Cream Soda Caramel Apple Loaf (Printable)
Caramelized apples and cream soda create a tender loaf with a buttery crumb, perfect for brunch or dessert.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fruit & Filling
01 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1/3 cup light brown sugar
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - Pinch of salt
→ Wet Ingredients
06 - 1/2 cup cream soda (not diet)
07 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
08 - 2 large eggs, at room temperature
09 - 1/2 cup whole milk
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Dry Ingredients
11 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
12 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
13 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
14 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Biscuit Topping
16 - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
17 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
18 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
19 - Pinch of salt
→ Caramel Drizzle
20 - 1/4 cup caramel sauce, for drizzling
# Method:
01 - Set oven to 350°F and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
02 - Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft and caramelized, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, cream soda, whole milk, and vanilla extract until fully blended.
04 - In another bowl, mix all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
05 - Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Take care not to overmix.
06 - Carefully incorporate caramelized apples into the batter.
07 - Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
08 - In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and blend with a pastry blender or fork until a coarse crumb forms. Sprinkle topping evenly over the loaf batter.
09 - Bake for 50 to 55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10 - Let loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes; transfer to a wire rack. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Moist and tender crumb with layers of flavor
- Nostalgic cream soda twist elevates a classic loaf
02 -
- The loaf contains wheat, milk, and eggs: check caramel sauce ingredients for dairy.
- Use real cream soda for authentic flavor; diet or substitutes may change results.
03 -
- For perfectly caramelized apples, let them cool completely before adding to the batter.
- Use a pastry blender or fork for a tender, crumbly biscuit topping.