Ingredients
For the Bread:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Apples (recommend Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Sour cream
- Melted butter
- Vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
- Sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Optional: Sour cream (for tangy flavor)
For the Streusel Topping:
- Brown sugar
- Flour
- Cinnamon
- Cold butter (cut into pieces)
- Optional: Nutmeg or chopped nuts (pecans/walnuts)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Prepare Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients: flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients: eggs, sour cream, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- Blend softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Optional: Add a touch of sour cream for tanginess.
- Prepare Streusel Topping:
- Mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Cut in cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Optional: Add nutmeg or nuts for extra flavor.
- Assemble the Bread:
- Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan.
- Add an even layer of the cream cheese filling.
- Top with the remaining batter.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly across the top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Apple Selection: Use a mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji) for the best balance of flavor.
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Top a slice with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for dessert.
- Pair with coffee, spiced cider, or serve alongside cheese like brie or sharp cheddar.
- Variations:
- Substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Use dairy-free cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
- Add warming spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for extra fall flavor.
- Try using pumpkin puree or berries as a seasonal twist.