Apple Cheddar Walnut Bread: Savory Meets Sweet
A Cozy Fall Favorite: Apple Cheddar Walnut Bread
Usually, I get really nostalgic during the fall. There’s something about the crisp air and the vibrant landscapes that makes me want to bake up a storm. And this Apple Cheddar Walnut Bread is the perfect treat for those chilly afternoons. I love the combination of sweet apples with the sharpness of cheddar, balanced out by the crunch of walnuts. It’s the kind of bread that fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort, making it ideal for everything from cozy mornings to serving up at family gatherings. Trust me, once you try it, you'll want this on your table all season long!
Apple Cheddar Walnut Loaf Bread: A Surprisingly Delicious Fall Treat
I know what you’re thinking, apple and cheddar together? But trust me, this sweet and savory combo will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Apple Cheddar Walnut Loaf Bread isn’t just a twist on your regular quick bread; it’s a versatile treat that shines any time of day. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast with a hot cup of coffee, as a snack alongside some afternoon tea, or as the perfect side to a bowl of soup, it’s got you covered. And yes, it pairs beautifully with soups like butternut squash or tomato bisque, making it the ideal companion for those cozy fall meals. While pumpkin spice has its moment, I’m sipping on my pumpkin spice coffee as I write, this apple cheddar bread is a fall must-have that you won't want to miss!
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.
Sweet or Tart? Picking Your Perfect Apple
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!
Sweet Enough for Dessert—or Keep It as a Side
Now let’s talk about the sweet factor. Is this Mexican corn cake a side dish or a dessert? Honestly... I love it either way. It’s the perfect complement to a spicy meal—the sweetness balances out the heat—but it also holds its own as a cozy little dessert.
I use 2/3 cup of sugar, which I think is the perfect balance. It’s sweet, but not over-the-top. That said, if you're going full-on dessert mode, you can absolutely bump up the sweetness to your liking. A dash of vanilla extract (and even a little butter extract) can really bring out the rich, buttery flavor and make it feel more like a sweet treat.
Whether you scoop it next to enchiladas or eat it with a spoon straight from the pan, there’s no wrong way to enjoy it.
Apple Cheddar Walnut Loaf Bread
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cup Flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp Cheyenne powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 stick butter melted
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ cup of apples diced
- ½ cup of walnuts optional
- 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cayenne powder.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in apples, cheddar, and walnuts: Gently fold in the apples, cheddar cheese, and walnuts (if using).
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
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 personally like to go with sharp cheddar for a bolder taste, but if you have something similar in texture and flavor on hand, why not give it a try?
Cheese Options for the Perfect Flavor
- • Mild Cheddar: A softer, less intense flavor, perfect for those who prefer a subtle cheese taste.
- • Sharp Cheddar: A bold, tangy flavor that stands out in the bread, creating a delicious contrast with the sweetness of the loaf.
- • Extra Sharp Cheddar: For those who want the most pronounced cheddar flavor, this option packs a punch and pairs well with the bread's sweetness.
- • Smoked Cheddar: A daring option that can elevate the flavor with a unique, smoky twist. Perfect for adventurous eaters!
Cheese Tips for Best Results
- • Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly due to anti-clumping agents, so shred your own for the best texture.
- • Avoid Low-Fat Cheeses: While they are an option, low-fat or fat-free cheeses often don’t melt as well and can alter the texture of your loaf.
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 for a Perfect Loaf
Most of the ingredients in this Apple Cheddar Walnut Loaf Bread are likely things you already have in your pantry. Of course, the walnuts are optional. If you choose to add them, you can lightly toast them beforehand or toss them in raw. Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor, but if walnuts aren’t your thing, pecans are a great alternative for a slightly sweeter, buttery taste. While I haven’t tried it with hazelnuts, they could be a delicious addition as well!
Flavor-Boosting Additions for a Personal Touch
Along with the nuts, warm spices like cinnamon play a big role in the flavor. The recipe calls for just 1 teaspoon, but feel free to spice it up if you prefer. For a more savory loaf to pair with a soup, stick with the original 1 teaspoon. However, if you're going for a sweeter breakfast loaf, try adding more cinnamon or even a dash of powdered ginger. Apple pie spice works well, too! If you love chai tea, this loaf pairs perfectly with those bold, spiced flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store Apple Cheddar Walnut Loaf Bread at room temperature?
Store the bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days. If you’ve pre-sliced it, place parchment paper between slices to maintain moisture.
Can I refrigerate the bread?
Yes! Store the bread in an airtight container for up to 1 week in the fridge. However, refrigeration can make the bread a little drier, so we recommend warming it up before eating for the best texture.
How do I freeze the entire loaf?
Let the loaf cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.
Can I freeze slices of the bread?
Absolutely! For easy portions, slice the bread before freezing. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, or store in freezer-safe bags with parchment paper between slices. Freeze for up to 3 months.
How do I thaw and reheat the bread?
Let the bread thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight. To reheat, warm individual slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or use a toaster oven for a quicker option.
A Fall Favorite, But Perfect Year-Round
This Apple Cheddar Walnut Loaf Bread is wonderful anytime, but there’s something about fall that really gets me diving into apple cooking. The warm aroma always gets me in the fall spirit! The best part? This recipe is super adaptable. You can switch up the sugar, using all brown sugar or all white sugar, and you can even toss in a bit of applesauce to really amp up the apple flavor. It’s one of those recipes that works with what you’ve got!
Great for Any Meal or Snack
Whether you’re having it as a side dish with a light lunch, paired with a bowl of tomato soup, or enjoying a slice with your favorite coffee or tea, this bread shines. I also love to toast it for that extra crispy bite, just trust me, stay away from the toaster! And if you’ve got any leftovers, cut a slice, warm it up in the oven or toaster oven, and spread some creamy salted butter and homemade apple pear butter on top. You won’t regret it.
Grated or Chunky—What’s Your Favorite?
As for the apples, you can grate them into the batter for a smoother texture or keep them chunky for those sweet little bites throughout. Personally, I love those apple chunks in every slice, they’re my absolute favorite! I’d love to hear what twists you try on this recipe, so drop a comment below and tell me what you add to make it your own!
Thanks for hanging out! Just a quick heads-up: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep things rolling around here!
Hey, if you tried this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! A quick rating helps others out too, and if you added your own twist, let’s talk about it!