This Apple Oatmeal Bread is everything you love about apple muffins, baked into a soft and wholesome quick bread loaf. Filled with shredded apple, hearty oats, and warm spices, it’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a cozy snack any time of day.
Preheat oven to 350°F and grease or butter an 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter (or maple syrup), brown sugar, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla. Mix in the dry ingredients just until moistened but without any dry flour streaks. Fold in the shredded apple.
Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan. If you want the muffin bread a bit sweeter, sprinkle additional brown sugar over the top along with dry oats.
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Ovens vary in temperatures, so begin checking about 45 minutes. If the bread is browning too quickly, tent a piece of foil or parchment paper over the top.
Notes
Apples: Use firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are ideal for texture, but quick oats will work in a pinch. Avoid using steel-cut oats unless pre-cooked.
Dairy-free option: Replace milk with almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free version.
Gluten-free option: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
Sweetener: Brown sugar adds a caramel-like depth, while maple syrup brings a natural, warm sweetness.
Mix-ins: For extra flavor and crunch, add up to ½ cup of chopped nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly before serving.
Sweetener: Brown sugar adds a caramel-like depth, while maple syrup brings a natural, warm sweetness.
Muffin Option: This batter can also be baked as muffins—divide into 12 muffin cups and bake for 18–22 minutes.