Spicy Apple Walnut Loaf
A moist, spiced apple walnut loaf featuring warm cinnamon and allspice, perfect for cozy mornings, holiday gatherings, or as a delightful treat for apple lovers.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons allspice ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded peeled apple ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons cider vinegar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix and sift together the flour, baking soda, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
- Cream the shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and the shredded apple, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Mix in the cider vinegar, which has been combined with water to make 3/4 cup total.
- Fold in chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased 11 x 4 x 2-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/2 hours or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the loaf to cool before removing from the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter loaf, consider substituting half the shortening with applesauce. You can also use a combination of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour for added nutrition. If you don't have allspice, a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg will work as a substitute. Remember to sift your flour to ensure a fluffy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of the loaf warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of White Chocolate Sauce for a decadent touch. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a brunch option, consider serving alongside a fresh fruit salad or Potluck Special(Casserole).
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Spicy Apple Walnut Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the loaf in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Apple Walnut Loaf contains roughly 608 calories, with 13g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other types of nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds can be used in place of walnuts if you prefer. Just chop them roughly and fold them in as you would with walnuts. Both options will add a delightful crunch and flavor to the loaf.
Can I make this loaf vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by replacing the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce, and using a plant-based shortening or coconut oil. Ensure your brown sugar is vegan as well, and this will be a deliciously moist vegan treat.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the loaf?
If you find the loaf too sweet, you can reduce the brown sugar by 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture. Alternatively, you can substitute half of the sugar with a sugar substitute that measures like sugar to maintain sweetness without added calories.
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).