Apple Bread

Rule #100: The best recipes bring back the best memories.

This Apple Bread recipe was a favorite of mine beginning in the 5th grade when I met Jessica. She and her mom baked it all the time and would hand out goodies to us almost every week it seemed like. I always looked forward to this moist, sweet, comforting bread (that really eats more like cake). We lost Jessica about 10 years ago in a tragic accident, but every time I make this Apple Bread, I think back on our sweet, young friendship.

The little bites of apple seem to melt in your mouth with each deliciously sweet bite! We eat ours as a breakfast food with warm coffee or in the afternoons with a little hot cocoa. Nothing like a little warm bite of something to fuel your soul.

Let’s make this little pan of comfort food goodness, shall we? In a large bowl or in a standing mixer, blend together some oil, butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.

In a separate bowl, sift together some flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

You can see the little apple bits peeking out below the dry mixture here. Just peel, core, and chop your apples into 1/2″ pieces. We like to use red apples because they’re a bit sweeter than green ones.

Now, add the dry mixture while the mixer is on.

Blend just until everything comes together.

Now, add in your chopped apples and gently mix until combined.

Pour the mixture into a greased 13″ x 9″ cake pan and bake at 350 for 40 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly.

Now, my favorite part: The Powdered Sugar Rain Storm, baby!

Sprinkle on as much or as little (but why?) as you’d like.

Enjoy this delicious and oh-so-sweet for so many reasons blast from my past. I hope it helps you create and keep some beautiful memories like the ones I have surrounding this recipe.

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Apple Bread

½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup unsalted butter (8 tbs.), melted and cooled
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
A pinch of table salt (Morton)
3 medium red apples, peeled and chopped into ½” pieces
Powdered sugar, for garnish

Preheat oven to 350.

In a large bowl, mix together the oil, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. While constantly stirring, add the dry ingredients to the larger bowl. Gently stir in the apple pieces. Pour into a greased 13”x9” cake pan.

Bake at 350 for 40 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then sprinkle powdered sugar over top.