Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Great use for sourdough discard
• Loaded with fresh apples
• Buttery cinnamon crisp topping
• Moist and tender crumb
• Perfect fall baking recipe
• Easy, no yeast rising required
• Delicious for breakfast or dessert

Ingredients

For the Apple Bread

• 1 cup (240g) sourdough discard (unfed)
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250g) peeled and diced apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji)

For the Apple Crisp Topping

• ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup (65g) brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 4 tablespoons (57g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ¼ cup rolled oats (optional)

Optional Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping

In a bowl combine:

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Oats (if using)

Cut in the cold butter until coarse crumbs form.

Place in the refrigerator while preparing the batter.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Set aside.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl whisk together:

• Sourdough discard
• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth.

Step 5: Combine the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.

Mix until just combined.

Do not overmix.

Step 6: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold in the diced apples.

The batter will be thick and heavily packed with fruit.

Step 7: Assemble the Bread

Transfer batter to the prepared loaf pan.

Spread evenly.

Sprinkle the apple crisp topping generously over the batter.

Lightly press the topping into the surface.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until:

• A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
• The topping is golden brown
• The loaf springs back when lightly touched

If the topping browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the final 15 minutes.

Step 9: Cool

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.

Step 10: Add the Glaze (Optional)

Whisk together:

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla

Drizzle over the cooled bread.

Best Apples for This Recipe

Honeycrisp

Sweet, juicy, and holds shape well.

Granny Smith

Tart flavor that balances the sweetness.

Fuji

Crisp and naturally sweet.

Pink Lady

Sweet-tart flavor with excellent texture.

For the best flavor, use a combination of sweet and tart apples.

Baker’s Tips

Use Thick Sourdough Discard

Discard that is not overly runny produces the best texture.

Don’t Overmix

Overmixing can create a dense loaf.

Dice Apples Small

Small pieces distribute evenly throughout the bread.

Chill the Topping

Cold streusel creates larger, crunchier crumbs.

Cool Before Slicing

The bread slices more cleanly once fully cooled.

Variations

Caramel Apple Crisp Bread

Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

Apple Walnut Bread

Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.

Maple Apple Crisp Bread

Replace the glaze with a maple glaze made from maple syrup and powdered sugar.

Apple Cranberry Bread

Add ½ cup dried cranberries for extra flavor and color.

Storage

Room Temperature

Store covered for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator

Store for up to 1 week in an airtight container.

Freezer

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight before serving.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Slice)

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 24g

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Coffee or chai tea
• Hot apple cider
• Salted butter
• Cream cheese
• Vanilla ice cream
• Caramel sauce

Recipe Notes

Sourdough Apple Crisp Bread combines everything you love about apple crisp and cinnamon bread into one irresistible loaf. The tangy sourdough, juicy apples, warm spices, and crunchy streusel topping create a cozy homemade treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. One slice fresh from the oven and you’ll understand why this recipe becomes a seasonal favorite year after year.