If you’re on the lookout for a cozy, wholesome treat that fills your kitchen with the warm aromas of cinnamon and apples, this Applesauce Bread Recipe is an absolute game changer. It’s not only wonderfully moist and packed with comforting flavors but also super easy to whip up with everyday ingredients. From the tender crumb to the spice-kissed sweetness, every bite feels like a little slice of autumn magic. Whether it’s for breakfast, a midday snack, or an anytime dessert, this bread brings joy to the table in the simplest, most delightful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma in your Applesauce Bread Recipe. The balance between the flour, spices, and mix-ins makes every slice irresistibly good.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend): Provides structure while keeping the bread soft and tender.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to make the bread rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that warm, comforting spice essential in apple desserts.
- Optional 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cloves: Adds depth and a subtle spicy complexity.
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce: The star ingredient that keeps the bread moist and adds natural sweetness.
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature: Helps bind ingredients and adds richness.
- 3/4 cup sugar (or maple syrup): Sweetens the bread; you can tweak it to your taste.
- 1/3 cup oil (vegetable, canola) or melted butter: Adds a silky texture and tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts flavor with a lovely aromatic note.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Offers a satisfying crunch and nutty contrast.
- 1/2 cup raisins, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips: Adds bursts of flavor and a pleasant chewiness.
How to Make Applesauce Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Ingredients and Oven
Start by gathering all your ingredients—measuring everything out makes the process smooth and stress-free. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and either grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This little prep ensures your bread pops out effortlessly once baked.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and any optional spices like nutmeg or cloves. Combining these first guarantees even distribution of the leavening and spices, setting the stage for consistent flavor and a tender crumb.
Step 3: Combining the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs until smooth, then stir in the applesauce, sugar, oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until the mixture is silky and the sugar begins to dissolve, creating a glorious base for your bread’s moist texture.
Step 4: Bringing Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, folding gently with a spatula just until combined. Avoid overmixing here, since too much stirring can make the bread dense rather than soft and tender—the goal is a delicate, fluffy loaf.
Step 5: Adding the Fun Extras
Now for the best part! Fold in your choice of nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips until they’re evenly spread throughout the batter. These little additions give your Applesauce Bread Recipe personality and texture, making it a bit more exciting slice after slice.
Step 6: Baking the Bread
Transfer your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with your spatula for an even bake. Slide it in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 7: Cooling and Slicing
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this helps it set so the slices won’t fall apart. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This patience pays off with beautifully neat slices and perfect texture every time.
How to Serve Applesauce Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a light spread of softened butter simply enhances each slice, making every bite feel extra special without overpowering the gentle apple and spice flavors. Toasting slices and topping them with a smear of cream cheese is another irresistible option.
Side Dishes
This bread is versatile enough to pair beautifully with morning coffee or afternoon tea. For a heartier meal, try it alongside a bowl of warm soup or a fresh fruit salad, balancing cozy sweetness with savory or bright elements on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve thick slices of the Applesauce Bread Recipe topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts or fruit compote. You can even use it as the base for a layered dessert or bread pudding, turning this humble loaf into a stunning centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Applesauce Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick snacks or breakfast on the go.
Freezing
If you want to keep your bread longer, freezing slices or the whole loaf works wonderfully. Wrap securely in plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its delightful flavor or texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen Applesauce Bread, thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature. A quick warm-up in the toaster or oven (around 300°F for 10 minutes) will refresh its just-baked softness and bring out that comforting aroma again.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
Yes, but since sweetened applesauce adds extra sugar, consider reducing the added sugar in the recipe slightly to balance the sweetness.
Is it possible to make this Applesauce Bread Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, and use plant-based oil and vanilla extract. Also, check that any mix-ins like chocolate chips are dairy-free.
What kind of nuts work best in this bread?
Walnuts and pecans are classic choices because they complement the warm spices and apple flavors, but feel free to use pistachios or almonds for a different twist.
Can I add more spices or fruits to customize the bread?
Definitely! This bread is versatile—try adding grated ginger, orange zest, or different dried fruits like chopped dates for your own unique spin.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick or skewer in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, your bread is ready to come out of the oven.
Final Thoughts
This Applesauce Bread Recipe is one of those delightful treats that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s simple, dependable, and absolutely delicious—perfect for cozy mornings, casual gatherings, or just whenever you crave something a little sweet and homey. Do yourself a favor and bake a loaf today; I promise it’ll become a cherished favorite in your recipe lineup.
Print
Applesauce Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 65-75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8-10 slices)
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This moist and flavorful Applesauce Bread is a wholesome quick bread perfect for breakfast or a snack. Combining the natural sweetness and moisture of unsweetened applesauce with warming spices like cinnamon and optional nutmeg or cloves, it delivers a tender crumb without the need for added butter or excessive sugar. You can customize it by adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips to suit your taste. This easy-to-make loaf is baked to golden perfection, making it a delightful treat for the whole family.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cloves for extra spice
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup sugar (or reduce slightly or substitute with maple syrup)
- 1/3 cup oil (vegetable or canola) or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients and Pan: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and any additional spices until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add the applesauce, sugar, oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the sugar begins to dissolve.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Add Mix-ins: Carefully fold in any optional ingredients such as nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overworking the batter.
- Bake: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to help it set and achieve clean slices.
Notes
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For a lower sugar option, reduce the sugar slightly or use maple syrup instead.
- Using oil instead of butter helps keep the bread moist and tender.
- Adding nuts and dried fruit adds texture and flavor but is optional.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to avoid a dense loaf.
- Use parchment paper for easier loaf removal and cleaner slices.
