Fall brings a cozy vibe, and we’re thrilled to dive into our Harvest Loaf Recipe—a hearty bake bursting with autumn spices and fresh harvest ingredients. It’s the perfect way to capture seasonal flavors in every slice, whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet afternoon.
Originating from simple farm traditions, this loaf blends nuts, fruits, and warming spices to create something truly comforting. We’ve perfected it to be easy yet irresistible, so you can whip up a taste of fall in no time.
Ingredients
For our Harvest Loaf, we select fresh, seasonal ingredients that capture the warm, spiced essence of fall, blending nuts, fruits, and aromatic spices as passed down from farm traditions.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Sifted for a light base, mixed first to build the dry foundation.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Fresh and active, added next to the dry mix for optimal rising.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Combined with the dry ingredients to enhance lift and texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A key autumn spice, stirred into the dry mix for that signature warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Folded in with spices to amplify the cozy, nutty flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Incorporated into the dry blend to balance sweetness.
- 1 cup fresh apples, peeled and diced: Prepared just before mixing, added to the wet ingredients for moisture and tartness.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts: Toasted lightly if desired, mixed in after wet ingredients for crunch.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Plumped in warm water if needed, stirred in for bursts of sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Beaten well, used to bind the batter.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Whisked with eggs for even dissolution.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Poured in to create a moist crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Added last to the wet mix for enhanced aroma.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients like sifted all-purpose flour and warming spices, we guide you through the straightforward steps to bake our Harvest Loaf. Follow these instructions closely for a moist flavorful result that captures the essence of fall.
Prep
First, we preheat our oven to 350°F to ensure even baking. In a large mixing bowl, we sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon salt to create a fluffy base that enhances the loaf’s texture.
Next, in another bowl, we whisk 2 large eggs with 1 cup granulated sugar until light and airy, then stir in ½ cup vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for a rich moist crumb. Gradually, we combine the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring just until blended to avoid overmixing and maintain tenderness.
Finally, we fold in 2 cups chopped fresh apples, ½ cup chopped walnuts, and ½ cup dried cranberries to infuse bursts of crisp sweetness and nutty crunch, distributing them evenly for a harmonious flavor in every slice.
Bake
We grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking, then pour the batter into it, smoothing the top for an even rise. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, filling our kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and baked apples.
During baking, we rotate the pan halfway through at the 25-minute mark to promote uniform golden browning and ensure the loaf bakes to perfection.
Cool and Serve
Once baked, we remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set its structure, allowing the warm spices to settle and intensify. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely for about 1 hour, preventing sogginess and preserving the delightful moist texture.
Slice our Harvest Loaf into thick pieces and serve it warm, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a spread of butter, making it a cozy addition to fall gatherings or a simple breakfast treat.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Harvest Loaf recipe as it captures fall’s warm spirit in every slice. It’s more than just a bake—it’s a simple way to bring comfort to our tables during crisp days.
Try it for your next gathering and see how it becomes a seasonal favorite. We’re confident it’ll add joy to your fall traditions, one delicious bite at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harvest Loaf?
Harvest Loaf is a cozy fall-inspired quick bread that captures the essence of autumn with warm spices, fresh fruits, and nuts. Rooted in farm traditions, it’s a comforting treat made from simple ingredients like apples, walnuts, and cranberries, perfect for gatherings or a quiet breakfast.
What ingredients are needed for Harvest Loaf?
The key ingredients include sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, fresh apples, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. These fresh, seasonal components create a moist, flavorful loaf that’s easy to prepare.
How do you make Harvest Loaf?
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and sifting dry ingredients together. Whisk wet ingredients, then combine them with the dry mix and fold in apples, walnuts, and cranberries. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, rotating halfway for even baking. Cool before slicing.
How long does it take to bake Harvest Loaf?
It takes 50 to 60 minutes to bake at 350°F, with a halfway rotation for even browning. Prep time is about 15-20 minutes, so you can have a fresh loaf ready in under 1.5 hours total, making it ideal for quick fall baking.
Can I substitute ingredients in the Harvest Loaf recipe?
Yes, you can swap apples for pears, walnuts for pecans, or dried cranberries for raisins to suit your preferences. For dietary needs, use gluten-free flour if required, but keep spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for that authentic fall flavor—always test for taste.
How should I store Harvest Loaf?
Store Harvest Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to keep it fresh. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in plastic for up to 3 months, then thaw and reheat for a warm treat.
Is Harvest Loaf suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients beyond eggs. It’s a great option for plant-based gatherings, but it’s not vegan due to the eggs—consider an egg substitute for a vegan version.