Apple Cheddar Walnut Bread: A Sweet and Savory Twist on Classic Quick Bread

Apple Cheddar Walnut Loaf Bread: A Surprisingly Delicious Fall Treat

You might think the combination of apple and cheddar is unusual, but this sweet and savory blend will make your taste buds dance with delight. Apple Cheddar Walnut Loaf Bread is not just a unique twist on quick bread—it's a versatile treat that's perfect for any time of day. Enjoy it for breakfast alongside your morning coffee, as a satisfying afternoon snack with tea, or even as a complementary side with your favorite soup. Yes, it pairs wonderfully with soups like butternut squash or tomato bisque, making it an excellent choice for cozy fall meals. While pumpkin spice may be the seasonal favorite (I’m currently sipping on my pumpkin spice coffee!), this apple cheddar bread is a fall-friendly delight that’s too good to pass up.

Choosing the Right Apple for Your Bread

There are so many great ingredients that make this Apple Cheddar Walnut Loaf Bread incredibly delicious, but the standout star is, of course, the apple. It lends a naturally sweet and slightly tart base flavor that balances the savory elements of the bread. The apples add moisture and freshness to each bite, keeping the loaf tender while providing that comforting fall flavor.

If you need help in determining the best cooking and baking apples, you can read about it [here]. Some apples break down faster and produce more moisture than others. Some apples are sweeter, while others will make your lips pucker with their tartness. Personally, I’m partial to the sweeter varieties, though I love the tangy ones when mixed with sweet dips. Crisp apples like Honeycrisp maintain their texture, while tart apples like Granny Smith bring a punch of flavor without overpowering the bread. But like I always say—it’s all up to you and what your taste buds enjoy. With so many different apple varieties available, there’s something for every preference!

The Other Star of the Show: Cheddar Cheese

Introducing the other star of the show that one may not typically see in a sweet bread—cheddar cheese! Yes, I said cheese. And boy oh boy, does it lend a nice, unexpected flavor that takes this loaf to the next level. If you’re one of those apple-and-cheddar snackers, you already know how well they work together. I’ve never used any other type of cheese in this recipe, but if you have something similar in texture and flavor on hand, why not give it a try?

The big question is: should you use mild, sharp, or extra sharp cheddar? That depends on how pronounced you want the cheese flavor to be. I personally like to go with sharp cheddar for a bolder taste. I also like to sprinkle some cheese on top of the loaf in addition to mixing it into the batter for that extra "oooh la la" factor!

Here’s a little tip: while pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it’s often treated to prevent clumping, which can affect how it melts. It’s always important to use what you have at home, but keep in mind that low-fat or fat-free cheeses don’t melt as well, which can change the texture. I’ve tried fat-free cheese before, and while it tastes the same, it didn’t blend as smoothly as full-fat or 2% cheese. A little bit of smoked cheddar cheese may send this recipe over the top. This is only for the truly daring!!!

Now that I’ve talked so much about cheese, I’m craving a grilled cheese sandwich—yummy! If you try this recipe with a different cheese, I’d love to hear how it turned out!

Pantry Staples and Flavor-Boosting Additions

Most of the other ingredients in this Apple Cheddar Walnut Loaf Bread are likely things you already have in your pantry. Of course, the wonderful walnuts are optional. If you choose to add them, you can lightly toast them beforehand or toss them in raw. Toasting the nuts certainly enhances their flavor, taking it up a notch. But walnuts aren’t the only option—you can easily swap in pecans for a slightly sweeter, buttery taste. While I haven’t tried it with hazelnuts, they could be a delicious addition as well!

Along with the nuts are the warm spices like cinnamon. The recipe calls for just 1 teaspoon, but feel free to spice it up if you prefer. If you plan to serve this bread alongside a savory meal, like soup, you may want to stick with the original 1 teaspoon. But if you’re aiming for a sweeter breakfast loaf, adding more cinnamon or even a touch of powdered ginger would elevate the spice factor. Have apple pie spice on hand? That works great, too! And if you’re a fan of chai tea, this recipe as written pairs perfectly with those bold, spiced flavors.

A Fall Favorite, But Perfect Year-Round

This Apple Cheddar Walnut Loaf Bread is wonderful any time of year, but fall is when I really dive into apple cooking. The warm, comforting aroma of this bread always brings out my love for the season. The recipe is super adaptable to whatever you have on hand—even the sugar can be substituted. Whether you use all brown sugar or all white sugar, it works perfectly fine.

This bread makes an excellent side dish for a light lunch, especially with a bowl of tomato soup. Yummy! I also love to toast my slices to make them extra crusty—just avoid using the toaster, trust me! As a breakfast bread or an evening snack, this loaf shines bright. Pair it with your favorite coffee or tea, and you’re in for a treat.

If you have any leftovers the next day, cut a slice and toast it in the oven or toaster oven. Spread some creamy, salted butter and top it off with homemade apple butter for an irresistible combo. And if you prefer, you can grate the apples into the batter instead of dicing them, but I personally love getting those chunks of apple in each bite. I adore apples raw, but there’s something about them when they’re warm and baked—they're my absolute fave!

Enjoy this recipe, y'all, and let me know if you try it with any fun twists!5

Best Practices for Storing Apple Cheddar Walnut Loaf Bread

• Room Temperature Storage:

  • Store the bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

  • Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days.

  • To maintain moisture, place a sheet of parchment paper between the slices if pre-sliced.

• Refrigeration (Optional):

  • If you prefer, store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

  • Note: Refrigeration can make the bread slightly drier, so be sure to warm up slices before eating for the best texture.

Freezing Instructions:

• Freezing the Whole Loaf:

  • Allow the loaf to cool completely before wrapping.

  • Wrap the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil.

  • Freeze for up to 3 months.

• Freezing Slices:

  • For easy, grab-and-go portions, slice the bread before freezing.

  • Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap or store in freezer-safe bags with parchment paper between slices.

  • Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thawing and Reheating:

• Thawing: Let the bread thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.

• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or pop them in the toaster oven for a quick crisp.

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