Save to Pinterest A delightful, sweet-savory loaf combining tart apples, sharp cheddar, and buttery cookie dough, topped with gooey caramel. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an indulgent snack.
I first made this loaf on a chilly autumn afternoon, and the aroma filling my kitchen was absolutely comforting. It quickly became a favorite for gatherings and cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- Apples: 2 medium tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
- Cheddar cheese: 1 cup (115 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Butter: ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- Eggs: 2 large eggs
- Milk: ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk
- All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups (190 g)
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup (100 g)
- Light brown sugar: ½ cup (90 g) packed
- Baking powder: 1 tsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Fine sea salt: ½ tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Caramel sauce: ½ cup (120 ml) thick caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Pecans or walnuts (optional): ¼ cup (30 g) chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Cream and mix:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Combine wet ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the milk until smooth.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Blend together:
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Add apples and cheddar:
- Gently fold in the diced apples and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Fill pan:
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
- Caramel swirl:
- Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the top and swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake:
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and finish:
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Drizzle with remaining caramel sauce and sprinkle with nuts, if using. Let cool before slicing.
Save to Pinterest My kids love helping swirl the caramel on top—it's a fun family baking moment we look forward to every autumn.
Required Tools
9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, parchment paper, wire rack
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 330, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 43 g, Protein: 6 g
Notes
For extra flavor, use smoked cheddar or add a pinch of nutmeg. Substitute pears for apples for a twist. Best served slightly warm, pairs well with black coffee or spiced tea.
Save to Pinterest This loaf brings together the best of tart apples, sharp cheddar, and gooey caramel for a treat everyone will adore.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute apples with other fruits?
Pears make a great alternative, adding a mild sweetness and a similar texture.
- → What type of cheddar is best for this loaf?
Sharp cheddar delivers a great flavor contrast, but smoked cheddar adds depth and extra richness.
- → Is the loaf best served warm or cold?
Serving the loaf slightly warm enhances the gooey caramel and creamy cheddar texture.
- → Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Homemade caramel works wonderfully. Ensure a thick consistency to create the perfect topping.
- → What can I pair with this loaf?
Enjoy with black coffee or spiced tea for a comforting and balanced treat any time of day.
- → How do I make the loaf nut-free?
Simply omit the nuts from the topping, keeping the loaf safe for those with tree nut allergies.