Are you ready to indulge in a slice of heaven? The Apricot Nut Loaf, a cherished recipe from Mom Margaret, is the perfect blend of sweet and nutty flavors that will transport you straight to comfort food paradise. With its moist texture and delightful crunch, this loaf is not just a treat for the taste buds—it's a warm hug for the soul. Whether you're enjoying it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. So grab your apron and let’s dive into the magic of baking this delectable loaf!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 75 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of softened butter and the 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the 2 eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the loaf dense.
- Fold in the 1 cup of chopped dried apricots and 1 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice the loaf and serve. Enjoy your delicious Apricot Nut Loaf!
Tips
- Perfecting the Texture: Be careful not to overmix the batter when combining the wet and dry ingredients. This will help ensure your loaf remains light and fluffy instead of dense.
- Choosing Your Nuts: While walnuts and pecans are both excellent choices, consider toasting them lightly before adding to the batter. This will enhance their flavor and add an extra layer of deliciousness to your loaf.
- Mixing in the Dried Apricots: For an even distribution of apricot flavor, chop the dried apricots into small pieces. This way, every slice of your loaf will have a burst of sweetness.
- Cooling Time: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps prevent it from breaking apart and ensures a beautiful presentation.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for a quick treat later on!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
