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
Scale
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.
