Homemade Applesauce Bread with a Touch of Cinnamon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade applesauce bread is a delightful treat that brings together the natural sweetness of apples and the warm, comforting spice of cinnamon. This moist and flavorful quick bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. With its soft crumb and inviting aroma, it makes a great alternative to store-bought baked goods. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires simple pantry staples. Whether you’re looking for a cozy fall recipe or a year-round favorite, this applesauce bread is a must-try.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Unsweetened applesauce
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil or melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Chopped nuts (optional)
• Raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk the applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Blend the Mixtures – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender texture.
5. Add Mix-ins – If using, fold in the chopped nuts and dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
6. Bake – 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.
7. Cool and Serve – Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Variations

• Whole Wheat Option – Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this bread suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Lower Sugar Option – Reduce the amount of granulated sugar and brown sugar or replace them with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
• Dairy-Free Alternative – Use coconut oil instead of butter and ensure all other ingredients are dairy-free.
• Extra Spice – Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for a more complex spiced flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 slices

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week to extend freshness.
• Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast them lightly for a crispier texture.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened applesauce?

Yes, but you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to balance the sweetness.

What can I use instead of vegetable oil?

You can use melted butter, coconut oil, or even applesauce for a lower-fat version.

Can I make this into muffins?

Absolutely! Pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes.

Is this bread dense or light?

This applesauce bread has a soft and moist texture, slightly dense but not heavy.

Can I add fresh apples?

Yes! Fold in finely diced apples for extra texture and apple flavor.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes! Replace the eggs with flaxseed eggs and use a plant-based oil or butter substitute.

How can I prevent my bread from being dry?

Make sure not to overbake it, and measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup rather than scooping.

What kind of nuts work best?

Walnuts or pecans complement the flavors best, but you can use almonds or hazelnuts too.

Can I make this bread without cinnamon?

Yes, though it will change the flavor profile. Consider using vanilla or almond extract for added flavor.

Why did my bread sink in the middle?

This could be due to overmixing the batter, underbaking, or using expired baking powder/baking soda.

Conclusion

Homemade applesauce bread with a touch of cinnamon is a comforting, easy-to-make treat that fills your kitchen with warmth and delicious aromas. It’s versatile, can be adapted to dietary needs, and is perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it plain, toasted, or with a spread of butter, this bread is sure to become a household favorite. Try it today and savor the delightful combination of apples and cinnamon!

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