Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This apple quick bread recipe, inspired by the culinary genius of Martha Stewart, is the perfect solution for a delicious and satisfying dessert or even a delightful breakfast. This recipe delivers a moist, tender crumb bursting with the sweet and tart flavor of apples – all without requiring hours of baking time. It's the ultimate easy recipe for busy weeknights, perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your quick bread will easily release from the pan once baked.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the spices throughout the bread.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
- Fold in Apples & Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using). Be careful not to overmix at this stage to maintain the texture of the apples.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips for the Best Apple Quick Bread:
- Use ripe apples: Ripe apples will provide the best flavor and moisture.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark. Every oven is slightly different.
- Cool completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely before slicing helps it to set properly.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for extra warmth.
- Add a glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled bread for extra flavor.
- Make it a muffin: Bake the batter in greased muffin tins for individual portions. Reduce baking time to 20-25 minutes.
- Different nuts: Experiment with other nuts like pecans or hazelnuts. Dried cranberries or chopped raisins would also be delicious additions.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Protein: 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This apple quick bread recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of fall. It's a fantastic addition to any brunch, afternoon snack, or even a simple dessert. Perfect for homemade cooking, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection, offering a quick dinner option or a healthier alternative to other baked goods. Enjoy!