Apple Butter Bread (Low-Sugar)
This apple butter bread recipe is made with fresh apples, apple butter, and cinnamon for an easy quick bread recipe full of sweet, spiced flavor!
If you’ve never tried a recipe for apple butter bread, prepare to be amazed. The perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert, it’s a type of quick, sweet bread that contains bold flavors of fall.
It tastes like it came straight from a bakery and leaves your home smelling incredible! Plus, with minimal prep time, it’s ready in just about an hour.
And leftovers store well, making it great for meal prep or to give away as gifts. The only problem is that it never lasts long!
Recipe Ingredients
Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions for this apple butter bread recipe. Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!
- Flour – All-purpose flour forms the base of the batter. If you need to keep this recipe gluten-free, feel free to use a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour instead.
- Sweetener – We use monk fruit sweetener to keep this bread low in sugar, but granulated sugar will also work.
- Baking Soda and Powder – These help the bread rise. Just make sure they’re fresh!
- Spices – Ground cinnamon adds lot of depth, and salt brings out the flavor of the rest of the ingredients.
- Apple Butter – We use homemade apple butter, but store-bought varieties also work.
- Butter – This adds rich flavor and helps keep the bread moist.
- Eggs – These give the bread structure, helping it hold its shape. We haven’t tested this recipe with egg substitutes, and can’t guarantee your results if you do!
- Vanilla Extract – Adds subtle vanilla flavor throughout the bread.
Optional Mix-Ins and Variations
We think this recipe for apple butter bread is perfect as it is, but you can always experiment and make it your own! Some of our favorite additions include:
- Chopped Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, etc.)
- Chocolate Chips
- Dried Fruit (raisins or cranberries)
- Vanilla Frosting
How to Make The Best Apple Butter Bread Recipe
- Prepare. Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and grease a 9×5 bread pan with cooking oil spray.
- Mix the dry ingredients. Add the dry ingredients to a large bowl, and whisk to combine.
- Whisk the wet ingredients. In a second bowl, whisk the apple butter, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients, and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Bake. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake until the bread has risen and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool. Allow the bread to cool in the pan slightly. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. We know it’s hard, but you definitely want to wait! Otherwise, your bread is likely to crumble and fall apart.
Common Questions
Stored in an airtight container, leftovers will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Yes! We love to make extra loves to freeze for later. Allow them to cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to serve.
We love to serve this recipe warm or cold slathered with apple butter. However, it’s also great with butter, almond butter, or peanut butter.
Apple Butter Bread (Low-Sugar) Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup monk fruit sweetener or sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups apple butter
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Generously spray a 9×5 bread pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, monk fruit sweetener, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.2 cups flour, 1/2 cup monk fruit sweetener, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the apple butter, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until combined.1 1/4 cups apple butter, 1/2 cup butter, melted, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the greased pan and spread evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean (see notes).
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove and continue to cool on a cooling rack.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature or wrap in plastic wrap then place in a Ziploc storage bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Once September hits this bread is on my mind! We make it every year. The cozy fall spices and tender crumb get me every time. This bread also freezes well so make a double batch. We do! 🙂
This was a delicious recipe, but I think really needed some nuts for some extra crunch, flavour and texture. Also, I only used half a cup of sugar and it was perfect.
Thanks so much 🙂
Hi Mary-Kate! I am so pleased you like the recipe and thank you for the recipe suggestion. I think walnuts or pecans would make a great addition. Fall blessings to you!
I tried this apple butter bread recipe and it tastes just awesome. I also recommend everyone to try this recipe at least one time you will love it.
Thanks for sharing these recipes.
Ankit, thank you so much for your kind comment. It was so wonderful to hear your experience with this recipe. It is certainly one of our favorites too. Blessings to you!
This looks amazing I have to eat gluten free and it’s hard to find good baked goods where did you get the flour or what name brand is it
Hi Tina! Thank you so much for the kind words. Yes, it is hard to find gf baked goods that are both delicious and simple to make. I just updated the recipe to reflect what flour I use. It is a gluten-free blend that my bestie came up with 🙂 However, you can use any brand!
Can you substitute all purpose flour?
Absolutely, Laura! I have used many different types of flours and it has always turned out well. Excited for you to try it! Blessings 🙂
Hi Sammi I am defiantly trying this recipe. Good to know I can use all purpose flour.
Mary, I am so excited for you to try it! And yes, you can use all-purpose, whole wheat, or gluten-free flour in this recipe. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
I came here from another site that you posted a recipe on, which I have saved for a later date.
I feel like I should run out to the store now, but since it is almost 11:00 at night, I think I’ll pass for tonight. I for sure am going to make the apple butter. I would like to make the bread, I can almost taste it. Can I use regular flour in it?
Hi Judi! You are too sweet. Thank you for spending time here at G&S 🙂 Yes, you can use regular flour in the apple butter bread. I most often use the gluten-free flour blend that is listed, but otherwise I use whole wheat flour. All purpose will work too! Enjoy 🙂
I am making this today! I already have homemade apple butter and this sounds delicious! Thanks for hosting and sharing!
I can’t wait to hear what you think, Helen! We just enjoyed some tonight while we watched my daughter’s soccer practice. Yummo! 🙂
What is coconut Sugar called for in your slow cooker Apple Butter Recipe. I do not ever remember seeing it here in Canada. We love Apple butter and the apple butter they sell here is not the true apple butter we bought in Arkansas and Texas so I would really like to make my own. Thank you in advance for your trouble
Hi Sallie, thanks for the questions! The original recipe I used for my apple butter called for brown sugar, lots of brown sugar. So I decided to use a little coconut sugar to sweeten it up a bit. Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and I love the “molassey” taste of it. You can omit the sugar altogether if you wish, the apple butter will still taste amazing. I hope this answer helps! Best of luck making this butter and bread 🙂 Stay in touch!
Can this be made in a standard bread/loaf pan??? I don’t have the small ones. Can’t wait to try this…it looks too good to wait!
Absolutely! I have made this in a regular loaf pan and it turned out wonderful. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out. Blessings, Linda!
Love your apple butter recipe – I really enjoy making things like that in the slow cooker. I definitely agree with you about how lovely it makes the house smell. Really like your Apple Butter Bread recipe too. Thank you for sharing with us at the Hearth and Soul Hop. Pinned and tweeted. Hope to ‘see’ you again this week.
April, thank you for your kind words! This recipe really is the perfect recipe for those chilly fall days when you want to cozy up in the house because your home will smell SO amazing you won’t want to leave 🙂
Homemade is always best, love this apple butter bread, thanks for sharing with Hearth and soul blog hop, pinning and tweeting.
I agree with you, Swathi! Homemade is my favorite food 😉
This looks SO good. I cannot wait to go apple picking this year. I have to make this!
Oh Darcy, it is SO good! Apple picking can’t come soon enough if you ask me 🙂
Yum! Apple Picking season is right around the corner here in Maine, can’t wait to try this. Pinned 🙂
Well this recipe came out just in time for you, Angela! Happy apple picking!
Thank you for sharing at Delicious Dishes Recipe Party!
This recipe looks awesome. I like how it can be saved too.
Thank you for sharing this with us on the #HomeMattersParty. We hope to see you again when we open our doors on Friday at 12AM EST.
I agree, Crystal! It is always nice to have extra of your favorite recipes 🙂
What a delicious recipe! Looking forward to trying this one at my house.
Enjoy it, girl! We have 1 loaf left in the freezer that I have been eyeing for about a week now. lol Time to bake a new batch! Let me know how yours turns out 🙂
I love this recipe. It looks delicious! Thanks for sharing with us at Snickerdoodle. Pinning.
Thanks Beverly! I certainly hope you will give it a try 🙂 It’s scrumptious!
I still have some apple butter left from last year’s batch, so I NEED this recipe! And my husband will appreciate it being GF. Thanks you.
Oh, this recipe is PERFECT for you! You will have to let me know what you and your husband think 🙂 Enjoy this delicious fall treat! Thanks for stopping, Abi!
I want a piece of this bread right now! It looks great!
Well come on over, girl! I have some in the freezer and can have it and a cup of coffee ready and waiting for you 🙂
Yum! This looks like such a great recipe, especially for the fall. My daughter and I love apples and I’m always looking for recipes to use them, and it looks like I found another one here. Thanks so much for sharing this with us on #shinebloghop, Sammi!
Maria, you and your daughter will LOVE this recipe! My kids never tire of this sweet bread. I can’t wait for you all to try it! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
I love it and it looks so simple as well! It looks well yummy! #SHINEbloghop
Yes! This recipe is SO simple, yet SO delicious!
This looks so good! Can’t wait to try it!
This recipe will definitely get you in the mood for autumn. The flavors are so warm and comforting 🙂
Helen, you will have to stop back and let me know how much you loved this recipe! Try eating a slice with a cup of warm coffee…delish!!
This looks crazy delicious and makes me super excited for autumn– YUM!
I couldn’t agree more, Courtney! Fall is my favorite season 🙂 Enjoy this sweet bread!
This sounds wonderful! Do you have canning instructions for the apple butter by chance? I’m new to canning, and still learning the ropes. Thanks!
Hi Karen! I have not canned my apple butter, I usually just freeze it. My friend and I can applesauce and spiced apples though and it is so much fun 🙂 I found this article about canning that may be helpful to you. Let me know how it goes!! http://www.simplycanning.com/canning-apple-butter.html
Looks very yummy!
Oh, it is Brandi! I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Sammi – this is another great recipe of yours. Love the combination of apple butter and apple butter bread. Saving this for later in the Fall! Love it!
Ilka, you are too kind! Thank you! And yes this apple butter and bread is always a “must make” once fall is here!