Moist and Flavorful Applesauce Bread: Your New Favorite Quick Bread Recipe

Experience the comforting taste of homemade Applesauce Bread – a beautifully sweet, incredibly soft, and richly flavored quick bread made with real applesauce. For an irresistible finish, sprinkle a generous amount of sugar on top before baking to create the perfect crunchy, golden crust. This recipe promises a delightful aroma that will fill your kitchen and a taste that brings pure joy with every slice.

If you adore the simplicity and deliciousness of quick bread recipes, be sure to explore more of our favorites. Dive into the rustic charm of Apple Bread, featuring tender shredded apples, or treat yourself to the bright zest of our Lemon Bread, a delightful copycat of the Starbucks classic. And when autumn calls, our warmly spiced Pumpkin Bread is an absolute must-try. Each recipe offers its own unique profile, but all share the ease and satisfaction of homemade baking.

Author’s Note

One Bowl, One Loaf, Big Apple Flavor!

There’s nothing quite like the bounty of fresh produce, and for me, that often means an abundance of apples from my sister’s trees. After enjoying countless batches of my favorite Apple Pie, indulging in the comforting layers of Apple Crumble, and even experimenting with more Apple Nachos than I can count, I still found myself with a generous supply of apples. Determined not to let any go to waste, I spent time making and canning the very best homemade applesauce – a truly rewarding experience that captures the essence of fresh apples.

And, as any baker knows, a fresh batch of homemade applesauce practically begs to be baked into delicious treats! I began by crafting a healthy Applesauce Cake, which was an instant hit. Now, I’m thrilled to share this incredible old-fashioned Applesauce Bread recipe. It’s wonderfully moist, brimming with warm, inviting spices, and finished with that signature crunchy sugar crust that makes it utterly irresistible. This recipe truly celebrates the humble apple, transforming it into a comforting loaf that’s perfect for any time of day.

Why You’ll Love This Applesauce Bread

This isn’t just another quick bread recipe; it’s a celebration of simplicity, flavor, and comfort. Here’s why this Applesauce Bread is destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Unmatched Moisture: Thanks to a full cup of applesauce, this bread boasts an incredibly moist and tender crumb that stays fresh for days. No dry, crumbly slices here!
• Rich Apple Flavor: The applesauce infuses every bite with a natural, sweet apple essence that’s perfectly balanced by warm spices, making it a true taste of autumn any time of year.
• Perfectly Spiced: A thoughtful blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice creates a fragrant profile that is both comforting and inviting, without overpowering the delicate apple notes.
• Irresistible Crunchy Crust: The optional (but highly recommended!) sugar topping caramelizes during baking, forming a golden, crunchy crust that provides a delightful textural contrast to the soft interior.
• Incredibly Easy to Make: With a simple one-bowl method for combining wet and dry ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy it for breakfast with your morning coffee, as a delightful snack, a wholesome dessert, or pack it in lunchboxes. It’s truly a bread for all occasions.
• Freezer-Friendly: Bake a loaf (or two!), slice it, and freeze for quick grab-and-go portions whenever a craving strikes.

Ingredients for Your Applesauce Bread

Crafting this delicious Applesauce Bread requires a blend of simple, readily available ingredients. Using room-temperature ingredients is key to achieving a smooth, uniform batter and a perfectly baked loaf. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll need, along with brief notes on their roles.

• Wet Ingredients: These contribute essential moisture, binding, and sweetness to the bread.
  • Unsweetened Applesauce: The star ingredient, providing natural apple flavor and incredible moisture without added sugars. Ensure it’s unsweetened to control the sweetness of the bread.
  • Large Eggs: Act as a binder, providing structure and richness. Make sure they are at room temperature for better emulsification with other wet ingredients.
  • Vegetable or Canola Oil: Contributes to the bread’s moist texture and helps keep it tender. You can also use other neutral oils like grapeseed.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and aids in browning the crust.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a warm, aromatic note that complements the apple and spices.
• Dry Ingredients: These form the structure of the bread and deliver its signature warm spice profile.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component of the bread. Measure accurately (spooned and leveled) to avoid a dense loaf.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
  • Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Allspice: This trio creates the quintessential warm, comforting spice blend that pairs perfectly with applesauce. Ensure your spices are fresh for maximum aroma and flavor.
  • Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These are the leavening agents responsible for the bread’s rise and tender crumb. Always check their freshness before baking.
• Optional Topping: Elevates the bread with extra sweetness and a delightful crunch.
  • Light Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper, molasses-rich sweetness and contributes to the caramelized crust.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides additional sweetness and helps form that signature crunchy texture.
  • Cinnamon: A final sprinkle of cinnamon enhances the spiced flavor of the topping. Mix this just before sprinkling to prevent clumping.

How To Make Moist Applesauce Bread: A Simple Guide

Making this delightful Applesauce Bread is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these easy steps for a perfect loaf every time:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare your 9×5-inch loaf pan. Generously grease and flour the pan, ensuring every crevice is coated to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal after baking.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, large eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined. Ensure all wet ingredients are at room temperature for optimal emulsification and a consistent batter.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: flour, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking soda, and baking powder. Whisk them together thoroughly for about 30 seconds to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices. This step is crucial for an evenly risen bread.
4. Gently Combine Wet and Dry: Create a small well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredient mixture into this well. Using a spatula or a whisk, gently stir until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined and a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough, dense bread. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
5. Prepare and Add Optional Topping: If you’re using the optional topping, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Once your batter is in the pan, sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top. Do not press it in; simply let it rest on the surface.
6. Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with only moist crumbs attached. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.

Essential Tips for Baking Perfect Applesauce Bread

Achieving a perfectly moist, tender, and flavorful loaf of Applesauce Bread is easy with a few key techniques. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your baking success:

• Go Manual, Avoid Mixers: For quick breads like this, resist the urge to use a hand mixer or stand mixer. Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a tough, chewy, and dense bread that might even sink in the middle. A simple whisk and a spatula are all you need to gently combine the ingredients until just moistened.
• Verify Leavening Agent Freshness: Baking soda and baking powder are crucial for a good rise. If they’re old, your bread won’t rise properly. You can easily test their freshness: For baking soda, add a pinch to a spoonful of vinegar; it should bubble vigorously. For baking powder, add a pinch to hot water; it should also fizz. If they don’t react, it’s time for new ones!
• Measure Ingredients with Precision: Baking is a science, and accurate measurements are vital. When measuring dry ingredients like flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and then level it off with the back of a knife. Never scoop directly from the bag, as this compacts the flour and leads to using too much, making your bread dry.
• Room Temperature for Wet Ingredients: Ensure your applesauce and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify more easily with the oil and sugar, creating a smoother, more uniform batter. A well-emulsified batter bakes more evenly and results in a better texture.
• Use the Correct Pan Size: This recipe is designed for a standard 9×5-inch (1-pound) loaf pan. Using a different size, especially a smaller 8×4-inch pan, can cause the batter to overflow or lead to an underbaked center. If you must use an 8×4-inch pan, fill it only about three-quarters full and adjust baking time accordingly. Always grease your pan thoroughly with cooking spray or shortening, then dust with flour, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to ensure easy removal of the finished loaf.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking is the enemy of moist quick breads. Start checking for doneness around the 60-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking in 5-minute increments.
• Proper Cooling is Essential: While it’s tempting to slice into a warm loaf, resist! Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack. Then, let it cool for at least an hour on the rack before slicing. This allows the internal structure to set fully and prevents the bread from becoming gummy or falling apart.

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Applesauce Bread

This versatile Applesauce Bread is perfect for any meal or snack, offering a comforting flavor that pairs well with many accompaniments. Here are some ideas to enjoy your freshly baked loaf:

• Breakfast Delight: Enjoy a slice (or two!) with your morning coffee or tea. It’s a wonderful alternative to muffins or toast.
• Brunch Star: Serve it alongside a fruit salad, scrambled eggs, or bacon for a cozy and satisfying brunch spread.
• Simple Snack: A plain slice is a perfect pick-me-up anytime.
• With Spreads: Enhance its flavor by spreading a dollop of cream cheese, a pat of butter, apple butter, or even a swirl of honey or maple syrup.
• Warm and Toasted: Lightly toast slices and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
• Pair with Fruit: A slice of applesauce bread pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or sliced apples.

Frequently Asked Questions About Applesauce Bread

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you perfect your Applesauce Bread!

• Can I use homemade applesauce? Absolutely! Homemade applesauce will add even more depth of flavor. Just ensure it’s unsweetened or adjust the sugar in the recipe accordingly if your homemade version is sweetened.
• Can I use chunky applesauce? Yes, you can! Chunky applesauce will add delightful bits of apple texture throughout the bread, making it even more rustic and appealing.
• What kind of oil is best for Applesauce Bread? A neutral-flavored oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil is recommended as it won’t overpower the delicate apple and spice flavors.
• My bread sank in the middle, what happened? This is often a sign of overmixing the batter, using old leavening agents, or opening the oven door too frequently during baking. Ensure you mix just until combined and check the freshness of your baking soda and powder.
• How do I know when the bread is fully baked? The best way is to insert a wooden toothpick or thin skewer into the very center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached, it’s done. If it comes out wet with batter, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes.
• Can I make this into muffins? Yes! This recipe can easily be adapted for muffins. Fill greased muffin tins about two-thirds full and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

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4.95 from 17 votes

Applesauce Bread

By
Chelsea Lords

Homemade Applesauce Bread is moist, warmly spiced, and packed with apple flavor, thanks to a full cup of applesauce in the batter. For a tasty crunchy topping, sprinkle sugar on top before baking!

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

1 hour

Cooling Time:

1 hour
15 minutes

Total Time:

2 hours
35 minutes

Servings:

10 slices (1 loaf)

Equipment

• 9 x 5-inch bread pan see note 1

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 large eggs
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil or canola oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Optional Topping

• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

• Prepare all wet ingredients at room temperature by removing them from fridge 45–60 minutes before use. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch bread pan and preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Combine wet ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until completely smooth (avoid using a hand or stand mixer to prevent excess air).
• Add all dry ingredients to a large bowl and whisk together. Make a well in the center.
• Pour wet ingredients into the well of dry ingredients and mix until a batter forms.
• Separate from the batter, mix all topping ingredients together (optional).
• Pour batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and sprinkle with topping (do not press in). Bake for 60–75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
• Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire cooling rack. Allow to cool for 1 hour before slicing to avoid affecting texture.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Use a 1-pound bread pan—an 8×4-inch pan is too small. If you use an 8×4-inch pan, fill it with 75% of the batter and reduce the bake time. Don’t forget to generously grease the bread pan. Be sure to grease the pan with cooking spray or shortening, then dust with flour, or line it with parchment paper and leave an overhang for easy removal.

Nutrition Note: Nutrition information does not include the optional topping.

Storage: This bread is best enjoyed within 2–3 days. After that, it begins to lose its ideal texture. It can, however, last up to a week if stored in an airtight container and tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. After the third day, I recommend storing it in the fridge. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic and place in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving |
Calories: 324kcal |
Carbohydrates: 42g |
Protein: 4g |
Fat: 16g |
Saturated Fat: 3g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 4g |
Trans Fat: 0.1g |
Cholesterol: 37mg |
Sodium: 351mg |
Potassium: 62mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 22g |
Vitamin A: 63IU |
Vitamin C: 0.3mg |
Calcium: 27mg |
Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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