health meal, low carbs meals, keto meal
in INSTANT POT DINNER RECIPES

Harvest Spice Bread

Harvest Spice Bread: A Warm and Cozy Fall Treat

Harvest Spice Bread is a deliciously moist, spiced quick bread perfect for welcoming the fall season. Packed with warm flavors from cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this bread also features a hint of sweetness that makes it a great companion to your morning coffee or an afternoon snack. With its tender crumb and aromatic spices, Harvest Spice Bread is the ideal comfort food for those cooler days.

Table of Contents

  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Cooking Notes
  • Variations
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Conclusion

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

  1. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the applesauce and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
  2. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Pour Batter into Loaf Pan

  1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 6: Bake

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
  2. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooking Notes

  • Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce is recommended for this recipe, but you can substitute it with pumpkin puree for a more seasonal twist.
  • Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
  • Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a pinch of allspice or cardamom can add extra depth to the flavor.

Variations

Nutty Harvest Spice Bread

  • Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a nutty crunch that complements the spices.

Glazed Harvest Spice Bread

  • Drizzle a simple glaze made from 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk over the cooled bread for a touch of sweetness.

Cranberry Harvest Spice Bread

  • Fold in 1/2 cup dried cranberries for a burst of tartness that pairs well with the warm spices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Bread Ahead of Time?

Yes! This bread keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; just thaw it overnight at room temperature before serving.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it to extend its shelf life for up to a week.

Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour?

Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a more wholesome version. Keep in mind that the texture may be a bit denser.

Harvest Spice Bread is a cozy, flavorful treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or as part of a festive spread, this bread is sure to bring warmth and comfort to any occasion. Customize it with your favorite add-ins or enjoy it as is for a simple yet delicious taste of autumn.

Happy baking, and enjoy every spiced, comforting bite of this delicious Harvest Spice Bread!