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If you are looking for a delightful treat that’s both wholesome and bursting with cozy flavors, this Apple Oat Quick Bread Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. Combining tender chunks of apple with hearty oats and a hint of cinnamon, this bread is naturally sweetened and comes together in no time, perfect for busy mornings or a comforting afternoon snack. The moist, tender crumb and slightly nutty texture make each slice a little moment of joy, whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with your favorite spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, everyday ingredients work beautifully together to create a loaf that’s nutritious, flavorful, and surprisingly tender. Each component plays an important role, from the oats adding texture and wholesomeness to the apples bringing moist sweetness and a touch of natural tartness.
- 3 large eggs: Provides structure and richness while keeping the bread moist.
- ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps keep the bread tender; vegetable or canola oil can be substituted.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract: Infuses the bread with warm, sweet undertones that complement the apples perfectly.
- ¼ cup (60ml) maple syrup or honey: Offers natural sweetness and a delicate caramel flavor; white or brown sugar are fine alternatives.
- 1 cup (100g) rolled oats: Adds chewiness, fiber, and a lovely rustic texture.
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the bread; whole wheat or wholemeal flour adds hearty depth if preferred.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice, perfectly complementing the apples.
- 2 level teaspoons baking powder: Essential for leavening to give your bread a beautiful rise and light texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the subtle flavors in the bread, balancing sweetness.
- 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped: Adds moisture, fruity sweetness, and a fresh, tender bite.
- ¼ cup chopped pecan nuts or walnuts (optional): Gives a delightful crunch and nutty flavor if you like a bit of texture contrast.
How to Make Apple Oat Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by greasing and lining an 8.5 x 4.5 inch (21 x 11 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper that overhangs on the sides—this makes removing the bread after baking a breeze. Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 356° F (180° C) or 160° C if you’re using a fan oven. Prepping this first will keep the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Whisk Together Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, olive oil (or your chosen oil), vanilla extract, and maple syrup or honey until fully combined. This step ensures even moisture and sweetness in every bite and helps infuse the bread with that lovely vanilla aroma.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Add Apples
Next, add the rolled oats, flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Toss in the chopped apples and nuts if using. Stir everything gently until just combined—overmixing can toughen the loaf, so stop as soon as the ingredients come together.
Step 4: Bake Your Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top slightly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. To check doneness, insert a skewer or toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your bread is ready! If you notice the top getting too dark near the end, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning while the bread finishes baking.
Step 5: Cooling and Removing from Pan
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then lift it out using the parchment paper overhang and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the bread set perfectly and enhances its texture.
How to Serve Apple Oat Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Apple Oat Quick Bread Recipe even more special, top slices with a pat of creamy butter or a smear of tangy cream cheese. For a hint of indulgence, drizzle with a little honey or maple syrup. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or chopped nuts on top adds a satisfying crunch and extra visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Enjoy it alongside a warm bowl of spiced apple cider or your favorite hot tea for a cozy snack. It also works beautifully with savory sides like scrambled eggs or a crisp green salad for a more substantial breakfast or light lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond traditional slices by using this bread to make a decadent grilled cheese with apple slices and sharp cheddar or perhaps as a base for breakfast French toast topped with fresh fruit. Wrap individual slices in parchment paper for a charming picnic addition or slice thinly and toast for a crunchy snack to spread with nut butter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Apple Oat Quick Bread Recipe is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh. At room temperature, it stays delicious for up to 2 days, making it perfect for quick breakfasts all week long.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully, so slice it first and separate with parchment paper before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, it lasts up to 3 months and is ready to thaw whenever you want a wholesome treat on hand.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, thaw slices at room temperature or gently warm them in the oven or toaster oven. This brings back the bread’s soft texture and released those comforting apple and cinnamon aromas, making it taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best because they hold their shape well during baking and offer a nice balance between sweetness and tartness.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that’s suitable for baking, and ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free. This way, you keep the heartiness while avoiding gluten.
Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?
Definitely! Nutmeg, ginger, or even a pinch of cloves would complement the apples wonderfully. Just add a little less if you combine multiple spices to avoid overpowering the bread.
Is the oil necessary, or can I use butter instead?
You can substitute melted butter for oil if you prefer. Keep in mind that butter will add a richer flavor and slightly denser texture but will still yield a moist and delicious loaf.
How long will the bread keep in the refrigerator?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the bread stays fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge, making it perfect for making ahead and grabbing slices throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Oat Quick Bread Recipe is truly a gem when you want something quick, comforting, and bursting with natural sweetness and wholesome textures. Whether you’re slicing it for breakfast, packing it for a snack, or sharing it at a gathering, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own family favorite too!
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Apple Oat Quick Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Oat Quick Bread is a moist and hearty loaf made without yeast, featuring wholesome rolled oats, tender apples, and warming cinnamon. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey, this bread bakes up golden and is perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Easy to prepare and ideal for those seeking a quick, wholesome homemade bread without the wait for rising.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil (can use vegetable or canola oil)
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (60ml) maple syrup or honey (can substitute with same amount white or brown sugar)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (100g) rolled oats (old fashioned oats)
- 1 cup (120g) all purpose flour (plain flour) (can substitute whole wheat or wholemeal flour)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 level teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped (about 1 ½ cups / 225g)
- ¼ cup (40g) chopped pecan nuts or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the loaf pan: Grease and line an 8.5 x 4.5 inch (21 x 11 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the sides for easy removal after baking.
- Preheat oven: Position the oven rack in the center and preheat the oven to 356°F / 180°C (160°C fan).
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil (or vegetable oil), vanilla extract, and maple syrup or honey until thoroughly combined.
- Add dry ingredients and fruit: To the wet mixture, add the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, salt, chopped apples, and nuts if using. Stir until just combined, taking care not to over mix to ensure a tender crumb.
- Transfer batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Protect top if needed: If the bread’s surface is browning too quickly during baking, tent it loosely with aluminum foil, avoiding contact with the bread’s surface.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely for about 15 minutes before slicing.
- Storage: Once cooled, store at room temperature wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Store cooled bread wrapped or sealed for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 3 months. For convenience, slice the bread, separating slices with parchment paper before freezing. Thaw slices at room temperature or warm before serving.
Notes
- Rolled oats: Use old fashioned oats for texture; quick oats are not recommended as they may make the bread too dense.
- Baking powder: Ensure it’s fresh for proper rise; baking soda is not a substitute in this recipe.
- Apples: Peeling and chopping apples adds moisture and subtle sweetness; use any sweet apple variety like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp.
- Loaf Pan: Using parchment paper with overhang makes removing the bread easier without damage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American