apple butter bread recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
apple butter bread recipe
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The Best apple butter bread recipe

I’ve been making apple butter bread for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The recipe is easy to follow and requires just a few ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I love that it’s made with wholesome ingredients like apples, flour, and spices, and it’s so delicious when it comes out of the oven.

My kids love helping me mix the batter and shape the dough into loaves. We often have a few slices on hand for breakfast or as a snack, and it’s always a treat. The aroma of fresh bread wafting from the oven is one of the best smells in the world, and this recipe never fails to put a smile on my face.

I’ve made it for holidays, potlucks, and even just for a quick meal on a busy day. It’s always a crowd-pleaser. Apple butter bread has been around for generations, but its popularity never seems to fade.

There’s something special about taking simple ingredients like apples, sugar, cinnamon, and flour and turning them into something truly special. The process of making this bread is meditative, too – there’s something soothing about combining ingredients, kneading the dough, and watching it rise. It’s not just about the end result; it’s about the journey as well.

I’ve experimented with different variations over the years – adding nuts or dried fruit to give it extra flavor – but this classic recipe remains my favorite. I’m so glad I discovered it all those years ago! It’s now a staple in our household.

Apple Butter Bread

Apple Butter Bread

4.8 from 1572 votes

This moist and tender apple butter bread is infused with warm spices and the rich flavor of apple butter. It makes a perfect breakfast treat or afternoon snack, especially when spread with a little extra butter.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time55 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 10 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 290 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Bread

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup apple butter
1/4 cup buttermilk

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray, then dust with a little flour, tapping out the excess.
3In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
4Set the dry ingredients aside while you prepare the wet mixture.
5In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
6Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
7Add the apple butter and buttermilk to the butter mixture and stir until just combined.
8The batter will look slightly curdled, which is normal.
9Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a rubber spatula until just incorporated and no streaks of flour remain.
10Do not overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
11Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
12Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
13Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto the rack to cool completely before slicing.
14The bread will be very tender when warm, so cooling is essential for clean slices.

🔧Equipment

9×5-inch loaf pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Rubber spatula
Cooling rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 290 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 320mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 24g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

For a deeper spice flavor, toast the cinnamon and nutmeg in a dry pan over medium heat for 30 seconds before adding to the flour. You can substitute whole wheat pastry flour for half of the all-purpose flour for a heartier texture. Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Apple Butter Bread Works

This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party or just need something delicious to serve your family on a busy night.

And don’t worry if you’re short on time; this recipe can be prepped ahead of time and baked whenever you’re ready.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it as toast for breakfast or as sandwiches for lunch or dinner.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Butter Bread

Q: What is apple butter bread?

Apple butter bread is a type of sweet bread that uses applesauce or apple butter as a key ingredient. It’s often flavored with cinnamon and other spices to give it that warm, comforting taste.

Q: Can I use store-bought applesauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought applesauce if you prefer – just make sure it’s unsweetened and unflavored. However, using fresh apples will give you better results and more control over the flavor.

Q: Do I need to let the dough rise?

Yes, letting the dough rise is an essential step in making apple butter bread. This allows the yeast to activate and gives the bread its light, airy texture.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting gluten-free flours for regular flour. However, keep in mind that gluten-free flours can behave differently and may affect the texture of your final product.

Q: How do I store leftover apple butter bread?

You can store leftover apple butter bread at room temperature for up to 3 days or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

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