Make Ahead

Spiced Apple Bread

Prep Time: 25 Minutes Start to Finish: 3 Hours 25 Minutes 24 slices

• Bread
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 4 eggs
• 4 oz (from 8-oz package) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded peeled baking apples (about 2 large)
• ⅔ cup applesauce
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon apple pie spice
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup walnut or pecan pieces
• ½ cup raisins, if desired
• Icing
• 2 oz (from 8-oz package) cream cheese, softened
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom only of 2 (8x4- or 9x5-inch) loaf pans with shortening or cooking spray. (Do not use dark pans.)

2 In large bowl, beat granulated sugar, oil, vanilla, eggs and 4 oz cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Stir in apples and applesauce. Stir in flour, apple pie spice, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Stir in nuts and raisins. Divide batter evenly between pans.

3 Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 2 hours.

4 In microwavable bowl, microwave 2 oz cream cheese and 1 tablespoon of the milk on High about 10 seconds or just until warm. Stir in powdered sugar and cinnamon with whisk until smooth. Stir in remaining milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, as needed until desired consistency. Spread icing on bread.

1 Slice: Calories 250; Total Fat 12g (Saturated Fat 3g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 40mg; Sodium 190mg; Total Carbohydrate 33g (Dietary Fiber 1g); Protein 3g Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1 Other Carbohydrate, 2½ Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 2

Make-Ahead Magic The loaves can be baked ahead, and the flavors will only improve. Wrap tightly and store in the refrigerator up to 4 days.

Festive Touch For a special treat, serve slices topped with whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon.