Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated whole nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground star anise
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup apple butter
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, divided
  • Cooking spray

Method

  • Preheat oven to 325°.
  • Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 6 ingredients (through pepper) in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add apple butter, sugar, honey, and eggs; stir with a whisk until well combined. Fold in raisins and 1 tablespoon almonds.
  • Spoon batter into a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of almonds. Bake at 325° for 35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Loosen bread from sides of pan using a narrow metal spatula; turn out onto a wire rack; cool.