If you are looking for a cozy, moist, and warmly spiced treat, this Applesauce Bread Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen. Combining the natural sweetness and moisture of applesauce with comforting cinnamon and optional spices, this bread is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even a light dessert. It’s incredibly easy to make, uses simple pantry ingredients, and yields a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Once you try this Applesauce Bread Recipe, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to bakes for sharing or savoring yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play crucial roles in shaping the delicious taste and texture of your Applesauce Bread Recipe. From the tenderizing applesauce to the warm spices and crunchy nuts, each component is thoughtfully chosen.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation of the bread’s soft yet sturdy texture; gluten-free blends work great too.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise and gives it a light crumb.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, fragrant spice essential to comforting bread.
- Optional nutmeg or cloves (1/4 teaspoon): For an extra depth of spice if you want to elevate your flavor profile.
- Unsweetened applesauce (1 cup): The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and moisture that keep the bread tender.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- Sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens without overpowering; can be adjusted or swapped with maple syrup for a different twist.
- Oil or melted butter (1/3 cup): Adds moisture and helps create a soft crumb. Vegetable or canola oil works perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a smooth, sweet aroma.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup): Optional, for pleasant crunch and nutty contrast.
- Raisins, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Optional bursts of sweetness and texture variations that make every bite interesting.
How to Make Applesauce Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This preparation ensures your applesauce bread will come out smoothly without sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and any additional spices you’re using. This blend of dry ingredients helps distribute the rising agent and spices evenly for consistent flavor and texture throughout the bread.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add the applesauce, sugar, oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until you have a smooth mixture and the sugar starts to dissolve, which helps integrate the sweetness perfectly into the batter.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together with a spatula. It’s important not to overmix here because keeping the batter light and tender ensures the bread will have a soft, fluffy texture rather than becoming dense.
Step 5: Optional Add-ins
If you want to enhance your Applesauce Bread Recipe even more, now’s the time to fold in nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips. These add delightful bursts of flavor and texture that elevate every bite, making your bread feel extra special.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking it just right is key to that perfect moist and tender crumb.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow your bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the bread set, so when you slice it, you get neat, beautiful pieces that hold their shape.
How to Serve Applesauce Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, but you can also spread a thin layer of softened butter or cream cheese for a luscious finish that complements the warm spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For a more substantial breakfast, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or yogurt, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread and toasting it lightly before slathering on a drizzle of honey or a smear of nut butter. For festive occasions, cut the bread into small cubes and serve as part of a sweet bread pudding or a brunch spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover applesauce bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for about 3 to 4 days, making it a convenient treat anytime.
Freezing
You can also freeze the bread for longer storage by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and placing it inside a freezer bag. It keeps well for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy your Applesauce Bread Recipe any time with minimal fuss.
Reheating
To bring your bread back to life, reheat slices in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds. This warms it gently, enhancing the spices and moisture for a delightful eating experience just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
Yes, you can use sweetened applesauce, but you might want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to avoid making the bread too sweet.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, and you’ll still get delicious results.
Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?
Definitely. Nutmeg, cloves, or allspice can blend beautifully with the applesauce to add unique warmth and complexity to your bread.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it, your bread is perfectly baked.
Can I substitute oil with butter in the recipe?
Yes, melted butter is a great alternative that adds richness, though it might make the bread slightly denser than oil would.
Final Thoughts
This Applesauce Bread Recipe is such a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. Its cozy flavors, tender texture, and straightforward ingredients make it an ideal baking project for anyone, from beginners to seasoned home bakers. I encourage you to bake a loaf soon, enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen, and savor every slice shared with loved ones.
Print
Applesauce Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 8-10 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Applesauce Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread that combines the natural sweetness of applesauce with warm spices like cinnamon and optional nutmeg or cloves. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, it includes optional mix-ins like nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips for added texture and taste. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this easy-to-make loaf is a delicious homemade treat baked to perfection in about an hour.
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, canola) or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and any optional spices such as nutmeg or cloves until well combined and evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add in the applesauce, sugar, oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and the sugar starts to dissolve.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl. Gently fold together using a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Optional Add-ins: Carefully fold in any optional ingredients like chopped nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution without overworking the batter.
- Bake the Bread: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps the bread set and results in clean slices.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- You can reduce the sugar amount or replace it with maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
- Using oil keeps the bread moist, but melted butter adds a richer flavor.
- Feel free to customize the bread by adding your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips.
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- The bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
