Homestyle Apple Walnut Loaf

As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of fall baking to warm your home. This season, let’s embrace the cozy vibes with our irresistible Farmhouse Apple Walnut Loaf. More than just a simple quick bread, this recipe encapsulates the essence of autumn, bringing together the natural sweetness of fresh apples, the delightful crunch of walnuts, and the warm embrace of cinnamon spice. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that promises to transform your kitchen into a bustling bakery, filling it with scents that evoke nostalgia and comfort. Perfect for a cozy breakfast, a delightful snack, or a heartwarming dessert, this apple walnut bread is destined to become a cherished part of your fall traditions.

If you’re looking for more apple-inspired treats to celebrate the season, you might also enjoy these 6 Apple Fall Baking Recipes, our classic Apple Cinnamon Bread, the indulgent Awesome Country Apple Fritter Bread, and this rich Chunky Apple Walnut Cake. Each offers a unique way to savor the bounty of apple season.

Why This Farmhouse Apple Walnut Loaf is a Must-Bake

I affectionately call this delightful creation the Farmhouse Apple Walnut Loaf because it truly embodies the spirit of homemade goodness. Every bite reflects a rustic charm, crafted with the freshest apples sourced from local markets, generously studded with rich, buttery walnut chunks, and infused with the captivating aroma of fragrant cinnamon spice. Baked to a beautiful golden brown, the result is a gloriously yummy loaf that evokes memories of simpler times and wholesome baking.

There’s an undeniable magic to quick breads, especially during the autumn months. They’re incredibly straightforward to make, requiring minimal fuss but delivering maximum flavor and comfort. What’s not to love? Everyone I know eagerly anticipates them—whether it’s to enjoy a slice with their morning coffee, receive one as a thoughtful gift, bake a batch themselves, or freeze them for a future craving. Quick breads are wonderfully versatile, perfect for bake sales, a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a comforting dessert. This apple walnut loaf, in particular, hits all the right notes, offering a moist texture, a satisfying crunch, and a burst of fall flavors in every slice.

Essential Ingredients for Your Farmhouse Apple Walnut Loaf

Creating this delicious Farmhouse Apple Walnut Loaf requires a collection of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to form a truly special treat. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Applesauce: Opt for unsweetened applesauce if possible, as it gives you better control over the loaf’s overall sweetness. If using sweetened applesauce, remember to reduce the amount of added sugar in the recipe accordingly to maintain balance.
• Olive Oil: A wonderful alternative to butter, olive oil contributes to a moist texture and a subtle, rich flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides the perfect level of sweetness, complementing the tartness of the apples.
• Eggs: Act as a binder, adding structure and richness to the loaf.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our quick bread, providing the necessary body and texture.
• Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential fall spice, adding warmth and aromatic depth to the loaf.
• Baking Soda: Our leavening agent, ensuring the bread rises beautifully and has a tender crumb.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness.
• Walnuts: Coarsely chopped for maximum texture and flavor. Don’t forget to reserve a few extra to sprinkle on top for a beautiful finish.
• Granny Smith Apples: Peeled and chunked. Their tartness provides a fantastic contrast to the sweet bread. Fuji or Gala apples can also be used for a slightly sweeter apple profile.

Baking Your Farmhouse Apple Walnut Loaf: Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this delightful quick bread is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps to bring a taste of fall into your home:

1. Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. For easier removal of the cooled loaf, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Alternatively, you can lightly grease and flour the pan.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the applesauce, olive oil, and sugar for about one minute until well combined and slightly lightened. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk or sift together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that your leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to a tough and dense loaf. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
5. Fold in Apples and Walnuts: Gently fold in the coarsely chopped walnuts and chunked apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. If desired, sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts over the top for an appealing finish. Bake for 60-70 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean, or with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. The top of the cake should also spring back when lightly touched, indicating it’s fully cooked and not spongy or raw in the middle. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven’s calibration.
7. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the loaf to set. Then, carefully lift the loaf out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and transfer it to the wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
8. Enjoy! Slice and savor this delicious Farmhouse Apple Walnut Loaf. For an extra touch of sweetness, consider glazing it with a simple vanilla glaze. You can find inspiration for a fantastic vanilla glaze in my Apple Fritter Bread recipe!

Storage & Freezing Tips for Your Apple Walnut Loaf

To keep your Farmhouse Apple Walnut Loaf fresh and delicious for as long as possible, proper storage is key. Whether you plan to enjoy it immediately or save some for later, here’s how to best preserve its taste and texture:

• Room Temperature: Once the loaf has completely cooled, store it in an airtight container or a heavy-duty ziplock bag at room temperature. This will keep the bread fresh and moist for up to four days. Placing a paper towel at the bottom of the container can help absorb any excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Freezing: For longer storage, this apple walnut bread freezes beautifully. Ensure the loaf is entirely cool before freezing. You can freeze it whole, in halves, or in individual slices. Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe airtight container or ziplock bag. Label with the date. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw at room temperature. You can gently warm slices in a toaster or microwave for a fresh-baked taste.

Expert Tips for Baking the Perfect Quick Bread

Quick breads are wonderfully forgiving, but a few simple tips can elevate your baking from good to extraordinary:

• Avoid Overmixing the Batter: This is perhaps the most crucial rule for any quick bread. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a tough, dense, and chewy loaf rather than a tender, moist one. Mix only until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined, and a few small lumps remain.
• Adjust Sugar for Applesauce Sweetness: If your applesauce is sweetened, you’ll want to reduce the amount of granulated sugar specified in the recipe. A good starting point is to reduce the sugar by about ¼ cup for every cup of sweetened applesauce used. Taste your batter if you can, or simply err on the side of caution to prevent an overly sweet loaf.
• Chop Apples to the Right Size: Make sure your apples are chopped into relatively small, uniform chunks, ideally about ¼ to ½ inch pieces. If the apple pieces are too large, they won’t soften and cook through adequately during the baking time, leading to crunchy, raw bits in your otherwise tender bread.
• Ensure Thorough Baking: An underbaked quick bread will be gooey, raw, and unpleasant in the center. To ensure your loaf is perfectly cooked, pay attention to these cues:
  • Appearance: The top of the bread should be golden brown.
  • Touch Test: Gently press the center of the loaf with your fingertip. It should spring back immediately and feel firm, not soft or jiggly.
  • Toothpick Test: Insert a wooden toothpick or a thin skewer into the deepest part of the loaf. It should come out clean, without any wet batter attached. If there’s still wet batter, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, then test again. Remember that oven temperatures can vary, so baking times are often approximate.
• Don’t Rush Cooling: While it’s tempting to slice into a warm loaf, letting it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely allows the bread to set and prevents it from crumbling when sliced.

Nutritional Considerations & Recipe Variations

One of the beauties of this Farmhouse Apple Walnut Loaf recipe is its thoughtful ingredient profile, making it a relatively wholesome indulgence. It doesn’t rely on excessive amounts of sugar or butter, offering a balanced approach to baking comfort food.

• Healthier Base: The recipe’s foundation includes 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1 cup of sugar, 2 cups of flour, 1/3 cup of olive oil, and 2 eggs. Using olive oil instead of butter contributes to a healthier fat profile, a decision we absolutely love for its rich, subtle flavor and moist texture. The controlled amount of sugar also means it’s not overly sweet, allowing the natural flavors of apple and cinnamon to shine.
• Dietary Variations: This recipe is incredibly adaptable, making it easy to tailor to various dietary needs or preferences:
  • Flour Alternatives: You can experiment with different flours. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. For added fiber and nutrients, a portion or all of the all-purpose flour can be swapped for whole wheat flour. Note that texture may vary slightly with these substitutions.
  • Oil Substitutions: If olive oil isn’t your preference, feel free to substitute it with other healthy oils like coconut oil (which adds a subtle tropical note) or canola oil.
  • Egg Replacements: For an egg-free version, mashed ripe bananas can work as a substitute. Approximately half a mashed banana can replace one egg. Again, expect a slight change in texture.
  • Sugar-Free Options: For those monitoring sugar intake, you can replace the granulated sugar with a sugar-free alternative such as Lakanto or a similar granulated sweetener. Always follow the conversion guidelines provided by the sweetener brand.

Remember, while these substitutions offer flexibility, they might slightly alter the final texture and taste of the loaf. For more extensive guidance on ingredient substitutions in baking, you can refer to comprehensive conversion charts and kitchen tips here to find the best options that suit your liking for this recipe and others.

More Delicious Variations to Explore

While the classic Farmhouse Apple Walnut Loaf is perfection on its own, don’t hesitate to get creative with these delicious variations:

• Nutty Swaps: We love walnuts for their rich flavor and crunchy texture, but feel free to substitute them with other nuts you prefer. Pecans are an excellent choice, offering a slightly sweeter, buttery note. You can also use almonds or even a mixed nut blend. For those with nut allergies or preferences, simply omit the nuts entirely.
• Tropical Twist: Add a delicious tropical vibe to your apple bread by folding in about half a cup of shredded coconut to the batter. The coconut pairs beautifully with apples and cinnamon, adding extra moisture and a delightful chewiness.
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: If you adore chocolate in your quick breads, this loaf is an excellent candidate! Stir in a handful or two of your favorite chocolate chips or chocolate chunks along with the apples and walnuts. Dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips would be fantastic.
• Sweet Toppings: Enhance the presentation and flavor with a simple topping. A dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch, or you can drizzle the cooled loaf with a yummy vanilla glaze for an extra layer of sweetness and shine.

This quick and easy Farmhouse Apple Walnut Loaf recipe is truly a gem, sure to become a cherished family favorite. Its simplicity in preparation belies the unique and deeply satisfying flavor profile it delivers. The harmonious combination of naturally sweet apples, the satisfying crunch of walnuts, and the warm, fragrant spices creates a comforting experience with every bite.

Beyond being a delicious treat, this recipe also serves as a fantastic way to utilize any leftover apples from your fall harvest, ensuring none of that seasonal bounty goes to waste. So, are you ready to dive into the joys of fall baking? Whether you’re firmly on the Apple Team, a die-hard Cinnamon fan, or enchanted by all things Pumpkin, this loaf offers a perfect start to your autumn culinary adventures!

Don’t forget to share all your delicious creations and these wonderful recipes on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook!

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