There are few things more comforting than the smell of freshly baked bread infused with apples and cinnamon. This Apple Pie Bread is a delightful twist on a traditional quick bread, combining the flavors of apple pie with the texture of a moist, tender loaf. It’s the perfect recipe to have on hand when you want a simple treat that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
This bread is sweet, cozy, and versatile. It works as a quick breakfast alongside coffee, a snack during the day, or a dessert topped with ice cream. What makes this recipe especially appealing is its simplicity: you only need a handful of ingredients, and most of them are pantry staples. The preparation is straightforward, but the end result tastes like you’ve spent much more time and effort than you actually have.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy to make – With cake mix as a base, this bread comes together quickly. No complex steps or fancy equipment are required.
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Perfect flavor balance – The apple pie filling and fresh apple add natural sweetness and juiciness, while the cinnamon gives the loaf a warm, cozy flavor.
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Crowd-pleaser – It’s great for family gatherings, holidays, bake sales, or gifting to friends and neighbors.
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Versatile treat – You can serve it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert.
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Homemade with shortcuts – You get the satisfaction of baking from scratch, but the convenience of boxed cake mix keeps things simple.
Ingredients
To make Apple Pie Bread, you’ll need the following:
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1 can apple pie filling, mashed – Provides sweetness and texture. Mashing ensures the apple pieces blend smoothly into the batter.
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1 yellow cake mix – Acts as the base for the bread, cutting down prep time.
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4 eggs, slightly beaten – Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness.
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1 cup self-rising flour – Adds structure and ensures the bread rises well.
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1 tablespoon cinnamon – Enhances the flavor and brings warmth.
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1 medium apple, chopped – Adds freshness and a bit of crunch.
Optional but recommended: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for extra sweetness and crunch.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease two loaf pans generously with butter or non-stick spray, or line them with parchment paper for easier removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Mixture
Open the can of apple pie filling and mash it gently with a fork or potato masher. The goal is to break down large apple pieces while still leaving some small chunks for texture. Add the chopped fresh apple into this mixture.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, self-rising flour, and cinnamon. Stir until well incorporated.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat the eggs slightly, then add them to the dry mixture. Stir in the mashed apple pie filling and fresh apple mixture. Fold gently until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Step 5: Pour the Batter into Pans
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Smooth out the tops with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle a cinnamon sugar mixture on top for extra flavor.
Step 6: Bake
Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 35–45 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm, or let them cool completely for neater slices.
Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some variations you can try:
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Caramel Apple Bread – Drizzle caramel sauce over the loaf before serving for a decadent dessert version.
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Nutty Apple Bread – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for crunch.
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Apple Cranberry Bread – Mix in dried cranberries for a tart, fruity twist.
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Spiced Apple Bread – Add extra spices like nutmeg, allspice, or cloves for a more robust flavor.
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Glazed Apple Bread – Make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk to drizzle over the cooled bread.
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Apple Crumble Bread – Top the batter with a streusel made of butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon before baking.
Cooking Note
This recipe yields two loaves, making it ideal for sharing. You can easily halve the recipe to make just one loaf. The bread keeps well, but because it contains fruit, it should be stored properly to maintain freshness.
Serving Suggestions
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For breakfast – Toast a slice and spread with butter or cream cheese.
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For dessert – Warm up a slice and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
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For a snack – Enjoy with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cider.
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For entertaining – Arrange slices on a platter and drizzle with glaze or caramel sauce for an elegant presentation.
Tips for Success
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Do not overmix the batter – Mix until just combined to avoid dense bread.
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Mash the pie filling well – This ensures the apple pieces are distributed evenly.
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Check doneness with a toothpick – Ovens vary, so start checking at 35 minutes.
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Use fresh apples for extra texture – The combination of canned filling and fresh apple creates the perfect balance.
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Store properly – Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 35–45 minutes
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Total Time: 50–60 minutes
Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 16 slices total)
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Calories: ~230
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Protein: ~4g
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Sodium: ~220mg
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Carbohydrates: ~42g
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Sugars: ~25g
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Fat: ~5g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe without cake mix?
A: Yes, but it will require more adjustments. You can replace the cake mix with flour, sugar, and leavening agents, but the convenience of cake mix is what makes this recipe so quick and easy.
Q: Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer making your own filling, just cook apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of cornstarch until softened. Mash lightly before adding to the batter.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free self-rising flour. Make sure the apple pie filling is also gluten-free.
Q: How do I keep the bread moist?
A: Store the bread in an airtight container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Adding the fresh apple helps lock in moisture as well.
Q: Can I freeze Apple Pie Bread?
A: Yes! Wrap the cooled loaves in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat slices in the microwave.
Conclusion
Apple Pie Bread is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly rewarding. With the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and tender texture, it captures the essence of apple pie in a form that’s convenient for everyday enjoyment. Whether you make it for a cozy fall morning, a family gathering, or simply to satisfy a craving, this bread never disappoints.
Try serving it warm with a cup of coffee, gifting a loaf to a neighbor, or enjoying it late at night with a scoop of ice cream. No matter how you slice it, this Apple Pie Bread is guaranteed to be a hit.
Print
Apple Pie Bread
- Total Time: 50–60 minutes
Ingredients
To make Apple Pie Bread, you’ll need the following:
-
1 can apple pie filling, mashed – Provides sweetness and texture. Mashing ensures the apple pieces blend smoothly into the batter.
-
1 yellow cake mix – Acts as the base for the bread, cutting down prep time.
-
4 eggs, slightly beaten – Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness.
-
1 cup self-rising flour – Adds structure and ensures the bread rises well.
-
1 tablespoon cinnamon – Enhances the flavor and brings warmth.
-
1 medium apple, chopped – Adds freshness and a bit of crunch.
Optional but recommended: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for extra sweetness and crunch.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease two loaf pans generously with butter or non-stick spray, or line them with parchment paper for easier removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Mixture
Open the can of apple pie filling and mash it gently with a fork or potato masher. The goal is to break down large apple pieces while still leaving some small chunks for texture. Add the chopped fresh apple into this mixture.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, self-rising flour, and cinnamon. Stir until well incorporated.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat the eggs slightly, then add them to the dry mixture. Stir in the mashed apple pie filling and fresh apple mixture. Fold gently until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Step 5: Pour the Batter into Pans
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Smooth out the tops with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle a cinnamon sugar mixture on top for extra flavor.
Step 6: Bake
Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 35–45 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm, or let them cool completely for neater slices.
Notes
This recipe yields two loaves, making it ideal for sharing. You can easily halve the recipe to make just one loaf. The bread keeps well, but because it contains fruit, it should be stored properly to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 4g
