French Apple Bread
A moist, flavorful apple bread infused with cheddar cheese and walnuts, perfect for breakfast or snack, blending sweet apples with savory cheese for a unique taste.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 cup Nabisco 100% bran ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 3 eggs, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 1/4 cup applesauce ⓘ
- 1 cup peeled and diced apple ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 6 thin apple slices ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- In a small bowl, combine flour, Nabisco 100% bran, baking powder, and baking soda; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter or margarine.
- Add granulated sugar and slightly beaten eggs to the melted butter and mix well.
- Stir in applesauce.
- Fold in diced apples, grated Cheddar cheese, chopped walnuts, and apple slices.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before removing from pan and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting half the butter with unsweetened applesauce. If you don't have Cheddar cheese, any sharp cheese will work well. For added moisture, you can replace some of the diced apples with grated zucchini, similar to what you might find in Ann'S Chocolate Zucchini Cake. Be sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious bread warm, perhaps with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or brunch. For a delightful dessert, consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which complements the flavors beautifully, similar to how you might enjoy Easy Cheesecake Cupcakes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover French Apple Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm slices in a toaster or microwave until just heated through, which will help maintain its moist texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Apple Bread contains roughly 1086 calories, with 10g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 93g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (61% of the Daily Value), calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 677mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. To compensate, consider adding a tablespoon of extra liquid, such as milk or water, to maintain moisture. This adjustment will help keep the bread light and fluffy.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. Tart apples will add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the bread. Make sure to peel and dice the apples evenly for consistent baking.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! This bread actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Just remember to let it cool completely before wrapping it to maintain its moisture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).