Apple Butter Bread from Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ features moist, tender slices infused with sweet apple butter and warm spices, topped with a golden crust that delivers a delightful combination of soft, flavorful bread and a slightly caramelized finish.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- Loaf pan
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar (for topping)
Using apple butter is key to achieving the moist, tender texture and sweet flavor that defines Apple Butter Bread from Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ. Make sure your unsalted butter is softened to blend smoothly with the sugar for a creamy batter. Measure your spices carefully--cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves--to balance warmth without overpowering the apple notes. Using buttermilk enhances the bread's tenderness and adds a slight tang that complements the sweetness. Your loaf will develop a golden crust with a caramelized finish when you sprinkle turbinado sugar on top before baking.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour loaf pan.
- In mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In stand mixer or with hand mixer, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in apple butter and vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle turbinado sugar evenly on top.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and cool in pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to cooling rack. Brush top with a little more apple butter if desired.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Substitution
Apple Butter Bread from Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ showcases a moist, tender texture with sweet apple butter and warm spices. You can substitute buttermilk with an equal amount of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if buttermilk is unavailable. Use any brand of apple butter or homemade apple butter to replicate the flavor effectively. If you don't have turbinado sugar for topping, coarse sanding sugar or raw sugar work as good alternatives to achieve a golden crust. For best results, allow the bread to cool completely on a cooling rack before slicing.
Tips
Using softened butter is crucial to achieve a light and fluffy texture when creaming with sugar; cold butter will result in a denser bread. Mixing the dry ingredients separately and adding them alternately with buttermilk helps prevent overmixing, which can cause a tough crumb in your Apple Butter Bread. Ensure the loaf is fully cooked by checking with a toothpick--if it doesn't come out clean, bake a few minutes longer to avoid a gummy center. Cooling the bread completely on a rack before slicing allows the flavors to set and prevents your slices from crumbling.
Nutritions
Apple Butter Bread offers moderate energy mainly from carbohydrates and fats, with 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of granulated sugar providing the bulk of the carbs and sweetness. The 1/2 cup of unsalted butter adds healthy fats, contributing to moisture and a tender crumb, while 2 large eggs supply quality protein and essential nutrients like choline. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits, enhancing the nutritional profile. Your consumption will also include some calcium and probiotics from the buttermilk, supporting digestive health in this comforting, spice-infused loaf.
Storage
Store your Apple Butter Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moist texture and flavor. If you want to extend its freshness, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in resealable bags, thawing slices as needed to enjoy the tender, spiced sweetness.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute applesauce for the apple butter to create a lighter texture while maintaining the apple flavor. Swap buttermilk with plain yogurt diluted with a tablespoon of lemon juice to keep the batter moist and tender. For a gluten-free option, use a combination of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour, which will add a slightly nutty taste and moist crumb. Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and enhanced flavor complexity.
Allergies
Apple Butter Bread contains common allergens such as eggs and dairy from buttermilk and butter, which may trigger reactions in individuals with egg or milk allergies. The flour used is all-purpose wheat flour, making it unsuitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Your safest choice is to check all ingredients and consider substitutes if you have specific dietary restrictions or sensitivities.
Why this recipe?
The Apple Butter Bread from Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ restaurant is beloved for its rich, moist texture and the perfect balance of sweet apple butter infused throughout the bread. This unique combination delivers a comforting and flavorful experience that pairs exceptionally well with both savory and sweet dishes. You'll find this bread to be a warm, homemade treat that elevates any meal, making it highly worth the effort to recreate at home. Crafting a copycat version allows you to enjoy this signature flavor fresh, with the freedom to customize sweetness and spice levels to your personal taste.