Streusel Apple Bread

Tis the season for apples and apple pie spices! I know, pumpkin spice is all the rage, but I definitely prefer the warmth of a spiced apple treat this time of year. It may be an apple cider donut at the local cider mill, a deep-dish apple pie after a homecooked dinner, or a simple slice of streusel apple bread for breakfast.

My quick bread this week sets the tone for the season. If you like streusel topping, you'll love this bread down to the last nutty crumble.

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Streusel Apple Bread

2 large eggs, room temperature

½ c. sugar

½ c. butter, melted

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 ½ c. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. baking soda

¼ tsp. salt

2 c. apples, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala, Pink Lady)

Streusel Topping

½ c. brown sugar

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

½ tsp. ground nutmeg

1 c. chopped pecans

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Using a stand mixer, whisk together eggs and sugar until fluffy.

3. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.

4. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until combined. The batter will be thick.

5. Slowly fold in the diced apples.

6. In a small bowl, stir together the streusel ingredients.

7. Using a lightly greased loaf pan, fill the pan with half of the batter. Sprinkle the batter with half of the streusel topping. Layer on the second half of the batter and finish with the remaining streusel topping.

8. Bake for 45-50 minutes.

9. Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes before removing loaf from pan.

10. Cool completely before slicing.