applesauce bread

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8–10 slices
Difficulty: Easy
Flavor Intensity: Mildly sweet, warmly spiced, moist
Introduction
Applesauce bread is the kind of cozy, nostalgic recipe that feels like a warm hug in every bite. It’s moist, mildly sweet, lightly spiced with cinnamon, and has that comforting homemade taste that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Whether you’re using homemade or store-bought applesauce, this quick bread is a fantastic way to use pantry staples and create something delicious without a lot of fuss.
Best of all? It comes together in one bowl and bakes up beautifully with minimal cleanup. Perfect for fall baking, meal prep, or making your kitchen smell amazing on a Sunday morning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses pantry staples
- No mixer needed—just a bowl and spoon
- Perfectly moist without being greasy
- Great way to use up extra applesauce
- Freezes beautifully
- Adaptable for vegan, gluten-free, or whole-grain diets
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or melted coconut oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- Sprinkle of rolled oats or turbinado sugar on top for crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
Set aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl (or in the same one for minimal dishes), whisk together:
- Applesauce
- Brown sugar
- White sugar
- Eggs
- Oil
- Vanilla
Mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet & Dry
- Add the wet ingredients to the bowl of dry ingredients.
- Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined.
- Don’t overmix—stop as soon as no dry flour remains.
5. Fold in Add-Ins (Optional)
Gently fold in:
- Nuts
- Raisins or chocolate chips (if using)
6. Bake
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan.
- Sprinkle with rolled oats, nuts, or sugar on top if desired.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tip: Check at 45 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
7. Cool & Serve
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
- Remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Slice and enjoy warm or room temperature.
Variations & Substitutions
Make it Vegan:
- Use 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed meal + 5 tbsp water) instead of eggs.
- Make sure your sugar and chocolate chips are vegan-certified.
Make it Whole Wheat:
- Use 1 cup whole wheat flour + ¾ cup all-purpose for extra fiber and nutty flavor.
Make it Sweeter:
- Use sweetened applesauce or add 2–3 tbsp maple syrup for natural sweetness.
Applesauce Banana Bread:
- Replace one egg with a mashed banana for added moisture and banana flavor.
How to Serve Applesauce Bread
- Warm with butter or cream cheese
- Topped with nut butter and honey for breakfast
- With a cup of coffee, tea, or cider
- As an after-school snack with a glass of milk
- Turn leftovers into French toast slices or mini bread puddings!
Storage Tips
Room Temperature:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator:
- Keeps for 5–6 days in a sealed container.
Freezer:
- Wrap slices individually and store in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temp or toast straight from frozen.
Meal Prep Tip
Make two loaves and freeze one! It’s the perfect grab-and-go breakfast or lunchbox filler.
Nutrition Facts (Per Slice, Approximate – Based on 10 Slices)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 210 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 26 g |
Sugar | 12 g |
Fat | 10 g |
Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
Protein | 3 g |
Fiber | 1.5 g |
Sodium | 180 mg |
Nutrition may vary depending on your add-ins and ingredient brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade applesauce?
Yes! Just make sure it’s unsweetened and not too watery. If it’s very chunky, you can puree it or leave it for a more rustic texture.
Can I use this batter for muffins?
Absolutely. Fill muffin liners ¾ full and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. You can safely reduce the sugar to ½ cup total if you prefer a mildly sweet bread, especially if using sweetened applesauce.
What kind of oil works best?
Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, avocado, or melted coconut oil all work. For a stronger flavor, use melted butter or olive oil.
Final Thoughts
This Applesauce Bread is simple, soul-warming, and filled with the cozy flavors of fall. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to bake on a rainy day, share with friends, or slice up for a week’s worth of breakfasts. Whether you’re looking for a way to use up applesauce or just want something wholesome and sweet, this recipe delivers every time.