Tart apples and salty cheddar make a delightful pairing in this Apple Cheddar Quick Bread.
I usually bake banana bread, so I was curious to try an apple version. At first glance, apples and cheese might seem like an unusual match, but the combination is surprisingly harmonious.
The sweet-tart brightness of the apples balances beautifully with the savory saltiness of sharp cheddar.
Serve slices warm with butter for an irresistible snack or breakfast treat.
Why You’ll Love this Apple Cheese Bread
- Unexpectedly delicious
- Sweet and salty contrast
- Quick and simple to prepare
- Works as a sweet or savory treat
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/3 cups sharp cheddar, shredded and divided
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Granny Smith apple, diced
- 3/4 cup Granny Smith apple, grated
How to Make Apple Cheddar Quick Bread
- Step One: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Step Two: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar.
- Step Three: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in the diced and grated apple.
- Step Four: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Step Five: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top.
- Step Six: Bake for about 50 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Equipment Needed
- Cheese grater
- Hand mixer (optional—you can also mix by hand)
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
What to Serve with Apple Cheddar Bread
- Sliced apples with peanut butter
- Jam or marmalade
- A dollop of yogurt or crème fraiche
- A warm cup of tea or coffee
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap Granny Smith for Cortland or Braeburn apples for a milder or sweeter profile.
- Use sharp white cheddar or a milder cheddar if preferred.
- Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for warm spice notes.
- Stir in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
Storage Instructions
Wrap leftover bread tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze by loaf or slice.
Can I Freeze It?
Yes. Cool the bread completely, then seal in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, or bring to room temperature and warm slightly.
Quick Bread Recipes
- Cinnamon Bread
- Chocolate Zucchini Bread
- Peach Bread
- Carrot Loaf
- Pineapple Cheese Bread
- Blueberry Bread
- Lemon Zucchini Bread
- Pumpkin Ribbon Bread
If you try this recipe, enjoy it warm with butter and consider sharing a photo of your loaf.
Apple Cheddar Quick Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/3 cups sharp cheddar, shredded and divided
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Granny Smith apple, diced
- 3/4 cup Granny Smith apple, grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir in 1 cup of cheddar.
- Beat butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in the diced and grated apple.
- Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle remaining cheddar on top.
- Bake about 50 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Equipment
- Cheese grater
- Hand mixer (optional)
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 354 kcal | Carbohydrates: 45 g | Protein: 9 g | Fat: 15 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Sodium: 414 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 19 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and not a substitute for professional advice.