Name: Applesauce Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups applesauce; 1 cup white sugar; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 3 tablespoons milk; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground allspice; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup chopped pecans

This moist and spiced applesauce bread is a delightful quick bread that captures the essence of fall in every bite. With the natural sweetness of applesauce and a blend of warm spices, it’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this applesauce bread combines simplicity with rich flavor. The applesauce not only adds moisture but also infuses the bread with a subtle apple taste. The warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice create a comforting aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes. It’s a versatile recipe that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ¼ cups applesauce
1 cup white sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup chopped pecans

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine the applesauce, sugar, oil, eggs, and milk. Beat well until the mixture is smooth.
Sift in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Stir until just combined.
Fold in the chopped pecans.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 12 servings. The preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and the baking time is about 1 hour, making the total time around 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Variations

Nuts: I sometimes substitute walnuts for pecans, depending on what I have on hand.
Spices: For a spicier loaf, I add a pinch of ground cloves or increase the cinnamon.
Sweeteners: I’ve tried using brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper flavor.
Add-ins: Occasionally, I mix in ½ cup of raisins or chocolate chips for added texture and taste.

Storage/Reheating

To store, I wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I refrigerate it for up to a week. When I want to enjoy a slice, I reheat it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to restore its warmth and softness.

FAQs

How can I make this bread gluten-free?

I use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. It’s important to ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add 1 teaspoon separately to maintain the bread’s structure.

Can I use homemade applesauce?

Absolutely. I often use homemade applesauce, ensuring it’s smooth and unsweetened to control the bread’s sweetness.

What can I use instead of vegetable oil?

I’ve successfully used melted coconut oil or unsalted butter as substitutes. Both impart a slightly different flavor but maintain the bread’s moistness.

Can I freeze this bread?

Yes, I wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months. To enjoy, I thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave.

How do I prevent the bread from being too dense?

I make sure not to overmix the batter once I add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture. Mixing until just combined ensures a light and tender crumb.

Conclusion

This applesauce bread is a comforting and flavorful treat that’s easy to prepare. Its moist texture and warm spices make it a favorite in my household, especially during the cooler months. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with a pat of butter, it’s a delightful addition to any meal or snack time.