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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!

Ingredients:

• 1.7 lb (750 g) unpeeled apples, grated
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• ½ cup (100 g) raisins
• 2¾ cups (350 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp (12 g) baking powder
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tbsp (5 g) cocoa powder
• 1 tsp (3 g) ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch ground cloves
• 1¼ cups (150 g) whole hazelnuts

Instructions:

1. Grate the unpeeled apples into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the lemon juice, sugar, vanilla, and raisins. Cover the bowl and let it sit on the counter overnight.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan (see Notes/Hints below) and set aside.
3. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and cloves in a large bowl, and stir with a whisk to mix.
4. Add the apple mixture and hazelnuts to the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon 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.
6. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing the bread to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing.

Notes/Hints:

• Traditionally, this apple bread 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. It can last up to a week in the fridge, but do let it come to room temperature before serving.

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Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com

Recipe updated on  May 8, 2025