Introduction

Spiced Apple Butter Loaf is a moist, flavorful treat that perfectly balances warm spices with the rich taste of apple butter. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting swirled with extra apple butter, this loaf is a delightful dessert or breakfast option for any season.

A moist brown loaf cake with one slice cut and laid flat in front, topped with a thick layer of creamy, off-white frosting that has a soft, whipped texture and is swirled with light brown caramel drizzle across the top. The loaf rests on crinkled white parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there are red and greenish apples, a small jar containing dark brown spread, a lit candle with dripping wax, and some blurred kitchen items. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups (260 g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp (6 g) baking soda
½ tsp (3 g) baking powder
½ tsp (3 g) salt
1 ½ tsp (4.5 g) ground cinnamon
½ tsp (1.5 g) ground allspice
½ tsp (1.5 g) ground nutmeg
¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (125 ml) vegetable oil
2 large eggs
¾ cup (210 g) apple butter
½ cup (125 ml) buttermilk

Cream Cheese Frosting:

½ stick (56 g) butter, softened
¾ cup (100 g) icing sugar
4 oz (113 g) cold cream cheese
3 tbsp (52 g) apple butter
extra apple butter, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Whisk together and set aside.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until combined. Add the apple butter and buttermilk, whisking until smooth.
Step 3: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Spray a 9x5x2.75-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the surface.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top springs back when touched.
Step 6: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, then turn the loaf out onto a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 7: For the frosting, beat the softened butter and icing sugar together until crumbly but blended.
Step 8: Cut the cold cream cheese into cubes and add to the bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Step 9: Add the apple butter to the frosting and beat until combined.
Step 10: Spread the frosting over the cooled loaf. Spoon extra apple butter on top and swirl it decoratively into the frosting.

Tips & Variations

Use homemade or store-bought apple butter depending on preference; a spiced, slightly chunky apple butter adds great texture.
Substitute the allspice and nutmeg with pumpkin pie spice for a slightly different flavor profile.
For a dairy-free version, try using vegan cream cheese and a neutral oil like canola or avocado.
Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch.

Storage

Store the frosted loaf covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep overnight, refrigeration is necessary to maintain the cream cheese frosting’s freshness. Before serving, let the loaf sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften the frosting slightly. The unfrosted loaf can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 1 to 2 days.

How to Serve

The image shows a rectangular loaf of dark brown cake with thick, creamy white frosting on top, swirled with light brown caramel ribbons in a decorative pattern. Two slices from the loaf are placed in front, showing the cake’s dense texture and a layer of the same white frosting inside. The cake and slices rest on crumpled parchment paper over a white marbled surface. To the left of the cake, there is a whole red and yellow apple. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar per ½ cup to mimic buttermilk’s acidity, which helps the loaf rise and stay tender.

How do I prevent the loaf from drying out?

Do not overbake; start checking around 50 minutes. Also, avoid overmixing the batter to keep the loaf moist. Proper storage in an airtight container or covered with frosting helps retain moisture.