THE BEST APPLE BREAD

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick), softened to room temperature
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup milk
1 1/4 cup peeled and chopped apples (into 2-inch chunks) about 2 small apples (Fuji or Granny Smith)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Spray a large loaf pan (about a 9×5-inch) with nonstick cooking spray (I like the kind with flour in it – like Baker’s Joy.)

In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Set aside.
Using a stand mixer (or in a large bowl with an electric mixer), mix together 2/3 cup sugar and 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick), softened to room temperature until smooth.
Stir in 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until fully combined.
Finally, stir in 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 cup milk. Mix until combined.
Pour half the batter into prepared loaf pan.
Cover batter with half the 1 1/4 cup peeled and chopped apples (into 2-inch chunks) diced apples. Press the apples down slightly into the batter …