Description: Irish Potato Apple Bread is a moist, tender loaf that combines mashed potato for softness and grated apple for natural sweetness. It’s a lovely twist on traditional Irish baking—perfect with butter, a smear of jam, or served alongside tea.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Serving Size: Makes 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
Ingredients
- 250g mashed potato (plain, unseasoned, cooled)
- 2 medium apples, peeled and grated
- 250g plain flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 100g brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 100ml milk
- 75g butter, melted (or 75ml neutral oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Optional: 60g raisins or chopped walnuts
Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a loaf tin.
Step 2 – Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar.
Step 3 – Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a second bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla (if using). Stir in the mashed potato until mostly smooth, then fold in the grated apple.
Step 4 – Combine
Add the wet mixture to the dry and stir gently until just combined. Fold in raisins or walnuts if using. Do not overmix.
Step 5 – Bake
Spoon batter into the tin and smooth the top. Bake for 45–55 minutes until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.
Step 6 – Cool and Slice
Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool fully before slicing.
Tips
- Mashed potato: Use plain leftover mash with no butter or seasoning for best results.
- Apple choice: Bramley gives more tang; eating apples give sweeter flavour.
- Moist loaf: Grated apple adds moisture—don’t squeeze it dry.
- Serving: Best with butter, honey, or a slice of cheddar for a sweet-savoury pairing.
Serving Suggestion
Serve warm with butter, or toast slices lightly and top with jam or honey. Lovely with tea on a chilly day.
