Name: Caramel Apple Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup smooth unsweetened applesauce; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup packed light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg; 1 cup peeled, cored, and finely diced apple (about 1 apple); 5 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons caramel ice cream topping; 1 ½ cups powdered sugar; Dash of salt

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This caramel apple bread is the perfect fall treat, offering the comforting flavors of spiced apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg. With the sweetness of fresh apples folded into the moist, tender bread and topped with a rich homemade caramel glaze, it’s the ideal snack, dessert, or breakfast for any time of the day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of caramel and apples, and this bread captures that deliciousness perfectly. The spiced, soft texture of the bread pairs wonderfully with the sweet, gooey caramel glaze on top. The diced apples add a burst of freshness to every bite, while the warm cinnamon and nutmeg spice mix brings the comfort of fall straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat for the morning or need a cozy dessert, this caramel apple bread will hit the spot.

Caramel Apple Bread

Ingredients

For the bread:

1 cup smooth unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup peeled, cored, and finely diced apple (about 1 apple)

For the caramel glaze:

5 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons caramel ice cream topping
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Dash of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray and set it aside. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk well until everything is fully blended.
Add the Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the bowl. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the Apples: Gently fold in the finely diced apple, ensuring the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Transfer to the Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake: Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too much, tent the loaf with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Cool the Bread: Remove the pan from the oven and set it on a cooling rack for 15 minutes. Then, remove the loaf from the pan and place it on the rack to cool completely.
Make the Caramel Glaze: In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Whisk in the caramel ice cream topping, then gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, whisking after each addition. Once all the powdered sugar is incorporated, continue to whisk until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, microwave it for 20 seconds to make it easier to drizzle.
Glaze the Bread: Pour the caramel glaze over the top of the cooled bread. Let it sit for about 1 hour to allow the glaze to set.
Serve: Slice and enjoy! For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Variations

Apple-Cinnamon Swirl: For an added cinnamon twist, swirl some cinnamon sugar into the batter before baking for an extra flavor layer.
Nutty Addition: Add a 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy contrast to the soft, spiced bread.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of caramel glaze, top the bread with a sweetened cream cheese frosting for a tangy complement to the apple and spice.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, refrigerate it for up to a week.
Freezing: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm up the whole loaf in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use any variety of apple you prefer, but firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp will hold their shape better during baking.

2. Can I substitute the applesauce with something else?

You can substitute the applesauce with mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, or yogurt, but the texture and flavor may change slightly.

3. How can I make the glaze thicker?

If the glaze is too runny, add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired thickness.

4. Can I make this bread without the caramel glaze?

Yes, the bread is delicious on its own, but the caramel glaze adds a delightful richness that complements the flavors of the bread.

5. Can I use a smaller loaf pan?

If you use a smaller loaf pan, you may need to adjust the baking time. Start checking for doneness at 50 minutes.

6. How can I prevent the bread from becoming dry?

Make sure not to overmix the batter, as overmixing can lead to dense or dry bread. Also, check the bread a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.

7. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake in two loaf pans or one larger pan. Just adjust the baking time slightly.

8. Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a stand mixer to combine the wet ingredients, but be careful not to overmix when adding the dry ingredients to keep the bread light and airy.

9. How long should I let the bread cool before glazing?

Allow the bread to cool for at least 15 minutes in the pan before removing it. Then, let it cool completely before adding the glaze to ensure the glaze sets properly.

10. Can I add more spices?

Yes, you can increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of ginger or cloves for extra warmth, depending on your flavor preference.

Conclusion

Caramel apple bread is the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and comforting. The soft, moist bread filled with apples pairs beautifully with the rich caramel glaze, making it an irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy afternoon snack or sharing it with friends and family, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the taste of fall in every slice!