Applesauce Bread Recipe | Spiced Applesauce Bread

Elevate your breakfast or snack game with this moist and delicious Applesauce Bread! Bursting with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and apples, this quick bread is an easy and wholesome treat that’s perfect for any time of day.

Why You'll Love This Brilliant Bread

• Easy to Make. Ready in just under an hour, this quick bread requires minimal effort with maximum flavor.
• Moist and Tender. The applesauce keeps this bread perfectly moist, while the spices add a warm, cozy flavor.
• Healthy Twist. Made with whole wheat flour and naturally sweetened with applesauce, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional sweet breads.

Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or as a grab-and-go snack, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

What Is Applesauce Bread?

Applesauce bread is a type of quick bread, meaning it doesn’t require yeast and instead relies on baking soda or baking powder for leavening. The star ingredient, applesauce, not only adds moisture but also acts as a natural sweetener, reducing the need for added sugars.

Combined with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this bread is a comforting treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Applesauce- Serves as the main moistening agent in the bread, keeping it soft and tender. It also adds natural sweetness and a subtle apple flavor, making the bread flavorful without being overpowering.
• All-Purpose Flour- Forms the structure of the bread by creating gluten when mixed with wet ingredients. It gives the bread its shape and texture.
• Baking Soda- A leavening agent that helps the bread rise by creating bubbles of carbon dioxide when it reacts with acidic ingredients like applesauce. This gives the bread its light and fluffy texture.
• Salt- Enhances the overall flavor of the bread by balancing the sweetness and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Cinnamon- Adds warmth and spice to the bread, complementing the apple flavor of the applesauce.
• Nutmeg- Adds a subtle, earthy spice that enhances the flavor profile of the bread. It pairs well with cinnamon and apples, adding depth and complexity to the taste.
• Butter- Adds richness and flavor to the bread, contributing to its moist texture.
• Brown Sugar- Provides sweetness and adds a slight molasses flavor to the bread, which complements the applesauce.
• Eggs- Act as a binding agent, holding the ingredients together and providing structure to the bread.
• Vanilla Extract- Enhances the flavor of the bread by adding a sweet, aromatic note that complements the applesauce and spices.
• Rolled Oats- For texture and heartiness.
• Chopped Nuts- Add a delightful crunch and texture contrast to the soft bread. They also provide a rich, nutty flavor that pairs well with the apple and spice flavors.

How To Make Applesauce Bread

1. Preheat the Oven. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until well combined.
5. Mix in the Applesauce. Add the applesauce to the wet ingredients and mix until fully incorporated.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
7. Add Optional Mix-Ins. If you’re using nuts or dried fruit, gently fold them into the batter.
8. Bake. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Serve. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slater an additional 1/4 of applesauce on top as a frosting if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Tips And Tricks

These tips will help you create a delicious, moist, and flavorful applesauce bread that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert:

• Use Unsweetened Applesauce. For the best flavor and texture, use unsweetened applesauce. It allows you to control the sweetness of your bread and ensures the applesauce's flavor shines through without being overly sweet.
• Enhance with Spices. Add warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to elevate the flavor of your applesauce bread. A teaspoon of cinnamon or a combination of spices can give your bread a cozy, autumnal flavor.
• Don't Overmix the Batter. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bread. The key is to keep the batter light and airy.

Variations

These variations allow you to customize your applesauce bread to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, ensuring a delicious result every time:

• Cinnamon Swirl- Create a beautiful cinnamon swirl by layering a mixture of cinnamon and sugar between the batter layers. Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar, then add the remaining batter on top. Swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect.
• Apple Nut Bread- Enhance the texture and flavor by adding 1/2 cup of chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter. These nuts pair perfectly with the apple flavor, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.
• Applesauce Banana Bread- Substitute half of the applesauce with mashed bananas for a delicious applesauce banana bread hybrid. This combination results in a moist, naturally sweet bread that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.

What To Enjoy With Applesauce Bread

Applesauce bread is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• A Dollop of Whipped Cream- For an indulgent treat.
• Cream Cheese Spread- Adds a tangy contrast to the sweet bread.
• A Cup of Hot Tea or Coffee- The perfect pairing for a cozy morning or afternoon snack.

How Long Does It Last?

Applesauce bread can last for about 3 to 4 days when stored at room temperature. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

If you want to extend its shelf life, you can refrigerate the bread, where it will last for up to a week.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes! Applesauce bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze the bread for up to 3 months.

To serve, thaw the bread at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave.

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