Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose plain flour (use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1 cup (190g) packed brown sugar (or coconut sugar or granulated sugar)
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 x (~180g) medium-sized apple (grated very coarsely or chopped finely)
- 1 cup (250g) dairy-free milk
- 1/2 cup (120g) neutral flavored oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Cream Cheese Icing (optional)
- 1/4 cup (60g) vegan cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup (50g) powdered sugar / icing sugar (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons (20g) vegan butter (room temperature)
Caramelized Apples (optional)
- 1 x (~180g) medium-sized apple (cubed)
- 1 tablespoon (15g) vegan butter (or oil or water)
- 2 tablespoons (25g) packed brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare loaf pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease or line an 8-inch (20 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients — flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt (if using). Stir well to eliminate lumps and ensure even distribution.
- Add wet ingredients and mix: Add the grated or finely chopped apple, dairy-free milk, neutral flavored oil, apple cider vinegar (if using), and vanilla extract (if using) to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and evenly combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan: Transfer the batter into the lined loaf pan, smoothing the surface evenly with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the apple bread: Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour. At 35 minutes, check if the top is browning too quickly. If so, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the bread: Let the bread rest in the pan for at least 10 minutes after baking. Then remove from the pan and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before icing or slicing.
- Prepare cream cheese icing (optional): In a small bowl, combine vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vegan butter. Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness or firmness by adding more powdered sugar or vegan butter as desired.
- Caramelize apples (optional): In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, sauté cubed apples with vegan butter until they become tender and slightly golden brown.
- Add sugar and caramelize: Add brown sugar to the pan and gently stir the apples while they caramelize. Add a splash of water if the apples start to stick. The longer you cook, the more caramelized and flavorful the apples become.
- Assemble and serve: Once the bread is cooled, spread or dollop the cream cheese icing on top. Arrange the caramelized apples over the icing if using. Slice the bread and serve immediately.
- Storage: Store the decorated apple bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Undecorated slices can be stored individually in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Notes
- Note 1: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if a gluten-free version is desired.
- Note 2: Brown sugar can be substituted with coconut sugar or granulated sugar depending on preference.
- Note 3: Grating the apple very coarsely or chopping finely helps distribute moisture and apple flavor evenly through the bread.
- Note 4: To test doneness, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes to 1 hour
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
- Diet: Vegan