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Spelt Apple Butter Breakfast Toast

Two slices of wholegrain spelt toast spread with thick cinnamon apple butter on a wooden board with a jar of apple butter alongside.

Spelt bread toasts differently from white bread. The crumb is denser and holds its structure, so you get a firm bite with a slightly chewy center rather than a soft collapse.

The apple butter here is cooked down until it's thick and spreadable, with cinnamon and a small amount of maple syrup. It goes on warm, straight onto the hot toast, where it softens slightly into the surface.

This is a breakfast that works on a slow weekend morning or a prepared-ahead weekday. The apple butter keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks, so the effort pays forward.

Spelt flour is lower in gluten than wheat but still contains it. The bread has a mild, nutty flavor that pairs cleanly with fruit-based toppings.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Apple butter keeps two weeks, so prep once.
  • Spelt toast stays firm and holds toppings well.
  • Cinnamon and maple balance tart apple naturally.
  • High-fiber spelt keeps you full longer.
Dark amber cinnamon apple butter simmering in a saucepan with a wooden spoon showing the thick consistency.

Ingredient Notes

  • Wholegrain spelt flour: Use 100% wholegrain spelt for the most fiber and nuttiest flavor. White spelt flour works but gives a milder result.
  • Apples: Bramley or Granny Smith work best for apple butter because their high acid content balances the sweetness. Sweeter varieties like Fuji produce a flatter flavor.
  • Maple syrup: I use a small amount to sweeten the apple butter without refined sugar. Raw honey is a direct substitute at the same quantity.
  • Ground cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon is milder and slightly floral. Cassia cinnamon is sharper and more common - both work, but reduce cassia slightly if you prefer a subtler spice.
  • Unsalted butter: A small pat spread on the hot toast before the apple butter helps the topping adhere and adds a clean richness. Use coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
  • Baking powder: This recipe uses a quick spelt soda-style loaf rather than yeast, so baking powder is the leavener. Check it's fresh - flat bread toasts poorly.
Plated spelt apple butter breakfast toast on a white ceramic plate beside a mug of black coffee in morning light.
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Easy
Cooking Temp: 200  C
Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: 1.40
Calories: 320
Best Season: Fall, Winter
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Contains gluten (spelt), dairy-free adaptable, High Fiber, Vegetarian
Description

Toasted slices of dense, nutty spelt bread spread with thick, cinnamon-spiced apple butter - the contrast in texture makes this breakfast satisfying without being heavy.

Ingredients
    Spelt Quick Loaf
  • 250 g wholegrain spelt flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 2 tsp baking powder (check it is fresh)
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 200 ml plain whole milk yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
  • 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • Cinnamon Apple Butter
  • 4 medium (about 600 g) Bramley or Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, roughly chopped)
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup (or raw honey)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 3 tbsp water
    • To Serve
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter or coconut oil (for spreading on hot toast)
Instructions
    Make the Apple Butter
  1. 1
    Place the chopped apples, water, lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
  2. 2
    Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until the apples are completely soft and broken down.
  3. 3
    Mash the apple mixture with a fork or use an immersion blender until smooth. Continue cooking over low heat for a further 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thick enough that a spoon dragged across the base leaves a clean line.
  4. 4
    Transfer to a sterilized jar and let cool while you make the bread. The butter will thicken further as it cools.
    5. Make the Spelt Quick Loaf
  5. 5
    Heat the oven to 200 C / 390 F. Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan and dust with a little spelt flour.
  6. 6
    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the spelt flour, baking powder, and salt.
  7. 7
    In a separate bowl, combine the yogurt, beaten egg, and olive oil. Mix well.
  8. 8
    Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined - the dough will be thick and slightly sticky. Do not overmix.
  9. 9
    Spoon the dough into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a damp spatula.
  10. 10
    Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until risen, golden on top, and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  11. 11
    Remove from the pan and rest on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
    12. Toast and Assemble
  12. 12
    Slice the cooled loaf into 8 slices, about 1.5 cm thick each.
  13. 13
    Toast slices in a toaster or under a grill on medium heat until the surface is firm and golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  14. 14
    Spread a small amount of butter or coconut oil directly onto the hot toast, then add a generous tablespoon of apple butter per slice.
  15. 15
    Serve immediately while the toast is warm and the apple butter is soft against the surface.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 320kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 10g16%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 55mg19%
Sodium 280mg12%
Potassium 290mg9%
Total Carbohydrate 52g18%
Dietary Fiber 6g24%
Sugars 18g
Protein 9g18%
Vitamin A 150 IU
Vitamin C 5 mg
Calcium 120 mg
Iron 2 mg
Vitamin D 18 IU
Vitamin E 1 mg
Vitamin K 4 mcg
Thiamin 0.2 mg
Riboflavin 0.2 mg
Niacin 2 mg
Vitamin B6 0.1 mg
Folate 22 mcg
Vitamin B12 0.2 mcg
Phosphorus 195 mg
Magnesium 42 mg
Zinc 1.4 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Additional Notes

  • Do not slice the spelt loaf before it cools for at least 15 minutes.
  • Cook apple butter on low heat - high heat scorches the sugars before the water evaporates.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan for the apple butter to prevent hot spots.
  • Sterilize the jar by filling with boiling water for 1 minute, then drain and dry completely.
  • Toast slices to a firm golden brown for best structure under the apple butter.
Keywords: spelt apple butter toast, wholegrain spelt breakfast, homemade apple butter, spelt bread recipe, healthy fall breakfast

Equipment

  • heavy-bottomed saucepan (2-quart)
  • wooden spoon
  • 9x5 inch loaf pan
  • toaster or grill pan
  • sterilized glass jar (1-cup capacity)
  • mixing bowls

Tips

  • Toast spelt bread slices at medium heat so the inside warms through before the surface overbrowns.
  • Cook apple butter on low heat, stirring every 5 minutes, until a spoon dragged across the base leaves a clean line.
  • Peel and core apples uniformly so they break down evenly and the butter stays smooth without lumps.
  • Let the baked spelt loaf cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing, or the crumb compresses and the slices tear.
  • Store apple butter in a sterilized jar with a tight lid - press a piece of baking paper directly onto the surface to prevent skin forming.

Variations

  • Add 1/4 tsp ground cardamom to the apple butter for a floral, lightly spiced finish.
  • Spread a thin layer of almond butter under the apple butter for extra protein and a nutty contrast.
  • Use pear instead of apple for a softer, more delicate butter with a honey-like sweetness.

Storage and Reheating

The spelt loaf keeps wrapped in a clean cloth or beeswax wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. Slice as needed and toast directly from storage.

The apple butter keeps in a sealed sterilized jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Do not freeze the apple butter as the texture turns grainy on thawing.

To reheat sliced bread that has gone slightly stale, run it under a damp hand and toast immediately - this restores a firmer, fresher texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve two slices per person with a plain yogurt on the side to balance the sweetness of the apple butter. A small handful of walnuts or pecans on the plate adds crunch.

For a larger brunch spread, the toast pairs well alongside soft-boiled eggs and a simple green salad. The savory and sweet elements stay balanced without competing.

A cup of black coffee or a strong breakfast tea cuts through the richness of the apple butter and keeps the overall meal feeling light.

Read it online: https://greatbritishspeltrecipes.com/recipe/spelt-apple-butter-breakfast-toast/
Valentina - Spelt Recipes
Valentina
A dietitian with a passion for spelt cooking. After trying different diets, I found spelt works best in my kitchen. Join me for simple, delicious recipes that bring out the best in this ancient grain!