Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This apple bread machine recipe delivers moist, perfectly spiced apple bread with minimal effort. Forget complicated kneading and precise oven temperatures – your bread machine does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, busy weeknights, or anyone who appreciates a homemade dessert without the fuss. It's a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals you can create in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (for a healthier twist)
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and diced
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare Your Bread Machine: Grease your bread machine pan lightly. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your delicious loaf.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In your bread machine pan, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This activates the yeast, a crucial step for a perfectly risen loaf.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt to the yeast mixture.
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Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Add the eggs, melted butter, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, diced apples, and nuts (if using).
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Select the Dough Cycle: Choose the "dough" cycle on your bread machine. Allow the machine to complete the entire cycle. Every bread machine differs, check your manual for precise timings.
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Shape the Loaf (Optional): Once the dough cycle is complete, gently remove the dough from the pan. You can lightly shape it into a loaf before transferring it back to the greased pan. This helps to create a more even rise and bake.
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Select the Bake Cycle: Place the pan back into the bread machine and select the "bake" cycle. Again, baking times vary depending on your machine, so always consult the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Cool and Enjoy: Once the bake cycle is finished, carefully remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the bread to set properly and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best Apple Bread:
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh, ripe apples for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in a tough loaf. Allow the bread machine to do its job.
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A dash of cardamom or ginger can add a unique twist.
- Add-ins: Get creative! Raisins, cranberries, or chocolate chips are all delicious additions to this recipe.
- Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for longer storage.
Variations:
- Cranberry Apple Bread: Replace the walnuts with ½ cup of dried cranberries.
- Spiced Apple Bread: Add ½ teaspoon of ground ginger and a pinch of cloves to the spice mixture.
- Gluten-Free Apple Bread: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly, depending on the flour blend you choose.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 8-10g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This apple bread machine recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes, quick dinner ideas, and delicious dishes. Enjoy the simple process and the rewarding taste of homemade goodness! It's a true example of best recipes that are both simple and satisfying, perfect for any homemade cooking enthusiast.