown with small, coarse clusters giving it a crumbly texture. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, and the overall look is rustic and simple, ready for baking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a simple yet lovely touch, dust your slices with powdered sugar or add a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream. These accents enhance the sweetness and complement the warm spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

This bread goes wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or even apple cider. Serving it alongside a creamy vanilla yogurt or a smear of softened butter also balances the spices and adds richness to every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing and toasting pieces lightly, then topping with cream cheese and a drizzle of honey for an elegant brunch spread. You can also cube leftover bread for a spiced bread pudding or serve warm slices topped with vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover bread tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps it moist and prevents it from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooled bread whole or sliced. Wrap it well in plastic, then foil, or place in a freezer bag and store for up to two months. Thaw slices at room temperature or toast directly from frozen for a quick treat.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds to revive the soft crumb and bring out the comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Absolutely! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious are ideal for their balance of tartness and sweetness, but feel free to experiment with whatever apples you have on hand. Just make sure they’re firm and not overly juicy to prevent sogginess.

How can I make this bread dairy-free?

Swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt and use a dairy-free butter substitute along with almond or oat milk. These changes keep the bread moist without compromising flavor.

Will this recipe work without streusel topping?

Yes, the bread itself is delicious on its own. However, the streusel adds a wonderful texture contrast and extra sweetness that makes this Spiced Apple Bread with Streusel Topping Recipe truly special. I highly recommend it!

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Definitely. Chopped walnuts or pecans add extra crunch, while raisins or dried cranberries provide bursts of sweetness. Stir in about 1/2 cup with the apples when folding.

Is this bread suitable for freezing then toasting later?

It’s a great freezer-friendly recipe! Just freeze your slices and pop them into the toaster straight from the freezer for a quick and delicious snack or breakfast.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming about baking and sharing this Spiced Apple Bread with Streusel Topping Recipe. It’s cozy, flavorful, and just the right balance of sweet and spice to brighten any day. Give it a go and watch your kitchen fill with that irresistible, welcoming aroma. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for all your cozy moments.