Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf

Ingredients:

For the Loaf:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
• 1 1/2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

1. Prepare the Streusel Topping:

• In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and flour.
• Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

1. Prepare the Loaf Batter:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
• Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the sour cream (or yogurt), beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
• Fold in the chopped apples.

1. Assemble the Loaf:

• Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
• Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter.
• Pour the remaining batter over the streusel layer and spread it evenly.
• Sprinkle the remaining streusel mixture over the top of the batter.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
• If the streusel topping begins to brown too quickly, cover the loaf loosely with aluminum foil.

1. Cool:

• Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
• Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.

1. Serve:

• Slice and enjoy the Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea.