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Easy German Apple Bread Recipe: Oma's Apfelbrot

German Apple Bread Recipe: This easy, no-yeast recipe fills the house with the holiday scents of apple, cinnamon, and cloves. Perfect for a German Christmas or a quiet weekend!

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

60 minutes

Total Time

75 minutes + overnight 

Servings:

Makes 16 servings

Ingredients:

  • 750 grams (1.7 lbs) apples, grated with peel
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 150 grams (¾ cup) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 100 grams (½ cup) raisins
  • 350 grams (2¾ cups) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground cloves
  • 150 grams (1¼ cups) whole filberts (hazelnuts)

Instructions:

  1. Grate the apples with their peels into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the lemon juice, sugar, vanilla, and raisins. Cover and let sit on the counter overnight.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) or 350°F (175°C) for convection. Grease a loaf pan, see hints below for sizes.
  3. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and cloves and stir with a whisk to mix.
  4. Add the apple mixture and filberts to the dry ingredients, stirring to combine. The dough should be thick and sticky, holding its shape on the spoon. If it’s too dense, add a small amount of water to reach the desired consistency; if it’s too wet, add a bit more flour.
  5. Spoon the batter into the loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 60 minutes, checking with a toothpick or cake tester for doneness. Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing the bread to a wire rack.
  6. Let the apple bread cool completely before slicing.

Notes/Hints:

  • Traditionally, this is baked in a 12×4.5-inch loaf pan, however, any loaf pan similar to a 9.8×5.5-inch will work.
  • This apple bread stores well at room temperature, wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in an airtight container or resealable bag. Refrigerated, it can last up to a week. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

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