Applesauce Spice Bread: Moist, Fragrant, and Perfect for Cozy Mornings
If you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make treat that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas, this Applesauce Spice Bread is the answer. Moist, flavorful, and bursting with the goodness of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet applesauce, this quick bread is ideal for fall breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or afternoon tea. The best part? It requires simple pantry ingredients and comes together effortlessly—no mixer required!
🍎 Why You’ll Love This Applesauce Spice Bread
- Moist and tender thanks to the applesauce
- Rich in warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves
- Simple and fuss-free—perfect for beginners
- Freezes well and stays fresh for days
- A great way to use up leftover applesauce
🧂 Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil — or substitute with an equal amount of melted butter for a richer flavor
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.
- Fold in extras: If using, gently fold in nuts or dried fruit.
- Pour and bake: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to level the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is a rich golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean or with only a few tender crumbs attached.
- Cool: Let the bread rest in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up, then gently remove it and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Let it cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling and ensure clean cuts.
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💡 Tips & Variations
Ingredient Substitutes:
- Swap the vegetable oil for melted coconut oil to add a touch of natural sweetness and a gentle tropical fragrance to your bread.
- Use whole wheat flour for a heartier, fiber-rich loaf.
- Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) for a vegan version.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm topped with a pat of butter, a spread of cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey for an extra indulgence.
- Toast slices and top with almond butter and sliced bananas.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple finish.
Storage Advice:
- Store the bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and freshness.
- Refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freeze slices individually for grab-and-go snacks—first wrap each slice in foil or parchment paper, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and reheat beautifully in the toaster or microwave.
🍞 Final Thoughts
This Applesauce Spice Bread is a nostalgic bake that brings the cozy flavors of autumn to your kitchen year-round. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weekend breakfast or gifting it to friends during the holidays, it’s a guaranteed hit. Try it once, and you’ll keep coming back for more slices of this spiced perfection!
