Healthier Apple Spice Bread

apple spice bread.jpg

Before this pregnancy I would wake up before the sun and get an hour long “fasted cardio” workout in… followed by my post workout muscle soreness miracle shake and a cup of coffee. I remember the feeling of accomplishment and energy post workout as I got the kids up and ready for school.

Since this pregnancy I am essentially narcoleptic. Legit. I can sleep for 12+ hours and I physically can’t get up to workout - I HAVE TRIED. BUT I am praying as we hit the second trimester maybe the energy will begin to creep back!? (I’ll keep ya posted!).

Another BIG change - I AM RAVENOUS before my feet hit the floor. I’m talking sick to the stomach, eat ANYTHING ASAP.

So what happens when I don’t plan for this hunger - I eat CRAP - store bought bread, bits of the kids bars etc. Now I know I’m supposed to “eat for two: and at least 400+ calories a day BUT this is a slippery slope. All of a sudden it’s an extra 300 calories here and 400 calories there and you’re rolling me to my next dr.s appt.

So I called the boss - #MrParker husband and chef connoisseur …

And here we are…

Healthier Apple Spice Bread…

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup applesauce

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil

  • 1/3 cup vanilla Greek yogurt

  • 1 large egg

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar not packed

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon each allspice and nutmeg

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/2 cup chopped apple (I used Granny Smith) + 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

  • 1 cup white whole wheat flour or all purpose plain white*

  • 1/2 cup oat flour just blend regular oats in the blender

Sugar Crisp Topping

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease and flour a bread pan. (Don't skip this step as the bread has a tendency to stick to the pan if not well greased.)

  2. In a large bowl, stir together the applesauce, vanilla extract, melted coconut oil (measure when it is melted not solid), and Greek yogurt until completely combined.

  3. Add in the egg and brown sugar. Mix.

  4. Add in the salt, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon (add more spice if desired), baking soda, and baking powder.

  5. Peel and finely chop the apple discarding the core. Toss it with the lemon juice and then drain any extra juice. Toss with 1/2 tablespoon of flour and then add to the mixture. Stir in.

  6. Add in the white whole wheat flour (white all purpose flour works great too!) and the oat flour.

  7. To make the oat flour, blend regular old fashioned or quick oats in a blender or food processor until they resemble a flour. Measure AFTER blending and not before.

  8. Stir until JUST combined (don't overmix with the flour added as that makes for a denser bread).

  9. Pour into prepared bread pan.

  10. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together with your fingers and sprinkle evenly to cover the entire bread. Start with 2 tablespoons and use an extra tablespoon of brown sugar if needed.

  11. Bake for 55-65 minutes (Our sweet spot was right at 60 minutes) or until a toothpick when inserted into the center comes out clean.