Moist Apple Walnut Quick Bread Recipe in Just 60 Minutes

August 27, 2025

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of apple walnut quick bread baking in the oven on a crisp fall morning. It’s become my go-to recipe when I want something cozy and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of sweet apples and crunchy walnuts creates magic in every bite – not too sweet, not too heavy, just perfect.

I first discovered this recipe when my neighbor brought over a still-warm loaf after I’d helped her with her apple harvest. One bite and I was hooked! Now it’s my favorite way to use up extra apples from our tree. What I love most is how simple it is – just mix, pour, and bake. No fancy techniques needed, just pure deliciousness that makes the whole house smell amazing.

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Walnut Quick Bread

This recipe has become my absolute favorite for so many reasons:

  • Effortless baking – Just mix, pour, and bake. No complicated steps!
  • Perfect texture – Moist crumb with little bursts of apple and crunch from walnuts
  • Morning magic – Warm slices with butter make breakfast feel special
  • Always a hit – Friends and family beg me to make this apple walnut quick bread
  • Versatile – Equally good with coffee in the morning or as an afternoon snack

Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why I make it at least twice every apple season!

Apple Walnut Quick Bread Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious loaf – I like to group them so you can grab things more easily while baking:

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (spoon & level – don’t pack it!)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup milk (I use whole, but any works)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix-ins:

  • 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

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Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

For the best apple walnut quick bread, use firm apples like Granny Smith – they hold their shape better. No walnuts? Pecans make a great swap! Dairy-free? Almond milk works perfectly. I’ve even used melted butter instead of oil when I’m feeling fancy. Just remember – when measuring flour, spoon it into the cup and level it off. Scooping packs too much flour and makes the bread dense. And yes, you can leave the walnuts out if needed (though they add such nice crunch!).

How to Make Apple Walnut Quick Bread

Okay, friends – let’s get baking! This apple walnut quick bread comes together so easily, you’ll want to make it every weekend. Here’s exactly how I do it:

  1. Preheat & prep: First things first – heat that oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan really well (I use butter or baking spray). Trust me, nothing’s worse than bread sticking to the pan!
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a big bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. I use a fork to get out any little lumps.
  3. Whisk wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then stir in the oil, milk, and vanilla until everything’s nicely combined.
  4. Combine carefully: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until the flour disappears. A few small lumps are fine – really! Overmixing makes tough bread.
  5. Fold in the good stuff: Gently stir in the chopped apples and walnuts. I use a rubber spatula and fold them in like I’m tucking them into bed – nice and easy.
  6. Bake to perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Set your timer for 50 minutes – but start checking then! The bread is done when a toothpick comes out clean (maybe with a crumb or two, but no wet batter).
  7. Cool it down: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack. I know it’s tempting, but try to wait at least 15 minutes before slicing – it slices so much better when it’s not piping hot!

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Baking Tips for Perfect Apple Walnut Quick Bread

Here’s my secret for next-level apple walnut quick bread: toast those walnuts first! Just 5 minutes in a dry pan brings out amazing flavor. Also – don’t skip the toothpick test at 50 minutes. Ovens vary, and mine is usually done right at 55. If the top starts browning too fast, just tent it loosely with foil. And remember – quick breads are meant to be easy, so don’t stress about perfection!

Serving and Storing Apple Walnut Quick Bread

Oh, you’re in for a treat! My favorite way to serve this apple walnut quick bread is still warm from the oven with a generous smear of butter melting into the slices. The heat brings out all those cozy cinnamon and apple flavors. For storage, I pop any leftovers (if there are any!) into an airtight container – it stays fresh at room temperature for about 3 days. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic, then just pop them straight into the toaster oven when a craving hits. Perfect for those mornings when you need a little homemade comfort in a hurry!

Apple Walnut Quick Bread Variations

One of the best things about this apple walnut quick bread is how easily you can change it up! My favorite variation adds a handful of plump raisins to the batter – they get all soft and sweet while baking. Feeling adventurous? Try swapping the cinnamon for nutmeg or adding a pinch of cardamom. For special occasions, I’ll drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top right before serving – pure decadence! You could even mix in some shredded coconut or swap half the walnuts for pecans. The possibilities are endless with this versatile quick bread!

Apple Walnut Quick Bread Nutrition

Just so you know what you’re enjoying, here’s the basic nutrition info per slice (based on 12 slices per loaf): about 220 calories, 10g fat, and 30g carbs. But remember – this can vary depending on your specific ingredients and brands. I always say homemade treats like this apple walnut quick bread are about joy first, numbers second!

Common Questions About Apple Walnut Quick Bread

Over the years, I’ve gotten so many great questions about my apple walnut quick bread – here are the ones that pop up most often!

  • Can I use whole wheat flour? Absolutely! Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat if you like – any more and the bread gets too dense.
  • What are the best apples to use? I swear by Granny Smith for their tartness and firm texture, but Honeycrisp or Braeburn work wonderfully too.
  • Can I leave out the walnuts? You bet! The bread will still be delicious, though you might want to add an extra 1/4 cup apples for moisture.
  • Can I freeze the whole loaf? Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic, then foil. Thaw overnight on the counter when you’re ready to enjoy.
  • Why did my bread sink in the middle? Usually this means it needed a few more minutes in the oven – ovens vary, so trust the toothpick test!

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Enjoy Your Apple Walnut Quick Bread!

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! Leave a comment to tell me how your apple walnut quick bread turns out – happy baking!

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Moist Apple Walnut Quick Bread Recipe in Just 60 Minutes

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A moist and flavorful quick bread made with fresh apples and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for breakfast or a snack.

  • Author: Kitchen Hub
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf 1x
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups peeled and chopped apples
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Stir until just mixed.
  5. Fold in apples and walnuts.
  6. Pour batter into the loaf pan.
  7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

  • Use firm apples like Granny Smith for better texture.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Toast walnuts for extra flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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