Apple Buttermilk Bread

Apple Buttermilk Bread Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45-50 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Apple Buttermilk Bread is a delightful and nutritious treat that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of apples and buttermilk with the wholesome goodness of whole wheat flour and bran. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or even as a dessert. Its moist texture and rich flavor profile make it a favorite among both children and adults. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding to make.

History

The tradition of baking bread with fruits dates back centuries, with each culture incorporating its local produce. Apple Buttermilk Bread, in particular, is a modern take on these age-old practices, combining the rustic charm of traditional bread-making with the flavors of apple pie. The use of buttermilk in baking has its roots in Irish cuisine, where it was a staple ingredient due to its ability to tenderize dough and add a slight tanginess to the finished product.

Ingredients

1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
0.5 cup natural bran cereal
1 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp baking powder
0.25 tsp ground ginger
1.33 cups buttermilk
0.75 cup sugar
0.25 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 tsp grated orange zest
2 gala or golden delicious apples, cored and chopped
1 egg white, beaten
0.5 tsp vanilla extract
0.25 tsp salt

How to prepare

Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Grease a loaf pan measuring 9 by 5 inches.
In a medium bowl, combine both flours, bran cereal, baking soda, baking powder, and ginger.
In a large bowl, beat together buttermilk, sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and orange zest.
Add the flour mixture to the buttermilk mixture, stirring just until combined.
Fold in the apples.
Spread the batter in the prepared pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Cool completely before serving.

Variations

Consider adding nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the apple flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Apple Buttermilk Bread turns out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Use fresh buttermilk for the best flavor and texture.

- When mixing the batter, do so gently to avoid overworking the gluten, which can result in a dense loaf.

- Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Gala or Golden Delicious for a balanced flavor.

- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Apple Buttermilk Bread warm with a dollop of cream cheese or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for a comforting breakfast or snack.

Cooking Techniques

For an even moister bread, try soaking the chopped apples in buttermilk for about 30 minutes before adding them to the batter. This technique also infuses the bread with a deeper apple flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free version, substitute the buttermilk with almond milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. If you're avoiding sugar, use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey in place of sugar.

Make Ahead Tips

This bread can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months. Simply wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Thaw overnight at room temperature when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the bread and arrange it on a wooden board for a rustic look. Garnish with fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Apple Buttermilk Bread pairs wonderfully with sharp cheddar cheese or a light, fruity white wine for a sophisticated snack or dessert option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F (177°C) oven for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of this bread contains approximately 250 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie option for a filling snack or part of a balanced meal.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of Apple Buttermilk Bread contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The carbohydrates come from the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, and apples, providing a mix of simple and complex carbs for energy.

Fats

This bread contains about 7 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the vegetable oil and the egg. The use of vegetable oil instead of butter keeps the saturated fat content relatively low.

Proteins

Each serving of Apple Buttermilk Bread offers around 6 grams of protein, contributed by the whole wheat flour, egg, and buttermilk. This makes it a good option for a protein-rich breakfast or snack.

Vitamins and minerals

Apple Buttermilk Bread is a source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the apples, calcium and phosphorus from the buttermilk, and iron and magnesium from the whole wheat flour.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (buttermilk). Those with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should avoid this bread or seek suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Apple Buttermilk Bread is a nutritious option that balances carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome addition to any diet.

Summary

Apple Buttermilk Bread is a versatile and delicious recipe that combines the sweetness of apples with the tanginess of buttermilk. It's nutritious, easy to make, and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast, a tasty snack, or a healthy dessert, this bread is sure to satisfy.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Apple Buttermilk Bread. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, that I stumbled upon this delightful creation. I had been flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother when I came across a yellowed, stained page that seemed to hold promise.

The recipe was simple yet intriguing, calling for apples, buttermilk, flour, sugar, and a few other basic ingredients. The instructions were clear and concise, and I could practically smell the warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the pages. I knew I had to try it.

I had always had a passion for cooking, a passion that had been passed down through the generations of women in my family. My great-grandmother had been an excellent cook, known far and wide for her delicious pies and cakes. My grandmother, too, was a master in the kitchen, and she had taught me many of her most prized recipes over the years.

But this recipe for Apple Buttermilk Bread was something special. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before, a unique blend of flavors and textures that seemed to capture the essence of comfort and warmth. I knew that I had to make it for myself.

So, armed with a basket of fresh apples from our orchard and a jug of buttermilk from the dairy down the road, I set to work in the kitchen. I followed the recipe carefully, measuring out each ingredient with precision and care. As the bread baked in the oven, the scent of cinnamon and apples filled the air, wrapping me in a cozy blanket of nostalgia and love.

When the bread emerged golden and steaming from the oven, I knew that I had created something truly special. The bread was moist and tender, with chunks of sweet apple scattered throughout. The tangy buttermilk added a subtle richness to the flavor, while the cinnamon and sugar lent a warm, comforting sweetness.

I couldn't wait to share my creation with my family. I sliced the bread thickly and served it warm, with a dollop of creamy butter melting into the tender crumb. My parents and siblings gathered around the table, their eyes widening in anticipation as they took their first bites.

The reactions were unanimous - the Apple Buttermilk Bread was a hit. My family raved about the flavors, the texture, the sheer deliciousness of the bread. They begged me for the recipe, and I gladly shared it with them, knowing that it would become a staple in our home for years to come.

And so it has been. Over the years, I have made this bread countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of Apple Buttermilk Bread to a new generation.

As I sit here now, an older woman with a lifetime of cooking behind me, I can't help but smile as I think back to that first moment of discovery. The recipe for Apple Buttermilk Bread may have come from a dusty old cookbook, but it has become a treasured part of my family's culinary heritage, a reminder of the love and joy that can be found in a simple loaf of bread. And for that, I am forever grateful.