Apple Spice Bread

Apple Spice Bread

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9x5 loaf pan.

In a large bowl beat together with an electric mixer:
3 Tablespoons canola oil
3 egg whites
¼ cup maple syrup
½ cup unsweetened applesauce (homemade or bottled)
½ cup buttermilk*
½ cup packed dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon maple extract**
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Stir in:
1 “Pink Lady” or any medium-tart apple, peeled, cored and finely diced (about 1 cup)
1 cup rolled oats (“pulsed” in food processor, optional)

In large bowl mix:
1 ¼ cup and 2 Tablespoons All purpose flour***
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon cinnamon

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Pour into prepared pan and smooth top. Sprinkle evenly with topping. Push the topping into the batter then spray with cooking spray (lightly). Bake 50-55 minutes, or until tester comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack.

Topping:
2 Tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
2 Tablespoons ground nuts (any type preferred, optional)
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ginger
¼ teaspoon cloves
½ teaspoon cinnamon

*Buttermilk can be substituted for: ½ cup soy milk mixed with 1 teaspoon vinegar
**Maple extract can be substituted for: an additional 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
***All-purpose flour can be substituted for: ¾ cup plus 2 Tablespoons unbleached white flour and ½ cup whole wheat pastry flour