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–+ servings
Apple Tea Bread
Apple Tea Bread is a nostalgic quick bread recipe that combines the cozy flavors of fresh apples, warm spices, and crunchy nuts. It’s a versatile loaf that can be enjoyed as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or served alongside tea. Unlike yeasted breads, this quick bread relies on baking powder for its rise, making it simple and approachable for home bakers. With chopped apples adding natural sweetness and moisture, and nuts providing texture, it strikes a balance between hearty and delicate. This loaf is particularly popular in autumn, when apples are at their peak, but it’s delicious year-round as a comforting homemade baked good.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 21 minutes
Course bread
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 245 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (sifted )
  • 2 ½ tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon rind (grated )
  • 1 cup red apple (unpeeled, raw, chopped fine)
  • ¼ cup nuts (chopped, walnuts or pecans)
  • 2 eggs (slightly beaten)
  • ½ cup melted shortening ( or butter)
  • ½ cup milk (scant)

Topping:

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • ¼ cup sugar

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

  • Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.

Step 2: Flavor Base

  • Combine sugar and lemon rind in a large mixing bowl. Stir in chopped apple and nuts.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

  • Beat eggs lightly. Add melted butter and milk. Stir well.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

  • Add the wet mixture to the apple mixture. Stir in dry ingredients until just blended—do not overmix. Batter will be thick.

Step 5: Pan Preparation

  • Spoon the batter into a well-greased 9 ½ x 5 ½ x 2 ¾ inch loaf pan.

Step 6: Prepare Streusel Topping

  • Cut butter into flour and sugar until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the batter.

Step 7: Bake

  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

  • Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips

  • Substitute cinnamon for nutmeg or use both for warmer spice flavor.
  • Add raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.
  • Use brown sugar in the batter for deeper caramel notes.
  • Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour for more fiber.
  • Toast nuts (walnuts or pecans) before adding for richer flavor.
  • Use peeled apples if you prefer a softer texture.
  • Add vanilla extract (1 tsp) for added aroma.
  • Bake as mini loaves or muffins and reduce baking time accordingly.
  • Freeze cooled slices with parchment between them for easy thaw-and-serve portions.

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 4gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 165mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 2gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword apple bread, apples, Baking, heritage recipe, nutmeg, quick bread, tea bread, vintage
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