Decadent Almond Apple Bread with Luscious Rum Raisin Cream Cheese Recipe

Sweet Symphony: Almond Apple Bread & Rum Raisin Cream Cheese Recipe

Warm, golden afternoons call for a slice of delectable almond apple bread with rum raisin cream cheese that melts in your mouth.

Seasonal apples blend perfectly with rich, toasted almonds in this comforting treat.

Soft, fragrant spices dance through each tender crumb, promising a delightful experience.

rum-soaked raisins add a sophisticated touch of sweetness to the cream cheese swirl.

Every bite delivers a harmonious balance of textures and flavors that comfort and excite the senses.

This bread transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that sparks joy at first taste.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this irresistible recipe and impress everyone at the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

Almond Apple Bread with Rum Raisin Cream Cheese Ingredients

For Fruit And Nuts:
  • Diced Apples: Adds natural sweetness and moisture, choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best texture.
  • Sliced Almonds: Provides delightful crunch and nutty flavor, toast lightly before adding for enhanced depth.
For Sweeteners And Binding:
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Creates rich caramel undertones and helps achieve tender crumb.
  • Butter: Ensures tender, rich texture and carries deep flavor throughout bread.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients together and provides structure to the bread.
For Dry Ingredients And Spices:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates tender bread base, can mix with whole wheat for added nutrition.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Helps bread rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement apple and create cozy aromatic experience.
For Moisture And Texture:
  • Milk: Adds softness and helps create smooth batter.
  • Sour Cream: Contributes tanginess and extra moisture.
For Rum Raisin Cream Cheese Spread:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides creamy base for spread.
  • Raisins: Adds chewy sweetness, golden raisins offer milder flavor.
  • Brown Sugar, Molasses: Deepens caramel notes in spread.
  • Vanilla Extract, Rum Extract: Introduces complex, warm flavor undertones.
  • Cinnamon, Cloves: Echoes bread's spice profile for harmonious pairing.

Baking Tools for Almond Apple Bread with Rum Raisin Cream Cheese

  • Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for creating light, fluffy batter and creaming butter and sugars smoothly.
  • Large Mixing Bowls: Perfect for combining dry ingredients and mixing wet ingredients separately.
  • 8×5 Inch Loaf Pan: Specifically sized pan for baking this delicious bread evenly.
  • Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer: Helps blend dry ingredients and remove any lumps in flour.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for folding in apples and almonds gently.
  • Toothpick or Cake Tester: Helps check bread doneness by testing center.
  • Cutting Board: Useful for dicing apples and chopping almonds.
  • Cooling Rack: Allows bread to cool evenly without getting soggy on the bottom.

How to Make Almond Apple Bread with Rum Raisin Cream Cheese

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up your kitchen by setting the oven to 350 degrees. Grab an 8 x 5 inch loaf pan and give it a quick butter massage, then dust with a light layer of flour to prevent sticking.

  • Dry Ingredient Harmony

Grab a mixing bowl and combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Whisk these ingredients together creating a fragrant dry mixture that promises deliciousness.

  • Butter and Sugar Magic

Using a mixer, cream together butter and sugars until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like texture. Crack in eggs one at a time, blending until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

  • Batter Creation

Slowly fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk and sour cream. Toss diced apples and almonds with a touch of flour, then gently fold into the thick batter to prevent sinking.

  • Baking Moment

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle extra almonds on top for crunch. Slide into the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and the top turns golden brown.

  • Rum Raisin Cream Cheese Dream

Whip cream cheese until light and airy. Blend in brown sugar, molasses, vanilla, and spices. Gently fold in plump raisins to create a decadent spread that complements the bread perfectly.

  • Serving Suggestion

Let the bread cool completely before slicing to ensure clean, beautiful cuts. Spread the rum raisin cream cheese and enjoy a slice of homemade comfort.

Tips for Flavorful Almond Apple Bread with Cream Cheese

  • Toast almonds before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty, rich taste and create a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
  • Swap apples with pears or peaches for a delightful seasonal twist that keeps the bread exciting and adaptable to different fruit preferences.
  • Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation without losing moisture or texture.
  • Soak raisins in warm rum for 15-20 minutes before adding to the cream cheese frosting to infuse extra depth and prevent them from becoming too dry in the final spread.
  • Warm the bread slightly before serving and add a dollop of the rum raisin cream cheese for a decadent dessert that feels like a special treat perfect for afternoon tea or after-dinner indulgence.

Serving Almond Apple Bread with Rum Raisin Cream Cheese

  • Breakfast Companion: Slice this delightful bread and pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a morning treat that wakes up your taste buds with warmth and comfort.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Serve thick slices alongside scrambled eggs and fresh berries, creating a stunning breakfast spread that impresses family and friends with minimal effort.
  • Afternoon Tea Delight: Cut into thin, elegant pieces and arrange on a decorative platter, perfect for sharing during a relaxed afternoon gathering or casual social event.
  • Dessert Option: Drizzle the rum raisin cream cheese frosting over individual slices, transforming this bread into a decadent dessert that satisfies sweet cravings with its rich, spiced flavors.

How to Store Almond Apple Bread Properly

  • Delicious Slice Storage: Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 3 days at room temperature.
  • Refrigeration Technique: Store the entire loaf or sliced portions in an airtight container inside the refrigerator, which extends shelf life to 5-7 days while keeping the bread's soft texture intact.
  • Freezing Magic: Slice the bread before freezing, placing parchment paper between each piece for easy separation. Sealed in a freezer-safe bag, it can last up to 2 months – simply thaw at room temperature for quick enjoyment.
  • Cream Cheese Wisdom: Keep the rum raisin cream cheese frosting refrigerated in a sealed container, consuming within 4-5 days. Pro tip: Let it soften slightly before spreading to enhance spreadability and flavor release.
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Decadent Almond Apple Bread with Luscious Rum Raisin Cream Cheese Recipe

Decadent Almond Apple Bread with Luscious Rum Raisin Cream Cheese


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Homemade almond apple bread with rum raisin cream cheese delivers comforting autumn flavors in one delightful loaf. Warm spices and creamy filling make this recipe a perfect companion for weekend mornings or afternoon tea.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups diced small apples
  • 2 well-beaten eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup sliced almonds
  • ¼ cup room temperature butter
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp molasses
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp rum extract
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 pinch of cloves
  • 8 oz (226 g) softened cream cheese
  • ¾ cup chopped raisins
  • ¼ cup brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare the loaf pan by thoroughly greasing with butter and dusting with flour to ensure easy release.
  2. Dry Ingredient Blend: Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt to create a uniform dry mixture that will provide consistent flavor and texture.
  3. Butter Mixture: Cream butter with granulated and brown sugars using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, pale, and exceptionally fluffy, which typically takes 3-4 minutes.
  4. Egg Integration: Incorporate eggs individually into the butter-sugar mixture, ensuring complete blending after each addition to maintain a smooth, cohesive batter.
  5. Batter Development: Alternately fold dry ingredients and milk into the mixture in three stages, gently mixing to preserve the batter’s delicate structure, then fold in sour cream until just combined.
  6. Apple and Almond Incorporation: Lightly coat diced apples in flour to prevent sinking, then gently fold apples and chopped almonds into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
  7. Baking Process: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface and sprinkling additional almonds on top. Bake for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean and the top turns golden brown.
  8. Cooling and Finishing: Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan for 30 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for further cooling before preparing the frosting.
  9. Rum Raisin Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese at low speed, gradually adding brown sugar, molasses, vanilla, cinnamon, and cloves until light and airy. Fold in rum-soaked raisins, ensuring even distribution.
  10. Final Touch: Once the bread has cooled entirely, spread the rum raisin cream cheese frosting evenly across the top, creating a decadent and flavorful finish.

Notes

  • Prevent Apple Sinking: Coat diced apples lightly in flour to keep them suspended throughout the bread, avoiding bottom-heavy distribution.
  • Mixing Technique Matters: Cream butter and sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy, which creates a tender, airy bread texture.
  • Egg Incorporation Tip: Add eggs one at a time and fully mix between additions to ensure a smooth, consistent batter without lumps.
  • Cooling is Crucial: Allow bread to cool completely in the pan for 30 minutes before transferring, helping it set and preventing crumbling.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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