Ingredients:

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp Fine Sea Salt
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 2 Large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 cup Whole Milk or Buttermilk (room temperature)
  • 2 medium Baking Apples (peeled, cored, and finely diced)
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for glaze)
  • 2-3 Tbsp Whole Milk (for glaze)
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract (for glaze)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and line a standard 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
  3. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, even pieces. Toss the diced apples lightly with 1 teaspoon of the prepared flour mixture to prevent sinking during baking.
  4. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl often.
  5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  6. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add half of the dry flour mixture and mix just until combined. Pour in the milk and mix briefly. Add the remaining dry mixture and mix only until the last streaks of flour disappear. Do not overmix the batter.
  7. Gently fold the diced, floured apples into the batter using a rubber spatula.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent it with foil.
  9. Test for doneness: The bread is done when a wooden skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Transfer the pan to a wire rack. Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
  10. Use the parchment handles to lift the loaf out completely and allow it to cool for another 5 minutes before glazing.
  11. To prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Add the remaining tablespoon of milk half a teaspoon at a time until a thick, pourable consistency is reached.
  12. Drizzle or pour the glaze evenly over the warm (not hot) bread. Allow the glaze to set for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.