Hearty Apple Bread Recipe
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of our Hearty Apple Bread, a perfect blend of sweetness and savory goodness, featuring the warm flavors of fresh apples and cheddar cheese. This recipe, from lovewithrecipes.com, is not only easy to make but also yields enough to share with a large group, making it an ideal choice for gatherings, brunches, or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Margarine | 2 tablespoons |
| Eggs | 1 3/4 |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ground ginger | 1 teaspoon |
| Apple (chopped) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Cheddar cheese (shredded) | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145.3 |
| Total Fat | 7.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 36.3 mg |
| Sodium | 180.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 17.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugars | 8.3 g |
| Protein | 2.9 g |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 24 hours 20 minutes (including cooling time)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your bread bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden crust.
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Prepare the Loaf Pan: Grease and flour only the bottom of an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pan. This step is essential to prevent the bread from sticking to the pan and helps in easy removal after baking.
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Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, butter, and eggs using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, leading to a light texture in your finished bread.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground ginger. This combination will provide the necessary leavening and flavor for your bread.
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Combine the Mixtures: Gradually stir the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser bread.
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Add the Apples and Cheese: Gently fold in the chopped apples and shredded cheddar cheese into the batter. This will distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the bread, ensuring each slice is full of flavor.
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Transfer the Batter: Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
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Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating that the batter has set properly.
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Cool the Bread: Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period helps firm up the loaf for easier removal.
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Remove from Pan: Carefully loosen the sides of the loaf from the pan using a knife, then invert the pan to release the bread onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing, as this will enhance the texture and flavor of the bread.
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Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice the Hearty Apple Bread into thick, satisfying slices, and enjoy it as a delightful breakfast treat, a snack, or a lovely addition to your brunch spread.
Tips for Best Results
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for firm, slightly tart apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which will balance beautifully with the sweetness of the bread and the richness of the cheese.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. The bread also freezes well, making it perfect for batch baking.
- Serving Suggestions: This bread is delicious on its own but can be elevated further with a drizzle of honey or a spread of butter for an extra touch of indulgence.
Whether you are baking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself and your loved ones, this Hearty Apple Bread recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every delightful bite of this unique and comforting bread!
