Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf

Ingredients

For the Loaf:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, but lovely)
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are best)

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (40g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Optional Glaze:

• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Make the Streusel:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly.
3. Place in the fridge to keep cold while you prepare the batter.

2. Prepare the Batter:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
5. Stir in sour cream and milk until smooth.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Do not overmix—just fold until combined.
7. Gently fold in the diced apples.

3. Assemble the Loaf:

1. Pour half the batter into the loaf pan.
2. Sprinkle a layer of streusel topping.
3. Add the remaining batter, smoothing the top.
4. Finish with the rest of the streusel.

4. Bake:

• Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil halfway through.

5. Optional Glaze:

• Once the loaf has cooled, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the top.

Tips & Variations

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel.
• Extra Moist: Mix 1/2 cup applesauce into the batter for even more apple flavor.
• Mini Loaves: Divide the batter into mini loaf pans (bake 25–30 minutes).
• Freezer Friendly: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months.

Benefits

• Apples: Packed with fiber, vitamin C, and natural sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Boosts metabolism and helps regulate blood sugar.
• Homemade Goodness: Fresher, healthier, and tastier than store-bought pastries.

Conclusion

This Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf is a warm, comforting treat with the perfect balance of moist apple cake and crunchy cinnamon streusel. It’s ideal for autumn mornings, holiday gatherings, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up with a cup of coffee or tea.