Mae'S Friendship Loaf
A moist, flavorful apple loaf with warm cinnamon and vanilla notes, perfect for breakfast or snack, appealing to all ages and suitable for sharing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the eggs, oil, and sugar by hand until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing well by hand, alternating with the diced apples.
- Spray three loaf pans with Pam and evenly divide the batter into them.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter loaf, consider substituting half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce. You can also use whole wheat flour for added nutrition. If you prefer a sweeter loaf, increase the sugar slightly. Ensure your apples are diced evenly for consistent texture, and feel free to add nuts or raisins for extra flavor. This recipe is perfect for using up extra apples you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mae's Friendship Loaf warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it an excellent choice for brunch or afternoon tea. You can also slice it and serve it with a side of fresh fruit for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply slice a piece and microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mae'S Friendship Loaf contains roughly 662 calories, with 2g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 908mg per serving (39% 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 substitute the apples with another fruit?
Yes, you can substitute the diced apples with other fruits like pears or peaches. Just ensure they are firm to maintain the loaf's texture. Adjust the sugar if using sweeter fruits, and keep in mind that different fruits may alter the baking time slightly.
What should I do if the loaf is too dry?
If the loaf turns out dry, it may be due to overbaking. To ensure a moist loaf, start checking for doneness at 45 minutes. You can also brush the top with a simple syrup or milk after baking to add moisture. Additionally, adding more diced fruit can help enhance the moisture content.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make Mae's Friendship Loaf gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum, or add it separately to help with binding. Keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free flours can change the texture and baking requirements slightly.
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).