Apple Pie Bread {Smells a bit like Fall}

Last week it smelled a little more like fall than summer in my kitchen. I had a few apples that needed to be used so I made my favorite Apple Pie Bread. This bread has the goodness of an apple pie wrapped up in a streusel topped quick bread.You should of smelled the aroma that lingered through my kitchen while this bread was baking.

Goodness it reminded me of fall, but sadly were in the heat of summer. This is one of my favorite recipes to make when I have apples and buttermilk that need to be used. The combination of the two really make this bread so moist. The first time I made this bread I followed the recipe to the "T".

The second time I added my own adaptions and I like it so much better. So now when I make apple pie bread this is the recipe I use.

The original recipe called for all regular sugar, but I think using a combination of brown and regular sugar is so much better. I also added some apple pie spice for more intense apple flavor and diced the apples instead of shredding them.

When the apples were shredded you could hardly tell that apples were even added. I also added some cinnamon to the streusel - nut topping. Make sure to distribute the topping evenly so it does not sink into the middle of the batter. If you look closely at my bread you will see a bit of the topping sunk down, but it was a nice little surprise when I sliced the bread.

This is a dense quick bread with a delicious crunchy topping. If you have some buttermilk and apples on hand I highly recommend making this yummy bread.

Here are a few step by step photos of this delicious bread.

My favorite part is the crunchy, nutty streusel topping. I couldn't wait to try it so once it cooled down completely I sliced the bread. Sorry but I have no self control when it comes to desserts.

Apple Pie Bread

Ingredients:
1/2 - cup butter, softened
1/2 - cup granulated sugar
1/2 - cup packed brown sugar
1/3 - cup buttermilk
2 - teaspoons baking powder
2 - eggs
1 - teaspoon vanilla extract
2 - cups all purpose flour
1/2 - teaspoon apple pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 - cups peeled apples, diced
3/4 - cup pecans, chopped
streusel - nut topping (recipe below)

Streusel Nut Topping:
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 - teaspoon cinnamon
3 - tablespoons flour
2 - tablespoons butter, softened
1/3 - cup walnuts or pecans, chopped

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottom and sides of a 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. If using a glass loaf pan bake 25 degrees lower.

In a large bowl beat the butter and sugars together until combined. Add the buttermilk and baking powder; and beat until combined.

Add eggs and vanilla; and beat until combined. Add flour, apple pie spice and salt; beat until combined.

Toss the apples and nuts in a bit of flour before adding to the batter. By hand stir in the nuts and apples.

Spoon batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Prepare the streusel topping. In a small bowl combine the brown sugar, cinnamon and flour. Using a pastry blender or fork cut in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Stir in walnuts or pecans.and sprinkle over the batter. Bake for 60 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

Cool bread in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely. Wrap and store overnight before slicing. ( I can never do this part and usually end up slicing it right up when it cools)

Adapted from: BHG Best Comfort Food Magazine

Tip - How to make your own Buttermilk:
If you do not have buttermilk on hand you can make some. To make 1/3 cup sour milk place 3/4 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar in a glass measuring cup. Add enough regular milk to make 1/3 cup total liquid. Let mixture stand for 5 minutes.

Did you know that you can Freeze Buttermilk? Well you can! Click here for a step by step tutorial on how to prepare and store buttermilk in your freezer. I always have buttermilk on hand for various recipes because I have some stashed in my freezer.

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