There’s a certain rhythm that comes with this time of year — mornings start with a chill, the sun feels a little softer, and the air carries that unmistakable scent of fall. Around the homestead, it’s the season of small comforts: wrapping your hands around a warm mug, hearing the ducks chatter as the mist lifts off the yard, and spending more time in the kitchen as the days get shorter.
One of my favorite ways to slow down and welcome the season is through baking. There’s something almost meditative about peeling apples, watching butter melt, and letting the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg fill the house. It reminds me why I love simple living — using what’s on hand, creating from scratch, and finding joy in the everyday rituals that make a home feel alive.
And of course, fall means apple season. This time of year, our weekends often include a trip to a nearby orchard or a visit with friends who have a few extra trees heavy with fruit. There’s something so satisfying about filling a basket with freshly picked apples — the kind that still carry the crisp scent of the cool morning air — and bringing them home to bake into something warm and comforting. Those same farm-fresh apples make this bread extra special, adding a touch of sweetness that only comes from fruit picked right at its peak.
This apple spice bread has quickly become a fall staple here. It’s a cozy, moist loaf that’s perfectly sweet without being too heavy, and it makes the whole kitchen smell like comfort. What makes it even more special is knowing that it’s made with our own duck eggs, which give it that extra richness and beautiful rise. And since I use gluten-free flour, it’s a treat everyone can enjoy — tender, flavorful, and perfect with your morning coffee or an afternoon cup of tea by the window.
🍏 Ingredients
- 2 duck eggs
- ½ cup melted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- ¾ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups finely diced apples (about 2 small apples, any sweet variety — orchard fresh if you can!)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips
🍂 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Add in the duck eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until light and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients — gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the diced apples (and nuts or chocolate chips if using).
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing — the hardest part!
🕯️ Serving Tip
Serve warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. It’s also wonderful toasted the next morning with a cup of coffee — the kind of simple pleasure that makes fall mornings on the homestead feel just right.
Fall always feels like an invitation to slow down — to breathe in the crisp air, gather what’s left of the harvest, and savor the small things that make this season so special. Baking this apple spice bread is one of those simple joys that fills both the kitchen and the heart. Whether you’re using apples you picked with your family or a few from the local market, there’s something truly comforting about turning them into something warm and homemade.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you — or what cozy fall traditions your family looks forward to each year. After all, it’s those shared moments (and a little cinnamon in the air) that make this season feel like home. 🍁