Old Fashioned Apple Bread
Old Fashioned Apple Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf combining tender apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg, perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon tea with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon shortening ⓘ
- 1/2 cup white sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 cups plus 1 tablespoon flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups drained canned apples ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 2/3 cup water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon soda ⓘ
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons powdered milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix sugars and shortening for 3 to 5 minutes on low speed of mixer.
- Add water and eggs and mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients and add to the previous mixture gradually, mixing well.
- Fold in drained canned apples.
- Pour batter into a greased oblong pan.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you don't have canned apples, fresh apples can be used; just peel, core, and chop them before adding. Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract can enhance the overall taste. Make sure to mix the sugars and shortening well to create a light texture, similar to what you’d find in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This apple bread is delightful when served warm, perhaps with a smear of butter or a drizzle of honey. It pairs beautifully with Lemon Pineapple Smoothies for a refreshing breakfast or snack. You can also serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert. Consider dusting with powdered sugar or serving with a side of Cinnamon Treats for added sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store leftover apple bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Apple Bread contains roughly 658 calories, with 7g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1409mg per serving (61% 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 fresh apples instead of canned apples?
Yes, fresh apples can be used as a substitute. Just peel, core, and chop them into small pieces. You may want to sauté them briefly to soften before adding them to the batter, ensuring they blend well into the bread.
What can I use instead of shortening?
You can replace shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil for a different flavor profile. Both options will help achieve a moist texture while adding a hint of richness to the apple bread.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
To check if the apple bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, it's ready. If it has wet batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes, checking periodically.
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).