Fall Harvest Spiced Apple Bread

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, nothing warms the heart quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread infused with the flavors of fall. This Autumnal Delight: Fall Harvest Spiced Apple Bread is a perfect representation of the season, combining the sweetness of apples with the aromatic spices that make autumn so inviting. In this article, we’ll explore not only how to create this delicious treat but also the history and benefits of the ingredients that make it special.

Warm up your autumn with this delightful Fall Harvest Spiced Apple Bread that perfectly encapsulates the season! Infused with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, this easy weeknight dessert is quick to whip up, making it a cozy addition to your fall celebrations. From the first aromatic waft to the final slice, it's a heartwarming treat that everyone will love. Try it tonight for a sweet taste of fall, and don't forget to save this recipe for later!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar)

2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples, such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)

1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).

Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, and then gradually mix in the buttermilk until fully incorporated.

Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over mix.

Fold in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the loaf pan.

Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil.

Cool: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice the bread and serve it warm with butter, or enjoy it plain as a delicious snack. Perfect with a warm cup of cider or tea!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 1 hr 15 mins | 12 slices