If you think homemade baking can’t get any cozier, let me introduce you to Sourdough Apple Bread. Imagine a soft, moist crumb filled with tart-sweet apples, swirled with the gentle tang of sourdough and perfumed with cinnamon sugar. This is the kind of treat you bake on a blustery afternoon and share in thick, warm slices, freshly glazed and fragrant. Whether you’re looking for a clever use for sourdough discard or simply craving autumn flavors, Sourdough Apple Bread fits the bill perfectly—impossibly tender, lightly spiced, and irresistibly glazed.

Sourdough Apple Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients for Sourdough Apple Bread. Each one pulls its weight: the apples add bursts of juiciness, the discard brings a subtle tang, and the warming spices round everything out. You probably have most of these pantry-friendly ingredients already, but don’t underestimate how they come together for something truly special.

Brown Sugar: Adds rich sweetness and depth, helping the loaf caramelize beautifully.
Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and creates that perfect tender crumb.
Cinnamon: Brings irresistible warmth—this is the soul of apple bread!
Nutmeg: Just a pinch deepens the spice profile in a subtle, aromatic way.
Vanilla Extract: Infuses the loaf with a lovely mellow aroma that ties everything together.
All Purpose Flour: The sturdy backbone for the bread, ensuring a soft yet sliceable loaf.
Baking Powder: Gives the bread its rise and airy texture—it’s an absolute must.
Milk: Tenderizes the crumb and keeps the bread moist for days.
Sourdough Discard: The secret ingredient for a pleasant tang and extra softness.
Large Eggs: Provide structure and richness, making each slice a bit more decadent.
Apples (peeled and chopped): Use firm, tart apples for the best pops of flavor and texture.
Cinnamon (for filling): Adds a double punch of spice right in the apple mixture.
Brown Sugar (for filling): Sweetens the apple pockets and creates little caramelized pockets.
Powdered Sugar: The base for a quick and lovely glaze.
Milk (for glaze): Thins the powdered sugar into a drizzleable topping.
Butter (melted and cooled): Adds a buttery note and extra richness to the glaze.
Pinch of Salt (optional): Enhances every other flavor—don’t skip if you like balance in your sweets!

How to Make Sourdough Apple Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan thoroughly—this step makes sure your Sourdough Apple Bread pops out perfectly formed, and cleanup is a breeze.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and chop your apples into small, bite-size pieces. Toss them in a large bowl with a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar for the filling. This quick step not only flavors the apples but helps them stay soft and juicy while baking.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, both kinds of sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and (if you’re using it) a pinch of salt. Getting everything evenly mixed at this stage makes sure each bite is perfectly spiced.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour in the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter, and the all-important sourdough discard. Use a mixer to blend until everything comes together into a thick, luscious batter—don’t overmix, just until smooth will do.

Step 5: Combine and Pour

Gently fold in the apple filling mixture using a large spoon, distributing those apple chunks throughout the batter. Scrape every last bit of this glorious mixture into your prepared loaf pan—those apples will peek through the top!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. Your kitchen will fill with the most heavenly autumnal aroma. The Sourdough Apple Bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Whip up the Glaze

As your loaf cools, whisk together powdered sugar, a little milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter in a bowl. The glaze should be silky and pourable—add a splash more milk if you like it thinner.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Once the bread is just warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. The sweetness seeps down the sides, icing each slice with sugary goodness that makes Sourdough Apple Bread a true showstopper.

How to Serve Sourdough Apple Bread

Garnishes

I love to add a final dusting of cinnamon over the glaze for extra warmth. For even more flair, a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top not only looks beautiful but adds a satisfying crunch.

Side Dishes

Sourdough Apple Bread pairs wonderfully with a steaming mug of coffee, a cup of spiced chai, or even a scoop of vanilla yogurt on the side. It’s delightfully versatile—perfect for breakfast, snack time, or as a sweet brunch centerpiece next to a spread of fresh fruit and cheeses.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve thick slices on a rustic wooden board with extra glaze on the side for dunking, or cut the loaf into cubes for a unique bread pudding. For a truly special treat, toast a slice and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Sourdough Apple Bread can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap cooled Sourdough Apple Bread tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for two to three days, and the flavors actually improve as they mingle—if you can resist finishing it sooner!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze individual slices or the whole loaf (unglazed is best) by wrapping in foil, then in a freezer bag. It keeps beautifully for up to three months; just thaw overnight at room temperature for best texture.

Reheating

Warm slices of Sourdough Apple Bread in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or toast them lightly for crisp edges and a soft center. Add a fresh drizzle of glaze to revive that just-baked taste and aroma.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple in Sourdough Apple Bread?

Absolutely! This recipe is flexible—Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji all work wonderfully. Pick apples that hold their shape when baked for the best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have sourdough discard?

If you’re out of sourdough discard, you can substitute with plain yogurt or buttermilk for a bit of tang. The result will be slightly different, but still moist and delicious.

Can I make Sourdough Apple Bread gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Double-check the baking powder and other ingredients to ensure they’re all gluten-free as well.

Is it possible to reduce the sugar?

You can definitely adjust the sugar to your preference. Reduce both the brown and white sugar by a third for a less-sweet loaf—the apples and sourdough tang will still shine through.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Add-ins are more than welcome! Fold in up to a half cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a handful of raisins when you mix in the apples for extra texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t imagine a cozier home-baked treat than Sourdough Apple Bread. Every slice is brimming with juicy apples, subtle sourdough tang, and that irresistible glaze. If you have some sourdough discard that needs a purpose—or just want something hearty and heartwarming—give this recipe a try. Your kitchen (and your tastebuds) will thank you!

Sourdough Apple Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy the delicious combination of sourdough and apples in this moist and flavorful Sourdough Apple Bread. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this bread is sure to become a family favorite.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples. Combine them with the apple filling mixture in a large bowl.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients and mix well.
Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the wet ingredients and mix with a mixer until well combined.
Combine Batter: Stir in the apple filling mixture with a large spoon. Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan.
Bake: Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Prepare Glaze: While the loaf is cooling, mix the ingredients for the glaze in a bowl. Drizzle over the bread before serving.

Notes

You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for extra texture.
This bread tastes best when served warm.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 240
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Sourdough Apple Bread, Apple Bread Recipe, Homemade Bread, Sourdough Discard Recipe