Spicy Apple Bread
Description
This Spicy Apple Bread is a delightful twist on traditional fruit breads, combining the chewy texture of dried apples with a robust blend of apple pie spices. The dough is rich and tender, thanks to the addition of butter and dry milk powder, which enhances browning and flavor. As it bakes, the aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves fills the kitchen, promising a comforting treat. The bread has a moist crumb and a slightly crisp crust, making it perfect for slicing thick and serving warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. It pairs beautifully with morning coffee or afternoon tea, offering a cozy, homemade feel. Ideal for autumn gatherings or as a thoughtful gift, this recipe is simple enough for weeknight baking yet impressive enough for weekend entertaining.Ingredients
Directions
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In a small bowl, combine the chopped dried apples with 2/3 cup of warm water. Let soak for 10 minutes to rehydrate, then drain well and pat dry with a paper towel.
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In a large mixing bowl or bread machine pan, combine 2 cups of bread flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon dry milk powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons apple pie spice, and 1 1/2 teaspoons yeast.
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Add the softened butter and the rehydrated dried apples to the dry ingredients.
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If using a bread machine, select the "Sweet" or "Bread" cycle with a medium crust setting and start the machine. If baking by hand, mix in enough additional warm water (approx. 1/2 to 3/4 cup) to form a soft, slightly sticky dough.
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Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time; if too dry, add water one teaspoon at a time.
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Allow the dough to rise in a greased bowl covered with a damp cloth for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
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Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
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Let the loaf rise again for 30-45 minutes until it crowns just above the rim of the pan.
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Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Bake the bread for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190F (88C).
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Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 3046.6kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 55.2g85%
- Saturated Fat 17.0g85%
- Cholesterol 172.2mg58%
- Sodium 1000.0mg42%
- Total Carbohydrate 516.0g172%
- Dietary Fiber 18.4g74%
- Sugars 44.2g
- Protein 121.8g244%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
**Storage:** Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Slice before freezing for easy individual portions.
**Serving Suggestion:** Serve warm with the suggested Honey-Peanut Butter Spread: mix 3 oz softened cream cheese, 2 tbsp milk, 1/4 cup crunchy peanut butter, and 1 tbsp honey until smooth. Refrigerate any remaining spread.
**Variations:** For a nuttier texture, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans along with the dried apples.
**Ingredient Note:** "Apple pie spice" typically contains cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. If you don't have this blend, substitute with 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves and ginger.
