October 27, 2014

Applesauce oatmeal bread


Apples, apples, apples This time of year I'm always looking for new apple recipes. I recently made and canned some applesauce from the apples we picked and I had some leftover applesauce that didn't fit in a jar. Since we've been eating so many apples, I knew we probably wouldn't want to eat the applesauce right away, so I decided to use it in a quick bread before it went to waste. I loosely based it from a recipe at King Arthur Flour though I modified it quite a bit. 

The applesauce I made this year is so good - no need to add any sugar or other sweeteners. We picked all sorts of heritage apples this year like golden russets, pound sweet, Tollman sweet, snow (sign below), wolf river, and more. The flavors and textures of these heritage apples are so complex and they smell so good. I've been reading a lot about apples including the history and uses of different varieties in this great book lately - Apples of Uncommon Character: 123 Heirlooms, Modern Classics, & Little-known Varieties. I had no idea that there are so many varieties of apple and so many flavors! 


But back to the bread - this bread is very moist and fluffy and full of autumn spices. The touch of oatmeal gives it some extra texture and fiber. This recipe will make one 9-inch loaf of quick bread.


Applesauce oatmeal bread
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or more all-purpose)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, plus more for sprinkling
1 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/4 cups applesauce (mine was slightly chunky)
1/2 cup plus 2 teaspoons old-fashioned oats, divided
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Lightly butter a 9-inch loaf pan and preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Whisk together the dry ingredients (flour through nutmeg) in a medium bowl. Whisk together the sugars, eggs, butter, vanilla, and applesauce until well-combined. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet until almost combined and then add the 1/2 cup oats and walnuts until just combined.

Pour the batter into the loaf pan and spread evenly. Top with the 2 teaspoons of oats and a sprinkling of extra cinnamon (about 1/8 teaspoon). 

Bake for approximately 55-65 minutes, until the top is golden and an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container.


What was I cooking one year ago?: apple & pork macaroni n' cheese
Two years ago?: German sweet & sour red cabbage
Three?: ginger-vanilla pear sauce
4?: pear, blue cheese, and arugula-stuffed chicken

16 comments:

  1. I don't think I've heard of any of those apple varieties, but it goes to show why you should get them from a farm and not the supermarket! This quickbread sounds delicious!

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  2. Would you believe we have all those varieties of apples in our orchard. The wolf apples on our trees are a large apple…perfect for making applesauce. Your oatmeal bread must be nice toasted to start the morning.

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    1. That's so great to hear, Karen! I'm loving learning and tasting all these apple varieties.

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  3. Isn't it nice to get an heirloom apple. I get so fed up with the same handful of varieties from the supermarkets. Gorgeous bread, Amy. The texture looks wonderful and I love all the spices you've used.

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  4. I have never thought of putting applesauce in a bread. I bet it makes the bread really moist. Great recipe!

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  5. I love an oatmeal bread and this one looks SO SO good! I can almost smell it baking here. =)

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  6. I love trying out new apple recipes this time of year, as well. This one looks like a winner!

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  7. Quick breads are one of my very favorite things to make. I love the apples in this one! So fall! I've also always wanted to make my own applesauce, but never have. Do you have a good recipe?

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    1. I do have one on here, but it's old and I don't follow it anymore really because now I almost never add sugar. Now I just really just peel, chop and cook apples with a touch of water or apple cider and a splash of lemon juice (optional but helps them from browning too much). I just cook it all over low heat and mash with a potato masher when soft. You can add sugar, cinnamon, and other spices as you like. For canning, I follow this: http://foodinjars.com/2010/09/homemade-applesauce/

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  8. I love oats in bread! And apples. This looks terrific -- I'll bet the flavor is outstanding. Thanks so much.

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  9. I yet have to bake brea with oat...but I am loving the idea of having it with apples...look delicious Amy!
    Have a wonderful week :)

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  10. I can only imagine how perfect and moist this bread is. Looks amazing!

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  11. This loaf looks so delicious!! Love oatmeal and applesauce here :)

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  12. Your homemade applesauce sounds lovely! And, what a great way to use it in this bread.

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  13. Amy, love the look of your Applesauce Oatmeal Bread - the ingredients that you used sound wonderful. I love homemade applesauce, oats and all those warm spices - this must certainly have been quite the treat!
    Thank you for sharing this wonderful autumnal recipe and thank you also for visting my blog and leaving such a kind comment,
    Andrea

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