Moist and Tender Apple Bread with Raisins and Walnuts
This Apple Bread is a delightful combination of moist, tender crumbs packed with juicy raisins, fresh apples, and crunchy walnuts, all held together by a rich buttermilk batter. The addition of melted butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top makes this bread irresistible. Perfect for brunch, Thanksgiving, or any time you crave a comforting, homemade treat.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cooking apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup melted butter, for drizzling
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two loaf pans to prepare them for the batter.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy.
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Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition to fully incorporate them into the batter.
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Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture: Dissolve 2 teaspoons of baking soda in 1 cup of buttermilk. Add this mixture to the batter, mixing thoroughly until well combined.
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Add Flour and Vanilla: Gradually stir in 2 cups of all-purpose flour until just combined. Then, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until the vanilla is evenly distributed.
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Fold in the Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped cooking apples, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, and 1/2 cup of raisins, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Prepare the Loaf Pans: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans.
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Add the Topping: Drizzle 1/4 cup of melted butter evenly over the tops of the loaves. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of brown sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture over the buttered loaves.
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Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean.
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Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pans for about 5 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Times
Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
---|---|---|
20 minutes | 45 minutes | 1 hour 5 minutes |
Enjoy this Apple Bread warm from the oven or toasted with a pat of butter. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion, bringing warmth and comfort with every slice. Happy baking! 🍏🍞🌰