Preparation Steps

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
• In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
• Spoon half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the brown sugar over the batter and sprinkle a little cinnamon if desired. Top with the remaining batter and finish with the remaining brown sugar and a light dusting of cinnamon.
• Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 15 minutes.
• Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
• Slice and serve plain or with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk if desired.