Apple Walnut Bread with Brown Sugar Glaze
In my last post I shared with you about my Mom, and the incredible grief I was experiencing following her passing. I’m still struggling and I expect I will be for a while. I’ve not wanted to bring my sadness to this place I love and have enjoyed so deeply for the past several years, and for that reason I have not been posting. I have been baking some, it’s comforting in a way. But words are not coming easily for me. I don’t want to pretend I am feeling happier and more upbeat than I am. For a time , what feels right is to begin sharing recipes again, but I will be keeping my posts short on words. Quiet feels better and more real.
Thank you to everyone who shared such kind comments following the loss of my Mom. Your comments comforted me greatly.
I’m not sure I would describe this as a quick bread, but it is an easy recipe. Any apple variety will do. The recipe makes two loaves but can easily be cut in half. In my opinion, if you are going to the trouble, why not make two loaves. That way, there is one for you, and one to share.
Apple Walnut Bread with Brown Sugar Glaze
2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cup whole wheat flour
2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoon baking powder
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon cardamom
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed
2 eggs
2 cups buttermilk, at room temperature
4 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples
2 1/4 cups walnuts, toasted and chopped course, divided
Brown Sugar Glaze (recipe below)
Preheat the oven to 375˚F. Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans. (I used two 8×4-inch pans, plus two mini loaf pans)
In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients, flour through salt.
Using a mixer, cream together the butter and sugars until light in color. Add the eggs, one at a time, scraping the bowl after each addition. On low speed, mix in the buttermilk.
Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Fold in the apples and 1 1/2 cups of the walnuts.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the middle of the loaves comes out clean. Remove to a wire rack and allow to cool while preparing the glaze.
Brown Sugar Glaze
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup buttermilk
Generous pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar, sifted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, buttermilk, and salt. Stirring constantly, bring the mixture to a simmer, and continue to cook until the brown sugar has completely dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the confectioners sugar and vanilla, and whisk until the glaze is completely smooth.
Allow the glaze to cool and thicken slightly before drizzling over the warm breads. Immediately sprinkle the loaves with the remaining walnuts.
OK Mary – I want to make this but am allergic to walnuts……what is 2nd to best to use?
Nancy, the best nut is your favorite nut. Almost any nut goes well with apples. You can also use raisins, dried cherries, or dried cranberries too.
I do feel for you. I also found my mother’s death incredibly hard to bear. The sense of absence was unbearable. It gets better, but years have passed, and I still think of her every day…
Your words, as always, ring with such honesty and integrity. I hope you find some comfort in your baking and photography. Your pictures are stunning. xo
Thanks Sher. I’m taking it just one day at a time. Each day is different.
It’s a little over a year since I lost my mom. For me, time has softened the sharp edges of my grief. Although, even as I try, to find words of encouragement to share with you, a knot forms in the pit of my stomach and I am again, flooded with emotion. I console myself, that each day is getting easier and that she would want, more than anything, for me to be happy and have good memories.
Finding your post in my in-box brings a warm smile. It is good to hear from you. Rain is on the way, I am forever hopeful for our beloved California. I have apples and I have this afternoon free for baking. Baking, making something with my hands and a thick slice of your Apple Walnut Bread with a steaming cup of tea is just the therapy I need.
Thanks Deb for your kind words and a glimpse into your own walk through grief. I appreciate your words of support.
Hi Mary. I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. I share your heartache, as I lost my mom 9 years ago. The ache softens, helped by photos and loving memories, but it never really goes away. I still miss my mom every day and always will until I see her again in heaven. That is what gives me strength. Grief is a journey, and we all journey in our own ways and time. You take all of the time you need. Bake some of here recipes and share your memories with us. Lovely photos in this post. God bless you and give you comfort.
Thanks Sally for your kind words. You shared what so many others who have lost their mothers have also said to me. The ache changes but it never really goes away. I am coming to understand that more and more as the days pass. I will definitely be sharing some of her recipes and more about her on my blog. She was a wonderful woman and an incredible baker.
Simplemente fácil y delicioso, lo voy a preparar y espero que me quede tan rico como el suyo, gracias por compartir.
I love how honest and open you have been, yet taking time away to heal how you need to heal. You can’t rush this and there isn’t an “end.” You will know when it’s the right time to post recipes again. Hugs.
Thanks Kaytlyn. I’m just taking things a day at a time. Sometimes, an hour at a time.
Dear Mary,
You mentioned baking 2 loaves – just for the purpose of sharing. Even in grief, the beauty of baking is revealed; sharing and making one feel loved. Your Mother would be proud.
Take your time. We will all miss you. And look forward to your return.