Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- 9x5 inch loaf pan
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the applesauce, and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped walnuts, if using.
7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
8. Pour the remaining batter on top and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
9. Use a knife to swirl the batter and cinnamon sugar mixture together.
10. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
11. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50-60 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
1 loaf, serves 8-10
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 320
Total fat: 14g
Saturated fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 260mg
Total carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Total sugars: 25g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
- If you don't have unsweetened applesauce, you can use sweetened applesauce and reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
- Pecans or almonds can be used instead of walnuts.
Variations:
- Add 1 cup of chopped apples to the batter for extra apple flavor.
- Replace the cinnamon sugar mixture with a streusel topping made of flour, brown sugar, and butter.
- Add 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries to the batter.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before beating it with the sugar.
- Don't overmix the batter, or the bread will become tough.
- Use a knife to swirl the batter and cinnamon sugar mixture together for a marbled effect.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing it.
Storage instructions:
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the bread, wrap it in aluminum foil and bake it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the bread sliced and arranged on a platter.
- Dust the top of the bread with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the bread.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Pairings:
- Serve the bread with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
- Pair with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the bread with a side of fresh fruit or a fruit salad.
- A side of yogurt or cottage cheese can also complement the bread.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bread is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil halfway through the baking time.
- If the bread is not cooked through, bake it for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before preparing the recipe.
- Use pasteurized eggs to avoid the risk of salmonella.
- Store the bread properly to avoid spoilage.
Food history:
- Apple spice bread has been a popular recipe for centuries, dating back to colonial times in America.
- Apples were a common ingredient in colonial baking, as they were readily available and easy to preserve.
- Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves were also popular in colonial baking, as they were imported from other countries and added flavor to simple recipes.
Flavor profiles:
- This bread is sweet and spicy, with a moist and tender texture.
- The applesauce adds a fruity flavor and moistness to the bread, while the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add warmth and spice.
- The walnuts add a nutty crunch to the bread.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A
Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Fruity, Cinnamon, Cinnamon-Y