A Slice of Comfort: Apple Crisp Bread

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There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the house. It brings to mind warm, cozy moments and a sense of home. But what if we told you that you could elevate this classic comfort food with a touch of autumnal flair? Enter Apple Crisp Bread, a delightful fusion of apple crisp and sweet bread that will make your taste buds dance with joy. In this blog post, we’ll explore this mouthwatering history of Apple Crisp Bread with a recipe and the steps to create this delectable treat at home.

History of Apple Crisp Bread

Apple crisp bread is a delightful and relatively modern creation that combines the flavors of apple crisp, a classic American dessert, with the concept of sweet bread. While it may not have a long and storied history like some other traditional bread recipes, it still carries the essence of comfort food and the warmth of home-baked goods.

Here’s a brief overview of the evolution and history of apple crisp bread:

1. The Origins of Apple Crisp: Apple crisp, also known as apple crumble in some parts of the world, is a dessert that dates back to the early days of European settlement in North America. It was born out of the desire to create a sweet, comforting dish using simple and readily available ingredients, particularly apples. The dish traditionally consists of sliced or chopped apples, sugar, and a crumbly topping made from flour, oats, butter, and spices. It is baked until the apples are tender, and the topping turns golden brown and crisp.
2. The Emergence of Sweet Bread Variations: Sweet bread recipes have been enjoyed for centuries, with variations like banana bread and zucchini bread gaining popularity in the mid-20th century. These recipes often combined fruits or vegetables with a sweet bread batter to create moist and flavorful baked goods.
3. The Fusion of Apple Crisp and Sweet Bread: The idea of combining the comforting elements of apple crisp with sweet bread likely emerged in response to the popularity of both concepts. Apple crisp bread is essentially a fusion of these two beloved treats, offering the familiar flavors of apple crisp in a bread format. This allows for the convenience of slicing and serving, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or a snack.
4. Seasonal and Cultural Influences: Apple crisp bread is often associated with the autumn season, when apples are in abundance and their flavors are at their peak. Its popularity may also be influenced by the cultural significance of apple-related dishes in American cuisine, such as apple pie and apple cider.

Apple Crisp Bread Recipe

Tools Needed:

• 9 inch Loaf pan 
• Mixing Bowls
• KitchenAid hand mixer (this is my FAVORITE hand mixer)  
• Spatulas 

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose King Arthur all purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup oat milk
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup finely diced apples (about 1 large apple, peeled)

For the Crisp Topping:

• 1 1/2 cup King Arthur all purpose flour
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted plant-based butter, melted
• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease loaf pan or use parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, melted butter, salt and ground cinnamon. Using a spoon mix everything together. Set this aside or place in refrigerator until needed.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.  Set this aside as well.
4. In a large mixing bowl, mix together egg, milk and vegetable oil until smooth.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a tender bread.
6. Toss the diced apples in the ground cinnamon until lightly covered. Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
8. Generously sprinkle the crisp topping over the bread batter, covering it entirely.
9. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
10. Allow the Apple Crisp Bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve!

Apple Crisp Bread is a perfect representation of the cozy, comforting flavors of fall. The combination of moist apple-infused bread and the crunchy, buttery crisp topping is an absolute delight for your taste buds. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Share it with friends and family to create cherished memories around the table this autumn. Give it a try and savor the warm, sweet goodness that this bread has to offer!