If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful treat, look no further than this delightful Sourdough Apple Bread. This recipe combines the tangy savoriness of sourdough with the natural sweetness of fresh apples, creating an irresistible bread that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. The slight crunch from the apples, combined with the aromatic spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, create a perfect harmony of flavors that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Plus, the addition of a sweet glaze takes this bread to another level, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
The notable feature of this Sourdough Apple Bread is its use of sourdough discard, which not only enhances its flavor profile but is also a fantastic way to utilize leftover sourdough starter. If you’ve ever wondered what to do with your sourdough remnants, this recipe offers an excellent solution while helping reduce food waste. Prepared with simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand, you’ll find this bread exceptionally easy to whip up any day of the week.
Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or serving it at a gathering, this Sourdough Apple Bread is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients and let’s get started on this mouthwatering adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Apple Bread
- Deliciously Flavored: The combination of tangy sourdough and sweet apples complements each other perfectly.
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry staples, making it accessible for everyone.
- Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and forgiving.
- A Great Way to Use Sourdough Discard: This bread is the perfect solution for using up leftover sourdough starter.
- Perfect Anytime: Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or as dessert paired with a scoop of ice cream.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the Sourdough Apple Bread recipe, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and workspace to ensure everything runs smoothly. Start by gathering all your ingredients, measuring them out in advance, and setting them aside. This will make the mixing process quicker and help you avoid missing any components.
For this recipe, you will need a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan, which should be greased to prevent sticking. An electric mixer is helpful for blending the wet and dry ingredients efficiently, but you can also use a whisk and a spatula if you prefer a more hands-on approach. You’ll also need a mixing bowl for the glaze, alongside a whisk to achieve that smooth texture that drizzles beautifully over the warm bread.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sourdough discard (125 grams)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups apples peeled and chopped (about 2 medium apples)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for apple filling)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for apple filling)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons butter melted and cooled (for glaze)
- 1 pinch salt (optional for glaze)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin your baking journey by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9 x 5 inch loaf pan thoroughly to ensure that the bread releases easily after baking. You can use butter, oil, or a non-stick spray for this purpose.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
While your oven is warming up, take the time to peel, core, and chop the apples. In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples with the additional cinnamon and brown sugar meant for the filling. Stir the mixture until the apples are evenly coated – this combination will enhance the sweetness and add flavor to your bread.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate large mixing bowl, measure out the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined, which will ensure even distribution of the leavening agents when you add the wet ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sourdough discard, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. This ensures that the ingredients blend evenly. Once combined, pour this wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures and Add Apples
Using a mixer or a spatula, gently combine the wet and dry mixtures until just blended. Be cautious not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps. Finally, fold in the apple filling mixture with a large spoon, making sure the apple pieces are distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf – it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked. If not, give it a few more minutes and check again.
Step 7: Glazing the Bread
Once the bread has baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. In the meantime, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and salt in a mixing bowl until smooth. Once the bread has cooled slightly (but is still warm), drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it gently seep into the bread.
Variations
- Protein: Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and nutritional value.
- Vegetables: Add grated carrots or zucchini for extra moisture and nutrition.
- Spices: Experiment with additional spices like ginger or cloves for a more complex flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- Bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature.
- If you prefer a deeper apple flavor, consider increasing the amount of chopped apples.
- This bread freezes beautifully; simply wrap it tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a pat of butter for a delicious breakfast treat.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert option.
Tips
- Ensure to measure your flour correctly; using a kitchen scale for precision can lead to better results.
- If the glaze is too thick, add another splash of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 280 per slice
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
FAQs
Can I substitute the apples with another fruit?
Absolutely! Pears or peaches could work beautifully in this recipe.
What if I don’t have sourdough discard?
You can use yogurt or extra milk as a substitute, though you’ll lose some of the sourdough flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but ensure it includes xanthan gum for proper rise.
How can I tell when the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Conclusion
This Sourdough Apple Bread is an easy and rewarding recipe that promises to delight everyone who takes a taste. The beautiful balance of flavors and the delightful texture make it a must-try for any baking enthusiast. Remember to play around with the ingredients and make it your own by trying different fruits or nuts. Enjoy your baking adventure, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below. We can’t wait to hear about your experience with this delicious bread!
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Sourdough Apple Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Description
This Sourdough Apple Bread is a delightful treat combining tangy sourdough and sweet apples.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sourdough discard (125 grams)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups apples peeled and chopped (about 2 medium apples)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for apple filling)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for apple filling)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons butter melted and cooled (for glaze)
- 1 pinch salt (optional for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.
- Peel, core, and chop the apples, mixing them with additional cinnamon and brown sugar.
- In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, milk, sourdough discard, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in the apple filling mixture.
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.
- Cool the bread for 10-15 minutes, then glaze with a mixture of powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and salt.
Notes
Bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature. This bread freezes beautifully; wrap it tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 per slice
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Protein: 4 g