adapted from Taste of Home magazine

1 stick butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups peeled, chopped apples
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Topping:
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces

Preheat oven to 350ºF.  Spray a 9×5 loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.  Beat in the eggs and vanilla.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt.

Mix half the flour mixture into the butter mixture, followed by the buttermilk and then the remainder of the flour mixture.  Fold in the apples and walnuts.

Pour into the greased loaf pan and spread evenly in the pan.

In a small bowl combine the topping ingredients, mixing with a fork until the butter is crumbly.  Sprinkle evenly over the batter.

Bake in a 350ºF oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted near the middle comes out clean.  Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.

Cool completely before slicing.

Quick Breads and Muffins