A Simple yet Savoury Treat: Bringing Balance to the Flavour Profile with Apple, Brown Butter and Oat Loaf
For those who appreciate the comfort of a well-balanced flavour profile in baked goods, this recipe is a standout. At first glance, it may seem like just another bread recipe, but the clever use of brown butter takes centre stage, lending a rich and nutty undertone that complements the sweetness of apples. The result is a loaf cake that feels sturdy yet inviting - perfect for everyday consumption.
In terms of preparation time, this recipe falls at an accessible 5 minutes of prep and 1 hour 25 minutes in the oven, making it suitable for busy households. It also serves eight people, so it's ideal for small gatherings or weeknight meals.
The list of ingredients reads like a familiar pantry staple: unsalted butter, muscovado sugar, eggs, sour cream, flour, cinnamon, oats, and apples. The addition of browned butter adds an exciting element to the recipe. To achieve this, the butter is melted in a saucepan and left to simmer until it reaches a deep amber colour. Once cooled, it's poured into a heatproof bowl to cool down.
The batter is made by whisking together flour, cinnamon, oats, baking powder, and salt in one bowl, while combining sugar, eggs, and soured cream in another. The browned butter mix is then gently folded into the dry ingredients until smooth. To achieve an evenly dispersed apple flavour, two quarters of the peeled apples are set aside for a topping while the rest are sliced into thin semi-circles and added to the batter.
Once the batter is mixed, it's spooned into a lined loaf tin and topped with the reserved apple slices. A sprinkle of extra oats and demerara sugar completes this beautifully rustic presentation.
Upon removal from the oven after 55-65 minutes, the cake is done when a skewer inserted comes out clean. After cooling completely, it's sliced to serve - a perfect treat for breakfast paired with coffee or served with warm butter on a rainy evening.
For those who appreciate the comfort of a well-balanced flavour profile in baked goods, this recipe is a standout. At first glance, it may seem like just another bread recipe, but the clever use of brown butter takes centre stage, lending a rich and nutty undertone that complements the sweetness of apples. The result is a loaf cake that feels sturdy yet inviting - perfect for everyday consumption.
In terms of preparation time, this recipe falls at an accessible 5 minutes of prep and 1 hour 25 minutes in the oven, making it suitable for busy households. It also serves eight people, so it's ideal for small gatherings or weeknight meals.
The list of ingredients reads like a familiar pantry staple: unsalted butter, muscovado sugar, eggs, sour cream, flour, cinnamon, oats, and apples. The addition of browned butter adds an exciting element to the recipe. To achieve this, the butter is melted in a saucepan and left to simmer until it reaches a deep amber colour. Once cooled, it's poured into a heatproof bowl to cool down.
The batter is made by whisking together flour, cinnamon, oats, baking powder, and salt in one bowl, while combining sugar, eggs, and soured cream in another. The browned butter mix is then gently folded into the dry ingredients until smooth. To achieve an evenly dispersed apple flavour, two quarters of the peeled apples are set aside for a topping while the rest are sliced into thin semi-circles and added to the batter.
Once the batter is mixed, it's spooned into a lined loaf tin and topped with the reserved apple slices. A sprinkle of extra oats and demerara sugar completes this beautifully rustic presentation.
Upon removal from the oven after 55-65 minutes, the cake is done when a skewer inserted comes out clean. After cooling completely, it's sliced to serve - a perfect treat for breakfast paired with coffee or served with warm butter on a rainy evening.