Fresh Apple Nut Bread
A moist, flavorful loaf combining fresh apples and crunchy walnuts, accented with warm spices and lemon zest. Perfect for breakfast or tea time, this bread offers a delightful balance of sweetness and nuttiness, appealing to both fruit lovers and those seeking a comforting homemade treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar.
- Beat in eggs.
- Mix together flour, baking soda, salt, lemon rind, nuts, spices, and grated apple.
- Alternately blend the dry mixture with buttermilk into the creamed mixture.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 1 hour.
- Cool the loaf for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using applesauce in place of half the butter or margarine. If you don't have buttermilk, regular milk with a splash of vinegar can work well. You can also mix in other nuts like pecans or add dried fruits for extra flavor. Ensure your apples are tart for a balanced sweetness in the bread.
Serving Suggestions
This apple nut bread is delightful served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For an elegant touch, serve it alongside Heavenly Orange Fluff for a refreshing contrast. It can also be enjoyed as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover apple nut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm slices in the microwave or toaster oven until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Apple Nut Bread contains roughly 787 calories, with 4g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1083mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds, depending on your preference. Just ensure to chop the nuts into small pieces for even distribution in the batter.
What can I use if I don't have fresh apples?
If fresh apples aren't available, you can substitute with unsweetened applesauce. Use 1 cup of applesauce instead of the grated apples, but reduce the buttermilk slightly to maintain the right batter consistency.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make a healthier version, you can reduce the sugar by a third or use a sugar substitute. Additionally, substituting whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour can increase the fiber content without sacrificing flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).