As a passionate baker and nutrition enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Apple Cinnamon Oat Bread. This delectable loaf combines the comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon with the hearty goodness of oats, creating a nourishing and satisfying treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even a light dessert. Not only is this bread delicious, but it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients that will fuel your body and please your palate.
The Nutritional Power of Apples and Oats
Apples and oats have long been celebrated for their health benefits. Apples are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, while oats provide complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential minerals. By combining these two superfoods, we’re creating a bread that not only tastes amazing but also offers a range of nutritional benefits to support your overall health and wellbeing.
Ingredients
For this wholesome and flavorful bread, you’ll need:
- 2 medium apples (about 300g), cored and roughly chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
- 2 cups (180g) rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tsp (5g) baking powder
- 2 tsp (4g) ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp (1.5g) salt
- 1/2 cup (60g) chopped nuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
I always start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the perfect temperature when it’s time to bake. While the oven is heating, I line a 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper. This step is crucial as it prevents the bread from sticking to the pan and makes removal much easier. I make sure to leave some overhang on the sides to use as handles when lifting the baked loaf out of the pan later.
2. Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a blender, I combine the roughly chopped apples, eggs, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract. I blend these ingredients until they form a smooth puree. This step not only incorporates the apples seamlessly into the batter but also ensures that their natural sweetness and moisture are evenly distributed throughout the bread.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. The oats form the base of our bread, providing a hearty texture and nutty flavor. The baking powder helps the bread rise, while the cinnamon adds a warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples. The salt enhances all the other flavors in the bread.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
I pour the wet apple mixture from the blender into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, I gently fold everything together until just combined. It’s important not to overmix at this stage, as this can lead to a tougher texture in the final bread.
5. Add Optional Ingredients
If I’m using chopped nuts, I fold them in at this point. Walnuts or pecans work particularly well in this recipe, adding a delightful crunch and extra nutritional benefits. However, the bread is equally delicious without nuts if you prefer to omit them or have nut allergies to consider.
6. Bake the Bread
I transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. Then, it goes into the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. I know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. The top should be golden brown and feel firm to the touch.
7. Cool and Serve
Once baked, I let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This brief cooling period allows the bread to set a bit, making it easier to remove from the pan. After 10 minutes, I use the parchment paper overhang to lift the loaf out of the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
This recipe yields approximately 12 slices. Here’s the estimated nutritional information per slice (assuming no additional nuts are used):
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g (naturally occurring from apples)
- Protein: 4g
Please note that these values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Tips and Variations
To customize this Apple Cinnamon Oat Bread to your taste preferences or nutritional needs, consider these variations:
- Spice it up: Add 1/4 tsp of nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon for a more complex flavor profile.
- Fruit additions: Fold in 1/4 cup of raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.
- Topping twist: Sprinkle a mixture of oats, cinnamon, and a touch of brown sugar on top before baking for a crunchy crust.
- Protein boost: Replace 1/4 cup of the oats with your favorite unflavored protein powder.
- Sweeter version: If you prefer a sweeter bread, add 2-3 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to the wet ingredients.
Conclusion
This Apple Cinnamon Oat Bread is more than just a delicious treat – it’s a nourishing, versatile bread that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Packed with the goodness of apples and oats, it provides a satisfying blend of flavors and textures while offering valuable nutrients to support your health.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity and wholesome nature. With just a handful of nutritious ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a comforting loaf that’s free from refined sugars and flour. It’s naturally gluten-free (when using certified gluten-free oats) and can be easily adapted to suit various dietary preferences.
Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option, a satisfying afternoon snack, or a healthier dessert alternative, this Apple Cinnamon Oat Bread has got you covered. It’s a testament to the fact that healthy eating can be both delicious and comforting.
So, grab those apples, dust off your blender, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. Your taste buds – and your body – will thank you for this wholesome, flavorful treat. Happy baking!
