Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bread is soft, flavorful, and simple to make with pantry staples. The applesauce keeps it moist without the need for a lot of oil or butter, while cinnamon and other spices create a deliciously warm flavor. It’s a great way to use up extra applesauce and can be enjoyed plain or dressed up with mix-ins or glazes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
all-purpose flour
baking soda
baking powder
salt
ground cinnamon
ground nutmeg
ground cloves (optional)
unsweetened applesauce
brown sugar
eggs
vegetable oil or melted butter
vanilla extract
optional: chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a separate bowl, mix applesauce, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in any optional mix-ins like nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 loaf (about 10 slices) and takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes total, including prep and baking time.
Variations
- Glazed Version: Drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk or maple syrup.
- Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Vegan Option: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) and plant-based oil.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce the brown sugar or use a sugar substitute if desired.
- Spice it Up: Add ginger or allspice for extra warmth.
Storage/Reheating
Store the bread tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or toast lightly.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Yes, but reduce the sugar in the recipe slightly to balance the sweetness.
Why is my bread too dense?
Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can make the bread dense. Mix gently just until combined.
Can I make muffins with this recipe?
Yes, divide the batter into a greased or lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.
What kind of oil should I use?
Any neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or light olive oil works well. Melted butter can also be used.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of regular flour.
What goes well with this bread?
Try it with butter, cream cheese, peanut butter, or a drizzle of honey.
Can I use homemade applesauce?
Yes, homemade applesauce is perfect—just make sure it’s smooth and not too watery.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is done.
Is this bread freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Wrap slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, use a store-bought egg replacer or flax eggs for an egg-free version.
Conclusion
Spiced Applesauce Bread is a wonderfully moist and fragrant loaf that brings comfort and warmth to your kitchen with every slice. Simple to make and easy to adapt, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to all year long—especially when you need something cozy, wholesome, and absolutely delicious.
PrintSpiced Applesauce Bread
Spiced Applesauce Bread is a moist, warmly spiced quick bread made with applesauce, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This cozy, flavorful loaf is perfect for breakfast, snacking, or enjoying with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In another bowl, mix together the applesauce, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in any optional mix-ins like nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For muffins: divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 18–22 minutes.
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Try drizzling with a maple glaze or serving with butter or cream cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
