Every fall, without fail, I find myself overloaded with apples—gathered from the orchard, the farmers market, or sometimes just a well-meaning neighbor.
But let’s be honest. How many apple pies can you really make? That’s when I learned about this apple crisp bread machine recipe, and let me tell you, it became a must-have in my kitchen.
With its soft, chewy crumb and surprise swirls of brown sugar oats, it’s become my favorite way to turn extra apples into something unforgettable.
Why This Bread Machine Recipe Is a Fall Favorite
What sets this bread machine recipe apart is the rich swirl of brown sugar and oat topping baked right into the loaf. It gives you that satisfying contrast between soft bread and crisp, buttery bites.
The bread machine does all the heavy lifting, making it a true set-it-and-forget-it fall recipe.
It’s the perfect bread for chilly mornings, fall gatherings, or a comforting afternoon snack. Plus, because it’s made in a bread machine, the texture is consistent and foolproof every time.
Perfect for Fall Meal Prep & Gifting
This recipe works especially well for those who like to plan ahead. One batch makes enough for a few breakfasts or snacks throughout the week, and the flavors only get better the next day.
Looking to impress someone with a homemade gift? Wrap a loaf in parchment paper and tuck it into a basket with a jar of apple butter, a cinnamon stick, and maybe a cute tea towel—instant hostess gift or holiday treat.
- Stays fresh for days with the right storage
- Easy to freeze and reheat
- Makes a thoughtful, edible gift idea
Easy Customizations for Every Taste
What I love most about this bread machine recipe is how flexible it is. You can tweak it to match whatever you have on hand or cater it to your dietary needs.
Here are a few quick tips for customization:
- Vegan-friendly? Use oat milk and a flax egg.
- No brown sugar? Try maple syrup or coconut sugar instead.
- Want extra crunch? Add walnuts or pecans into the swirl.
- Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
Each version brings out new flavors while keeping that same irresistible apple crisp feel.
Best Ways to Serve Apple Crisp Bread
This bread doesn’t need much to shine, but there are a few ways I like to serve it that really take things over the top.
- Toast a thick slice and slather it with cinnamon butter.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style twist.
- Pair with sharp cheddar and fresh apple slices on a charcuterie board.
- Drizzle a bit of salted caramel over a griddled slice for the ultimate fall indulgence.
Whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this loaf has major range.
A Must-Try Bread Machine Recipe for Apple Season
If you’re looking for a bread machine recipe that delivers big fall flavor with minimal effort, this one’s it. The balance of spiced apple, chewy bread, and oat topping hits every note of a classic apple crisp, but in a sliceable, portable format.
You’ll find yourself making it again and again—especially when apple season rolls around. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell amazing and turns simple pantry staples into something truly special.
Apple Crisp Bread Machine Recipe
Equipment
- Bread machine with Basic/White program
- 1½- to 2-pound loaf capacity pan
Ingredients
For 1½-Pound Loaf:
- ⅔ cup milk
- 2 tbsp apple juice
- ½ cup apple (Pink Lady, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp) peeled & chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp butter softened and cut into pieces
- 3 cups bread flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp yeast
For 2-Pound Loaf:
- ⅔ cup milk
- 2 tbsp apple juice
- ⅔ cup apple (Pink Lady, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp) peeled & chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1½ tsp orange zest
- 3 tbsp butter softened and cut into pieces
- 4 cups bread flour
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ¾ tsp cinnamon
- 1¼ tsp yeast
Apple Crisp Topping (for both loaf sizes):
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup quick cooking oats
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp butter softened
Instructions
- Add the loaf ingredients to your bread machine’s pan in the order listed, starting with milk and ending with yeast.
- Select the Basic/White program and choose the correct loaf size setting (1½-lb or 2-lb).
- While the dough mixes, prepare the apple crisp topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and softened butter in a small bowl. Mix with a fork until crumbly and clumpy.
- After the second knead cycle, pause the machine and remove the dough from the bread pan. Take out the paddle.
- Divide the dough into 10–12 portions. Begin layering the dough back into the bread pan, sprinkling apple crisp topping between layers.
- Use any remaining topping to sprinkle over the top of the dough.
- Return the pan to the machine within 5–10 minutes to complete the rise and bake cycles.
- Once baked, carefully remove the loaf and let cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- This recipe works best with tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- The crisp topping adds texture and a dessert-like twist, making this loaf ideal for sweet breakfasts or cozy fall treats.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.