There’s something about the scent of cinnamon, apples, and nutmeg wafting from the kitchen that feels like a warm embrace. And that’s exactly what this Applesauce Bread delivers—moist, tender, and spiced just right, it’s like fall baked into a loaf! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this easy one-bowl wonder is about to become a new favorite.
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Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Applesauce Bread
Applesauce bread is one of those comfort bakes—simple, soul-soothing, and endlessly versatile. You don’t need fancy ingredients or equipment. And yet, what comes out of the oven is anything but ordinary!
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Moist and flavorful: Thanks to the applesauce and oil, this bread is soft, rich, and never dry.
Perfectly spiced: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring cozy autumn vibes in every bite.
Super easy: No mixer required—just a bowl, a spoon, and a bit of kitchen love.
Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly: It’s a hit with little ones and stores beautifully.
Taste Test: What to Expect
Imagine a soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb, subtly sweet with an apple-forward warmth and a background whisper of spice. This is not your average quick bread. It’s rustic, inviting, and almost demands a warm cup of tea or coffee beside it.
Benefits of Applesauce Bread
This bread is a smart way to use up leftover applesauce and create a make-ahead breakfast or snack that’s both satisfying and naturally moist without relying on loads of butter. It’s a great base recipe for mix-ins, making it customizable for any season or craving.
Ingredients
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Whisk or spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Loaf pan (8×4 or 9×5 inches)
Parchment paper (optional, for easier removal)
Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions
Nuts: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
Dried fruit: A handful of raisins or chopped dates works beautifully
Sweeteners: Try using brown sugar instead of white for a deeper flavor
Whole wheat flour: Swap half the flour for whole wheat for added fiber
Applesauce: Use cinnamon applesauce or chunky style for texture variation
How to Make Applesauce Bread
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
Step 3: Add the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Step 5: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
What to Serve with Applesauce Bread
A pat of butter or cream cheese on a warm slice is pure magic. For brunch, serve it alongside yogurt, granola, or scrambled eggs. It also makes a lovely afternoon snack with a cup of chai or apple cider.
Tips for Perfect Applesauce Bread
Use room temperature eggs to help the batter mix evenly
Don’t overmix once the flour goes in—this keeps the bread tender
Let the loaf cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts
For a shiny top, brush the cooled loaf with a bit of warm honey
Storage Instructions
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze slices individually for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight or pop in the toaster oven.
General Information
Yield: 1 standard loaf
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Category: Quick Bread
Cuisine: American
Season: Fall favorite (but amazing year-round)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Yes, but consider reducing the sugar by 2–3 tablespoons to avoid an overly sweet loaf.
Can I make this dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free if you don’t serve it with butter or cream cheese.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Results may vary slightly in texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use two loaf pans or bake in a 9×13 pan for bars—adjust bake time accordingly.
Conclusion
This Applesauce Bread is everything you want in a homemade loaf—easy, moist, flavorful, and filled with comforting spice. Whether you’re baking it for family, gifting it to a friend, or enjoying a quiet moment to yourself with a warm slice and tea, it’s a recipe that delivers on all fronts.
If you love this, don’t miss my other cozy bakes featuring fruit—like my Peach Crumble Muffins or Spiced Pear Cake. They’re just as simple and just as irresistible.
Share Your Bake!
Tried this recipe? I’d love to see it! Leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest. Let’s make this cozy corner of the internet a little more delicious together.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)
Calories: 210
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugar: 16g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 160mg
Let this loaf bring some comfort to your day—you’ve earned it.
Applesauce Bread
Equipment
- Loaf pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together applesauce, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
