Spiced Apple Butter Loaf Recipe – Moist Fall Quick Bread with Cinnamon & Nutmeg

A Cozy Slice of Autumn

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like the warm, spiced aroma of a freshly baked loaf to usher in the season. Enter the Spiced Apple Butter Loaf—a tender, fragrant quick bread that captures the very essence of fall. Whether you’re savoring a slice with your morning coffee, serving it as a comforting dessert, or wrapping it up as a heartfelt homemade gift, this loaf delivers cozy vibes in every bite.

Inspired by the rich flavors of Olive & Mango’s Apple Butter Spice Cake, the simplicity of Margin Making Mom’s Easy Apple Butter Bread, and the rustic charm of Rhubarb & Lavender’s Hobbit-Inspired Loaf, this recipe blends tradition with a touch of whimsy. The result? A moist, spice-kissed treat that’s as versatile as it is delicious. It’s the kind of bake that makes you want to curl up with a blanket, a book, and a steaming mug of cider.

What Is Spiced Apple Butter Loaf?

Spiced Apple Butter Loaf is a moist, tender quick bread that celebrates the rich, concentrated flavor of apple butter. Unlike traditional apple breads that rely on chopped apples or applesauce, this loaf uses apple butter—a slow-cooked, spiced apple spread—to infuse every bite with deep, caramelized apple goodness.

The texture is reminiscent of banana bread: soft, dense, and incredibly moist. But where banana bread leans tropical and sweet, Spiced Apple Butter Loaf is all about warm, autumnal spices—think cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. These cozy flavors mingle beautifully with the apple butter, creating a comforting, nostalgic taste.

Often finished with a tangy cream cheese frosting or a simple spiced glaze, this loaf can be dressed up for dessert or kept rustic for breakfast. It’s a one-bowl wonder that feels both homey and indulgent, making it a seasonal staple you’ll want to bake again and again.

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Spiced Apple Butter Loaf:

• All-purpose flour: The base of the loaf, providing structure.
• Baking soda: Helps the loaf rise and stay tender.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Apple butter: The star ingredient. Use thick, spiced apple butter—homemade or store-bought—for the richest flavor and best texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture.
• Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses depth.
• Vegetable oil or melted butter: Keeps the loaf moist. Oil yields a lighter texture; butter adds richness.
• Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves create that signature fall warmth.
• Optional add-ins: Chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, raisins for a chewy bite, or even a swirl of cream cheese for decadence.
• Topping (optional): Cream cheese frosting or a spiced glaze for extra indulgence.

Tip: Avoid runny apple butter—it can make the loaf too wet and dense. Look for a thick, spoonable consistency that holds its shape. If your apple butter is thin, simmer it down to concentrate the flavor and thicken the texture before using.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together:
   • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
   • 1 teaspoon baking soda
   • ½ teaspoon salt
   • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
   • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
   • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
   • ¼ teaspoon cloves
3. Combine Wet Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk:
   • 1 cup thick apple butter
   • 2 large eggs
   • ½ cup packed brown sugar
   • ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
4. Bring It All Together Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix, or the loaf may turn out dense. If using, fold in ½ cup chopped nuts or raisins.
5. Bake Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool Completely Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cool fully before slicing or frosting to avoid a gummy texture.

Bold Tips:

• Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing.
• Tent with foil halfway through baking if the top browns too quickly.
• Always check doneness with a toothpick—every oven is different!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple quick bread like Spiced Apple Butter Loaf can go awry without a few key precautions. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Using runny apple butter: Thin or watery apple butter can throw off the moisture balance, leading to a soggy or underbaked center. Always use a thick, spreadable apple butter for best results.
• Overmixing the batter: Stirring too much activates the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough, chewy loaf. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated—lumps are okay!
• Skipping the toothpick test: Don’t rely solely on baking time. Ovens vary, and your loaf may need a few extra minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Not letting it cool: Cutting into the loaf too soon can cause it to crumble or feel gummy. Let it cool completely on a wire rack to set the crumb and lock in moisture.

Avoiding these pitfalls ensures your Spiced Apple Butter Loaf turns out tender, flavorful, and perfectly autumnal—every single time.