Harvest Spice Bread

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When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, I find myself craving the warm, cozy flavors that only autumn can bring. That’s when I reach for this Harvest Spice Bread recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of earthy carrots, tart apples, sweet raisins, and the perfect mix of fall spices. The smell alone is enough to make your kitchen feel like a hug. Moist, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet, this loaf is a true reflection of the season’s best.

I’ve baked this bread more times than I can count — it’s my go-to for chilly mornings, lazy Sunday brunches, or an afternoon snack with tea. What makes it so special is the texture: tender but hearty, with bursts of crunchy walnuts and soft bites of apple and carrot. Whether you’re baking for yourself or gifting a loaf to a friend, this bread is always a hit.

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Why You’ll Love This Harvest Spice Bread

• It uses pantry staples but tastes bakery-fresh.
• Perfectly moist with texture from nuts and fruit.
• It works for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
• Naturally sweetened with apples and carrots.
• One bowl and no mixer required!

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What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

For the best flavor and moisture, I like to use a crisp, tart-sweet apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They hold their texture while baking and add a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the bread. If you have a sweeter apple like Fuji, it works too, just expect a slightly different flavor.

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Options for Substitutions

No walnuts? Swap in pecans or leave them out altogether. You can use whole wheat flour for added fiber or keep it classic with all-purpose. Don’t have raisins? Dried cranberries or chopped dates are excellent stand-ins. Want to go dairy-free? Use your favorite plant-based milk and oil.

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Ingredients for this Harvest Spice Bread

• All-purpose flour – This forms the base of the bread and keeps the texture soft and tender.
• Baking soda – Helps the bread rise and gives it a nice dome shape.
• Salt – Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors.
• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves – These spices bring warmth and that unmistakable fall aroma.
• Eggs – They provide structure and richness.
• Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture with a hint of molasses.
• Vegetable oil – Keeps the bread moist without overpowering the flavor.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the warm spices and adds a soft sweetness.
• Grated carrots – Add natural sweetness, color, and moisture.
• Grated apple – Brings a fresh, tart sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spices.
• Chopped walnuts – For crunch and earthy depth (optional but recommended).
• Raisins – Add bursts of sweetness and chewiness throughout the loaf.

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Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This evenly distributes the spices and ensures the baking soda is mixed well.

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Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This forms the moist and flavorful base of the bread.

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Step 4: Add the Fruits and Veggies

Fold the grated carrots, grated apple, raisins, and chopped walnuts into the wet mixture. This step is where the harvest magic begins, adding texture and flavor with every stir.

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Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

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Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil.

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Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice once cool and enjoy every bite of your autumn masterpiece.

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How Long to Prepare the Harvest Spice Bread

Prep Time: Preparing the batter takes around 15–20 minutes, including grating the carrots and apples, chopping the walnuts, and mixing the ingredients. If you’re a quick chopper or use a food processor, you might shave off a few minutes.

Bake Time: The bread takes about 55–65 minutes in a 350°F (175°C) oven. Keep an eye on the top; if it browns too fast, cover it loosely with foil. After baking, allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Tips for Perfect Harvest Spice Bread

• Always grate your carrots and apples fresh for maximum moisture and flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter; stir just until the dry ingredients disappear.
• Use room temperature eggs to help the batter blend better.
• Lightly toast the walnuts before adding for a deeper flavor.
• For easier removal, line the loaf pan with parchment paper.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overmixing the batter – This can lead to a dense, tough loaf.
• Baking at too high a temperature – It may brown too quickly and leave the inside undercooked.
• Using too wet apples – If your apples are super juicy, lightly pat them with paper towels.
• Skipping the spice measurements – Eyeballing spices can result in an unbalanced flavor.
• Removing from pan too soon – Letting it cool helps set the crumb and prevents breaking.

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What to Serve With Harvest Spice Bread?

1. Hot Apple Cider

A warm, spiced drink to complement the flavors in the bread.

2. Whipped Maple Butter

A rich and creamy spread that melts beautifully on warm slices.

3. Greek Yogurt and Honey

For a balanced breakfast, pair with a side of tangy yogurt and a drizzle of honey.

4. Scrambled Eggs or Omelet

For a savory contrast to the sweet, pair with protein-rich eggs.

5. Fresh Fruit Salad

Add brightness and color to your plate with a mix of seasonal fruits.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep it in a cool, dry place.

Refrigerator: To keep it longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Wrap well to prevent drying out. Bring to room temperature or gently warm before serving.

Freezer: Freeze individual slices or the whole loaf, tightly wrapped and placed in a freezer bag. Keeps well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per slice (based on 10 slices)

• Calories: ~240
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 180mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add 1/2 teaspoon yourself.

Can I make muffins instead?

Absolutely! Divide batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

Is this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, it uses oil instead of butter and doesn’t require milk unless you’re adding a spread on top.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce the brown sugar to 1/2 cup if you’d like it less sweet, especially if your apples are on the sweeter side.

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Conclusion

Harvest Spice Bread is everything I love about fall baking wrapped into one cozy loaf. It’s wholesome, warmly spiced, and packed with real ingredients that bring both flavor and texture to the table. Whether you’re enjoying a slice fresh from the oven or toasting it the next day with a smear of butter, this bread is the kind of comforting treat you’ll find yourself making again and again.

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