Save 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.
The first time I made this, my kitchen was filled with the aroma of baked apples and melting cheese. Each slice felt like the perfect autumn treat, and my friends could not believe how well caramel, cheddar, and cookie dough worked together.
Ingredients
- 2 medium tart apples (such as Granny Smith): peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 cup (115 g) sharp cheddar cheese: shredded
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter: softened
- 2 large eggs:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk:
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour:
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar:
- ½ cup (90 g) packed light brown sugar:
- 1 tsp baking powder:
- ½ tsp baking soda:
- ½ tsp fine sea salt:
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon:
- ½ cup (120 ml) thick caramel sauce: store-bought or homemade
- ¼ cup (30 g) chopped pecans or walnuts: optional
Instructions
- Prepare pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars:
- Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and milk:
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, then mix in milk until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix wet and dry:
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in apples and cheddar:
- Gently fold in diced apples and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer to pan:
- Spread batter evenly into prepared loaf pan.
- Swirl caramel:
- Drizzle half the caramel sauce on top and swirl gently with knife.
- Bake:
- Bake 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and finish:
- Cool in pan 10 minutes, transfer to wire rack. Drizzle with remaining caramel sauce and sprinkle with nuts, if using. Let cool before slicing.
Save My kids love helping drizzle caramel on top, and sharing a warm slice together is now a cozy weekend tradition.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, 9x5-inch loaf pan, parchment paper, wire rack.
Notes
Use smoked cheddar or a pinch of nutmeg for a deeper flavor, and try swapping apples for pears for a seasonal twist.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has 330 calories, 16 g fat, 43 g carbohydrates, and 6 g protein.
Save This loaf keeps well for several days and tastes even better the next morning.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different apples for this loaf?
Tart varieties such as Granny Smith work best, but you may substitute with other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor.
- → Is there an alternative for cheddar cheese?
Smoked cheddar adds depth, or try swapping with gouda or mozzarella for different savory notes.
- → Can nuts be omitted from the topping?
Absolutely. Nuts are optional and can be omitted or replaced with seeds for added crunch.
- → What is the best way to serve this loaf?
Serve slightly warm for ultimate gooey caramel texture. Enjoy with black coffee or spiced tea.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- → Can pears replace apples in the loaf?
Pears make a wonderful substitution, providing a juicy twist while keeping the loaf moist.