Description
This Deliciously Spiced Apple Butter Loaf is a perfect treat for cozy mornings. Infused with warm autumn spices like cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg, this moist loaf combines the flavors of apple butter and buttermilk for a tender crumb. Finished with a luscious cream cheese and apple butter frosting, it’s a comforting and flavorful baked good ideal for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup apple butter
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Frosting
- 1/2 stick butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup icing sugar
- 4 oz cold cream cheese
- 3 tbsp apple butter
- Extra apple butter (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare all ingredients and equipment for the recipe.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth. Then stir in the apple butter and buttermilk until the mixture is creamy and even.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, whisking gently just until combined. Leaving a few lumps is okay to keep the crumb tender.
- Prepare loaf pan and bake: Spray a 9x5x2.75-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray. Pour the batter evenly into the pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the loaf: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the frosting: Cream the softened butter and icing sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the cold cream cheese until thick and creamy, then mix in the apple butter to combine.
- Frost and garnish: Once the loaf is fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Drizzle extra apple butter on top for an added burst of flavor.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is cold and butter is softened for a smooth frosting.
- Using a toothpick to check doneness will prevent overbaking and preserve moisture.
- The spices can be adjusted to taste, adding more cinnamon for extra warmth or less nutmeg to soften the aroma.
- Store the loaf covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- This loaf is delicious served slightly warmed with extra apple butter spread on top.
