Apple Pie Bread

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the bottom and sides of a 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. If using a glass loaf pan bake 25 degrees lower.

In a large bowl beat the butter and sugars together until combined. Add the buttermilk and baking powder; and beat until combined. Add eggs and vanilla; and beat until combined. Add flour, apple pie spice and salt; beat until combined.

Toss the apples and nuts in a bit of flour before adding to the batter. By hand, stir in the nuts and apples. Spoon batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Prepare the streusel topping (instructions below) and sprinkle over the batter.

Bake for 60 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool bread in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove bread from pan and cool completely. Wrap the loaf and store overnight before slicing. Makes one loaf (14 slices)

For The Topping:
In a small bowl combine the brown sugar, cinnamon and flour. Using a pastry blender or fork cut in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in walnuts or pecans.