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.
Sprinkle the apples with half the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Pour the remaining batter over the apple layer.
Top with remaining diced apples (again, pushing the apples gently into the batter.)
Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on top.