The Ultimate Homemade Apple Butter Bread Recipe: A Cozy Taste of Autumn Comfort
There’s something truly magical about the arrival of autumn. The crisp air, the changing leaves, and the undeniable pull towards warm, comforting flavors. While the summer heat might linger a bit longer than we’d like (hello, 90-degree days!), my kitchen transforms into a haven of fall baking at the first hint of cooler weather. And recently, this delightful homemade Apple Butter Bread recipe became an instant hit, making me yearn for brisk fall mornings even more. It’s absolutely bursting with those beloved autumn spices and offers the most comforting embrace when paired with a steaming cup of coffee or tea.
As much as I adore summer, my heart truly belongs to fall. I find myself eagerly counting down the days until the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and the air carries the scent of woodsmoke and cinnamon. Baking is a huge part of this seasonal transition for me, and it often begins with using up the last bits of my homemade apple butter, a rich, concentrated apple spread that’s far more flavorful than any store-bought variety. Knowing that apple season is just around the corner means I’m already planning my next big batch, but before that, I love finding creative ways to use the existing supply.
Speaking of fall favorites, you know I can’t resist my Pumpkin Bread. And yes, I admit it—I bake it all year round! Call it an obsession, but there’s just something about the cozy, spiced flavors of autumn and Christmas that I simply can’t get enough of. This Apple Butter Bread perfectly complements that love, bringing a slightly different, yet equally enchanting, apple-infused comfort to your table. It’s a testament to the fact that you can enjoy the spirit of fall baking, even when the thermometer outside tells a different story.
Crafting the Perfect Loaf: A Guide to Delicious Apple Butter Bread
Who can resist the sweet, spiced allure of apple butter? For most, it’s an irresistible treat, and in my home, it’s practically a staple. So, it felt only natural to take that incredible flavor and weave it into a moist, tender loaf of bread. This recipe isn’t just about baking; it’s about infusing your home with the inviting aromas of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, promising a delightful treat that captures the essence of the season.
The Art of Mixing: Achieving the Ideal Batter
Creating this apple butter bread is a straightforward process, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The magic begins with selecting quality ingredients and following a few simple steps to ensure a perfectly moist and flavorful loaf. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and preparing a 9×5-inch loaf pan with baking spray. This ensures your beautiful bread will release easily once baked, preserving its golden crust.
In a large mixing bowl, you’ll want to cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which contributes to the bread’s tender crumb. Once that’s done, gently beat in the large eggs and half of the buttermilk. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring all ingredients are fully integrated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground cloves, and nutmeg. These spices are the heart of the fall flavor profile, each playing a role in creating that warm, inviting aroma and taste. Ensuring they are well mixed now means even distribution throughout your loaf.
Now, it’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together. Add half of the dry flour mixture to your wet ingredients in the large bowl and beat until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can lead to a tough bread, so mix until barely incorporated. Then, add the remaining buttermilk, beat again, and finally, add the rest of the flour mixture. Beat just until no streaks of dry flour remain. The goal is a cohesive, smooth batter.
The star of the show, the apple butter, comes in next. Gently fold the rich, spiced apple butter into the batter until it’s evenly distributed and the batter boasts a beautiful, consistent color. This step ensures every slice of your bread is infused with that deep, autumnal apple flavor. The scent alone will begin to fill your kitchen, a preview of the deliciousness to come.
Baking to Perfection and the Finishing Touch
Carefully pour your fragrant batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Then, transfer it to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 55 to 65 minutes. The baking time can vary depending on your oven, so always keep an eye on it. The true test of doneness is when a toothpick inserted into the very center of the bread comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it. This indicates your bread is cooked through and perfectly moist.
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This crucial cooling period prevents the bread from becoming soggy and allows it to firm up. While the bread cools, you can prepare the simple yet delightful glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. You can use water or milk as a substitute if orange juice isn’t available, but the citrus adds a lovely bright note that beautifully complements the apple and spices.
Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled bread, letting it cascade down the sides. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing into this autumnal masterpiece. The slightly crisp glaze adds another layer of texture and sweetness, making each bite truly heavenly. That’s it! Simple to make, yet incredibly rewarding. We sincerely hope you enjoy this delightful Apple Butter Bread as much as we do!
Why This Apple Butter Bread Will Become Your New Fall Favorite
This Apple Butter Bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. The combination of moist texture, rich apple flavor, and a symphony of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg creates a truly unforgettable treat. It’s a versatile quick bread that can serve as a delightful breakfast, a comforting afternoon snack with your favorite hot beverage, or even a simple yet elegant dessert. Unlike many quick breads that can be dry, the apple butter ensures a supremely moist crumb that stays fresh for days. The addition of a bright, sweet glaze elevates it further, adding a beautiful finish and an extra layer of sweetness that perfectly balances the spiced bread.
Tips for Perfection and Delightful Variations
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough, dense bread instead of a tender, moist one.
- Softened Butter: Ensure your unsalted butter is genuinely softened, not melted. This allows for proper creaming with the sugar, creating air pockets for a light texture.
- Homemade Apple Butter: While store-bought apple butter works, making your own (like our slow cooker apple butter recipe) will significantly enhance the depth of flavor in your bread. It allows you to control the spices and sweetness.
- Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to your personal preference. A pinch of ginger or allspice could also be a wonderful addition for an even richer spice profile.
- Add-ins: For extra texture and flavor, consider folding in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans, or even a handful of dried cranberries or golden raisins, during the final mixing stage before pouring into the pan.
- Different Glazes: Instead of orange juice, you could use apple cider or a splash of bourbon for a more sophisticated glaze. A cream cheese frosting would also be an indulgent alternative!
Serving Suggestions and Storage
This Apple Butter Bread is absolutely divine on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even more special:
- Breakfast Bliss: Enjoy a slice (or two!) with your morning coffee or tea. It’s substantial enough to feel like a treat, but not overly sweet.
- Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: A perfect accompaniment to an afternoon cup of hot apple cider or a spiced chai latte.
- Dessert Delight: Warm a slice slightly and serve it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a truly decadent fall dessert. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar also works wonders.
To keep your Apple Butter Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can wrap the cooled, unglazed loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
Apple Butter Bread Recipe
Print
Pin
Rate
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup apple butter
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice water or milk is ok too
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 9 X 5 loaf pan with baking spray.
-
Cream together the butter and sugar.
-
Add the eggs and half of the buttermilk. Beat until smooth.
-
In another bowl whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
-
Add half of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in the bowl. Beat, and then add the rest of the buttermilk. Beat again, and then add the rest of the flour mixture. Beat until just combined.
-
Stir in the apple butter until the batter is an even color.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
-
Bake 55-65 minutes, checking the center with a toothpick that comes out clean.
-
Let the cake cool and turn it out of the pan before glazing.
Glaze
-
To make the glaze mix together the juice and powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake and let it run down the sides. Let the glaze set, slice, and serve.
Nutrition
This irresistible recipe was inspired by the wonderful bakers at sugardishme. We’ve adapted it slightly to create this perfect, cozy bread that we’re sure you’ll cherish all season long.