This Salted Caramel Apple Loaf combines the timeless flavors of autumn with a modern twist, featuring a rich blend of spiced apples and a sweet and salty date puree. Topped with a simple cinnamon glaze, this loaf offers a perfect balance of flavors, making it a delightful treat for any sweet tooth. The moist and tender crumb is complemented by the natural sweetness of apples and dates, enhanced by a hint of spice, creating a cozy and comforting dessert that’s ideal for cooler weather.
Why You’ll Love This:
The unique combination of salted date puree swirled into the batter introduces a caramel-like richness without overpowering the natural flavors of the apples and spices. This loaf is not only delicious but also relatively healthier, using natural sweeteners like maple syrup and incorporating almond flour for an extra nutty flavor and tender texture. It’s a versatile recipe that can serve as a sweet breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a delightful dessert.
Perfect Occasion:
This Salted Caramel Apple Loaf is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday meals, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. It’s a fantastic addition to any brunch table and pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea on a lazy weekend. The loaf’s warm spices and comforting flavors make it particularly suitable for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any occasion where you want to offer something special and heartwarming.
Decoration Tips:
For an appealing finish, drizzle the cinnamon glaze over the top of the cooled loaf, allowing it to set slightly before slicing. You might also sprinkle some chopped toasted nuts or a few thin apple slices on top of the glaze for added texture and visual interest. To enhance the autumnal feel, a light dusting of cinnamon powder over the glaze can be a lovely touch.
Ingredients:
- For the Date Puree:
- 180g pitted dates
- Boiling water
- 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
- Pinch of salt
- For the Loaf:
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 1/2 cups self-raising flour
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- 1 apple, grated
- For the Cinnamon Glaze:
- Icing sugar
- Water
- Cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Line a 1-liter loaf tin with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Date Puree:
- Soak the dates and bicarbonate of soda in boiling water for 10 minutes to soften. Blend the softened dates with about 1/4 cup of the soaking water and a pinch of salt to form a smooth puree.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, maple syrup, milk, vanilla, and melted coconut oil. Stir in 3/4 of the date puree.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- Mix self-raising flour, almond flour, baking powder, mixed spice, and grated apple into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Assemble the Loaf:
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf tin. Spread the remaining date puree over the batter, then top with the rest of the batter.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- Mix icing sugar with a little water and cinnamon to create a smooth glaze.
- Cool and Glaze:
- Allow the loaf to cool in the tin before drizzling with the cinnamon glaze.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and serve the loaf once the glaze has set. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures!
This Salted Caramel Apple Loaf is sure to become a favorite, offering a delicious twist on traditional flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more.
