If you’ve been searching for a cozy, moist treat that feels like a warm hug on a cool day, this Delicious Applesauce Bread Recipe is your go-to. With the perfect blend of spices, tender crumb, and just the right amount of sweetness, this bread is not only incredibly easy to make but also wonderfully versatile. The unsweetened applesauce keeps it moist without being overly sweet, while the aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg give it a comforting depth of flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it with morning coffee or as a snack, this applesauce bread will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this bread is surprisingly simple, thanks to straightforward ingredients that together create such a delightful flavor and texture. Each element plays a vital role, from the spices that provide warmth to the applesauce that keeps the bread wonderfully moist and tender.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your bread, ensuring it holds together beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise, giving it a light and airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to enhance the loaf’s fluffiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a classic fall spice note everyone loves.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides a slightly nutty and sweet spice twist.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way, adding complexity and depth.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread without overpowering it.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Brings a rich, toffee-like sweetness that complements the spices.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce: The star ingredient that gives moisture and subtle fruity flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweet spices and applesauce with a lovely aroma.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add crunch and a delightful nutty flavor.
How to Make Delicious Applesauce Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This steady moderate temperature helps the bread bake evenly for a moist center and golden crust. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your loaf releases effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This step ensures your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, so every slice has warm flavor and perfect rise.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined and slightly fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a smooth, emulsified base. Then stir in the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract, infusing the batter with natural sweetness and aromatic charm.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently folding until just combined. Overmixing can toughen the bread, so pause as soon as you see no dry streaks. If you’re adding nuts, fold them in now to distribute evenly without crushing their delightful crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let your bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes; this resting period helps it firm up before you transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving the moisture and crumb texture.
How to Serve Delicious Applesauce Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While this applesauce bread is incredible on its own, a light spread of softened butter or a drizzle of honey elevates it instantly. For a seasonal touch, sprinkle a handful of cinnamon sugar or top with cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist that turns it into a delightful dessert.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with hot drinks like spiced chai tea, rich coffee, or creamy hot cocoa, making it a perfect companion for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Serve alongside fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait for a balanced and satisfying start to your day.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread thickly and toast it lightly for an extra crisp edge that beautifully contrasts its moist interior. Use it as a base for a quick French toast, or stack slices with nut butter and fruit preserves for a playful and delicious sandwich. The possibilities with this delicious applesauce bread recipe are truly endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to four days at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry out the bread, but if your kitchen is humid, refrigeration is fine—just bring it back to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
This delicious applesauce bread recipe freezes beautifully. Slice it first and separate slices with parchment paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to two months, perfect for enjoying whenever a craving hits without the hassle of baking from scratch.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen bread, thaw slices at room temperature or pop them directly into a toaster or oven. A quick 5 to 7 minutes at 350°F will refresh the loaf’s texture and smell, making it taste just as fresh as the day it was baked.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
You certainly can, but since this recipe already uses brown and granulated sugars, sweetened applesauce may make the bread overly sweet. Unsweetened applesauce helps you control the sweetness while keeping the bread moist.
What type of nuts work best in this bread?
Walnuts and pecans are classic choices because of their subtle flavor and crunchy texture. However, you can also experiment with almonds or hazelnuts for a different twist, or skip nuts entirely if you prefer a nut-free version.
Is this bread suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it does not include any meat or animal-based gelatin products. It uses eggs and dairy-based ingredients, so it is not vegan.
Can I add extras like raisins or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Adding half a cup of raisins or chocolate chips introduces delightful bursts of sweetness and texture. Fold them in at the same step as the nuts to incorporate evenly without overmixing.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs clinging to it, your bread is perfectly baked. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, give it more time to bake.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Applesauce Bread Recipe is a true gem for anyone who loves home-baked comfort food without the fuss. Simple ingredients, warm spices, and that moist crumb make every bite a joyous experience. I encourage you to try it soon — whether for breakfast, snack time, or a casual dessert, it’s sure to brighten your day and become a cherished staple in your kitchen.
Print
Delicious Applesauce Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious applesauce bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Infused with warm fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and optionally enhanced with nuts, this easy-to-make loaf is subtly sweetened with both granulated and brown sugars, with the added moisture and natural sweetness from unsweetened applesauce. It’s wonderfully soft, aromatic, and pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with oil or butter, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Combine Sugars and Oil: In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar and oil mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Applesauce and Vanilla: Stir in the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract, mixing well to create a uniform wet batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until all ingredients are combined and no large flour pockets remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in Nuts (Optional): If using, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans to add texture and flavor.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. This ensures the bread is fully cooked through.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For added texture and sweetness, stir in 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips along with the nuts.
- This bread freezes well — wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- The flavors deepen and the bread becomes even more moist and delicious the next day.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
