Brown Butter Apple Bread
This Brown Butter Apple Bread combines the comforting essence of autumn with a sophisticated flavor profile that will make your kitchen smell like a high-end bakery. The caramelized notes of brown butter perfectly complement the sweet-tart apples, creating a loaf that's moist, flavorful, and impossible to resist.
Equipment
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment Paper
- Light-colored saucepan
- Mixing Bowls
- Wire Cooling Rack
Ingredients
Brown Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g)
Apple Bread
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (195g)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar (133g)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (60ml)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups apples peeled and diced (about 2 medium)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional (60g)
Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
- 2 tbsp reserved brown butter
- 1-2 tbsp milk or apple cider
Instructions
Brown the Butter
Place butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Allow butter to melt completely, then continue cooking, swirling occasionally. Watch carefully as the butter foams, then turns clear, and finally develops golden-brown specks and a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Immediately remove from heat and transfer to a heat-proof bowl, scraping all browned bits. Reserve 2 tablespoons for the glaze if using, then allow the remainder to cool for 10 minutes.Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Measure all ingredients before starting to ensure smooth preparation.Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices and leavening agents.Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled brown butter with both sugars. Beat until well incorporated and slightly lightened in color. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in buttermilk and vanilla until smooth.Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing, which can develop gluten and create a tougher bread.Add Apples and Nuts
Fold in diced apples and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed. Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.Bake to Perfection
Bake in preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cover loosely with foil after 40 minutes if top is browning too quickly.Cool and Glaze
Allow bread to cool in pan for 15 minutes. Use parchment overhang to lift bread out onto a cooling rack. If glazing, mix powdered sugar, reserved brown butter, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over bread when it's still slightly warm.
Notes
The bread slices best when completely cool, but warm slices with melting butter are divine for immediate enjoyment. For a picture-perfect presentation, reserve a few apple pieces and nuts to sprinkle on top before baking. A light-colored pan makes it easier to monitor the butter's color change when browning.
Store unglazed bread at room temperature, wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. Glazed bread should be refrigerated and will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Freeze individual slices by wrapping in plastic, then foil, and storing in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
For healthier alternatives, you can replace 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat or almond flour, reduce total sugar to 2/3 cup, or use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.
Nutrition
Calories: 235kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 3.5gFat: 10.5gSaturated Fat: 5.6gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 190mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 18gVitamin C: 8mgIron: 4mg
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