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
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, 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.
