Apple Pie Bread

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease and flour a **9×5-inch loaf pan**, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the **butter**, **granulated sugar**, and **brown sugar** until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the **eggs**, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the **sour cream** and **vanilla extract** until fully combined.

#### Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking powder**, **baking soda**, **cinnamon**, and **salt**. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense bread.

#### Step 4: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold the **finely chopped apple** into the batter, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout. The apple adds moisture and flavor, ensuring that each slice of bread is tender and bursting with fruity goodness.

#### Step 5: Create the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, combine the **granulated sugar** and **cinnamon** for the swirl. Spoon half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter, creating a beautiful marbled effect.

#### Step 6: Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for **55-65 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the bread begins to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent overbaking.

#### Step 7: Prepare the Topping
While the bread is baking, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, mix together the **melted butter**, **sugar**, and **cinnamon**. Once the bread is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Brush the warm bread with the cinnamon sugar topping for an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.

#### Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for another 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve!

### Why You’ll Love Apple Pie Bread:

– **The Best of Both Worlds**: Apple Pie Bread combines the best elements of apple pie—cinnamon, apples, and a soft, spiced filling—with the cozy texture of homemade bread. It’s like having a slice of pie in bread form!
– **Incredibly Moist**: The addition of sour cream makes this bread extra moist and tender. The apples contribute juiciness, while the cinnamon swirl creates pockets of flavor throughout.
– **Perfect for Any Time of Day**: Apple Pie Bread is versatile enough to be enjoyed for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea, and you’ve got a comforting treat that works for any occasion.
– **Great for Gifting**: This bread makes an excellent gift for friends and family. Its delightful aroma and irresistible flavor will make anyone’s day a little sweeter.
– **Easy to Make**: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and can be made quickly—perfect for when you need a homemade treat in a hurry.

### Tips for the Best Apple Pie Bread:

– **Use Firm Apples**: For the best texture, choose an apple variety that holds its shape when baked, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These apples will add a nice balance of sweetness and tartness to the bread.
– **Don’t Overmix the Batter**: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense loaf, so be gentle with the batter.
– **Add Extra Spice**: If you love the warm flavor of cinnamon, feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to enhance the flavor.
– **Add Nuts**: If you like a bit of crunch in your bread, feel free to fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans when adding the apples for an extra layer of texture.
– **Serve Warm**: While this bread is delicious at room temperature, it’s especially tasty when served warm with a pat of butter. For an extra treat, toast slices and serve with a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce.

### Final Thoughts

**Apple Pie Bread** is the perfect dessert (or snack) to satisfy your cravings for something sweet, spiced, and comforting. With its tender crumb, flavorful cinnamon swirl, and fresh apples, this bread is a delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of apple pie in a new form. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking to fill your kitchen with a comforting aroma, this bread is sure to become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire.

So next time you’re craving something sweet, cozy, and full of fall flavors, grab some apples and give this **Apple Pie Bread** a try. Your taste buds will thank you!