Apple Spice Loaf

Simple to make, perfect for morning tea or coffee group and your whole house smells like Christmas!

When I saw Pacific Rose apples at the Takapuna Market last Sunday for 80 cents a kilo, I knew I was going to make this Apple Spice Loaf.

This is one that your whole family can enjoy. And, if your baby has started on finger food, this makes a nice treat for them.

Isobel can make a slice of this apple spice loaf disappear in the blink of an eye - and not down the back of her high chair if you know what I mean. It is one of the only things that makes her happy when a molar is coming in! And cuddles, of course :)

Recipe for Apple Spice Loaf:
Whisk together: 1 cup soft brown sugar, 3/4 cup soya or canola oil, 2 tsp vanilla, 2 eggs.
Mix in 2 cups grated apple.
Add: 1and3/4 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp cloves, 1 tsp salt.
Pour into prepared loaf tin and bake at 180C for 45-55 mins until golden and firm in the middle and the sides are pulling away from the tin. Cool in tin for 15 mins then turn out onto wire rack. Cool before slicing, if you can wait that long :)

Recipe Notes:
*Can also substitute apple for same amount of grated courgettes (2 med) or pureed pumpkin.
*2 cups grated apple is about 2 med-large apples. The more the better I say. I used organic and grated in the food processor with the skins right on - yay, no peeling!
*when baking this recipe with apple, go more for the 45 min rather than 55min to keep it nice and moist.

I have made this 3x in the past 2 weeks: once with courgettes and twice with apple. They are both delish! If making baby food and pureeing pumpkin, make extra and try this with the pumpkin ~ and let me know how it turns out!

Enjoy!