This is one of my favorite fall recipes using all those sweet apples from apple picking. The sweet chunks of cinnamon-apples paired with the soft and pillowy cake and the sweet and crunchy crumb topping is a recipe win. After testing this at least 3 times, I can assure you that you will have success making this loaf. A tip for the topping is to refrigerate it, then add it to the loaf right before baking. If it’s room temperature, it will not be a true crumb topping and be very matted down, albeit still delish. Bring this to any fall gathering with friends and family and win them over! You are gonna love it.
Tip on apple picking: give the apples a gentle twist and they should come right off. Pick from the outside of the tree. Organic apples will taste the best in this recipe and any apple pie recipe. They are the tastiest in my opinion and void of any harsh chemicals and pesticides.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a small pot, add diced apples covered with water and heat for 8 minutes until softened. Drain apples and sprinkle with cinnamon. Mix to combine.
In a stand mixer bowl with paddle attachment, add the wet ingredients. Then add dry ingredients and mix.
In loaf pan lined with parchment paper, add 1/2 the batter and then top with 1/2 the apples. Add remaining batter and top with remaining apples.
Make Topping.
In a microwave safe bowl soften cold butter for 12 seconds. Dice it into chunks. Combine the oats, sugar, flour and add the butter. Mix with hands until the topping is in tiny granules. Refrigerate for 10 minutes (important step!).
Add the topping to cake and bake for 1 hour and 5 minutes or until spongy. Cool on cooling rack for 30 minutes.
Tip: to keep topping intact, cut loaf on its side.