Apple Pie Bread

As American as....um, apple pie, where did you think I was going with this?  Are you hosting a bunch of people at your house for Thanksgiving and wondering what you're going to feed them for breakfast while you're busy with the bird?  Me neither, but my sister is (and I'm one of the lucky people who completely intends to drive her crazy (and be helpful) that day) so I came up with a delicious quick bread that's perfect for the holiday and can be made in advance and made for sharing, perhaps as a little hostess gift.  As in, it would be really nice of me to make this and bring it to my sister's house since we're staying there for a week.  (See, that's how I talk myself into more baking.)  The bread is soft with a tender, buttery crumb lending a nice "crust" effect.  Big chunks of apple are scattered throughout and a perfect cinnamon topping make this an excellent replica of pie.  It's like pie for breakfast.  Or a snack.  Or dessert.  Or whenever you want pie but want something a little more coffee-dunking friendly.

One of my ideas for holiday baking this year was to make a few different quick breads as mini loaves to have those to share in addition to the cookies.  I've got a variety of them up my sleeve and found this one on Pinterest, courtesy of Mommy's Kitchen.  I doubled Tina's recipe to make 6 mini loaves, used baking spice in lieu of apple pie spice (which could also just be cinnamon), left out the nuts, and because it was early and apparently I can't read, I used a Tablespoon of baking powder instead of a teaspoon.  And by "a" I mean 4.  The appropriate measurement is below--I don't think you need to have them as puffy as mine, but let's be correct about things, shall we?  I also used powdered buttermilk base since I had it on hand, but you can use either and I include instructions for both.  This was super easy and I loved the flavor. I'm not a huge fan of baked fruit dessert, nor a big fan of apple pie, but I really enjoyed this bread.  Dave thought the bread part could have used a little cinnamon kick, but I like how the bread played the role of crust letting the apples be the flavor.  Ok, maybe I'd put a little more cinnamon in the bread.  Whatever you decide to include, make this bread and let your family feed on it during the Thanksgiving parade while you tend to other kitchen tasks or make it as a humble offering for those willing to spend their day in the kitchen slaving to give you a happy belly.

Apple Pie Bread

Ingredients

1 cup plus 2 Tablespoons butter, softened and divided
1 cup sugar
1 cup plus 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed, divided
2/3 cup buttermilk (or 2 1/2 Tablespoons powdered buttermilk base and 2/3 cup water)
4 teaspoons baking powder
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups plus 3 Tablespoons flour, divided
1-2 teaspoons apple pie spice, baking spice or cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups apples, peeled and diced
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

In a large bowl with a hand mixer or the work bowl of a stand mixer, beat 1 cup butter, sugar and 1 cup brown sugar until fluffy, scraping sides of bowl as needed.

Add buttermilk (or just water if using powdered buttermilk base) and baking powder, beating until combined.  Add in eggs and vanilla, beat again until combined.

In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups flour, powdered buttermilk base (if using), apple pie/baking spice or cinnamon and salt.

Add to butter mixture and mix until combined.

Add apples and stir to distribute.

Evenly distribute batter into 6 greased mini loaf pans.

Place remaining 2 Tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 3 Tablespoons flour, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.  Cut butter in with a pastry blender or fork until the mixture is coarse crumbs.  Sprinkle evenly over the mini loaves.  I have no idea why I don't have a photo of the topping.  Sorry!

Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-50 minutes or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.  Cool in pans for 10 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely.

Makes 6 mini loaves.

Happy Baking,
The Cookie Princess

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