This is one of the first recipes I started using regularly when we got married. It is so, so good. I posted in a couple years ago as part of my 9 Things We Do With Apples post. When I referred back to that this year it wasn’t written as clearly as I’d like. Besides, a recipe this good deserves it’s own post.
1/3 cup shortening
1 c sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
2 c chopped apples
2 Tbsp sour milk (or buttermilk, I use a little milk and vinegar)
2 c flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup nuts (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 F. Cream together shortening and sugar. Beat in eggs. Mix in sour milk, vanilla, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing well. Stir in chopped apples or nuts. Pour in to a greased loaf pan.
To make topping cut 2 Tbsp cold butter into 4 Tbsp white sugar and 1-2 tsp cinnamon. Sprinkle over the top of the loaf before baking. Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out of the center clean. I usually forget to preheat my oven fully so mine take about a hour.
Notes: You may use applesauce in a pinch if you don’t have any apple to chop. The flavor is still good you just don’t get those little pieces of apple goodness. You may also want to use brown sugar in the topping in place of all or part of the white sugar. This bread can be served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is wonderful at potlucks and given as a gift. It doubles well!
Last step… after putting the bread in the oven don’t forget to settle in for breakfast on the couch with the spatula, bowl, and beater. Not that I’m doing that as I type or anything! 😉