Introduction
Prepare to have your baking world delightfully turned upside down! If you’re like me, the idea of applesauce in bread might conjure up images of a simple, perhaps even a bit bland, quick bread. But let me tell you, “Never knew applesauce made bread this good” encapsulates the pure, unadulterated joy that comes from biting into a slice of this incredibly moist, fragrant, and utterly comforting creation. This isn’t just another quick bread; it’s a revelation, a testament to the quiet power of a humble pantry staple that transforms basic ingredients into something truly extraordinary.
This Applesauce Bread is a true autumn masterpiece, though its deliciousness knows no season. From the moment it starts baking, your kitchen will be filled with the intoxicating aroma of warm spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves – mingling with the sweet, subtle scent of baked apples. The result is a loaf that’s not just “moist, spiced, and smells like fall in a loaf!” as the image so perfectly describes, but also boasts a tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of bread that begs to be enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee on a crisp morning, shared with friends around a cozy fire, or simply savored as a comforting snack any time of day.
What makes this Applesauce Bread so special? The secret, as our title suggests, lies in the applesauce. It’s the unsung hero, providing an unparalleled level of moisture and a delicate, natural sweetness that allows us to reduce the amount of added fats and sugars without sacrificing flavor or texture. This makes for a quick bread that’s not only incredibly delicious but also offers a slightly lighter profile than some of its more indulgent counterparts. Get ready to discover your new favorite bake, one that proves sometimes, the simplest ingredients hide the most delicious surprises.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximate values):
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or other neutral oil like canola or grapeseed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8×4-inch loaf pans, or one 9×5-inch loaf pan. If preferred, you can also line the pans with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides to create “handles” for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Ensure there are no lumps and the spices are evenly distributed. Set aside.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the wet ingredients: applesauce, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until they are well combined and smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredient mixture. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps of flour are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared 8×4-inch loaf pans, or pour all the batter into the single 9×5-inch pan. Smooth the top with your spatula.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes for the smaller loaves, or 55-65 minutes for the larger loaf, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let the bread cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes. This allows the bread to firm up slightly and makes it easier to remove.
- After 10-15 minutes, carefully invert the bread onto a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing the bread to cool completely on a wire rack prevents the bottom from becoming soggy due to trapped steam.
- Once completely cooled, slice and serve.
Cooking Tips and Variations
For the absolute best Applesauce Bread, paying attention to a few key details will make all the difference. Firstly, when it comes to ingredients, using unsweetened applesauce is highly recommended. This gives you complete control over the sweetness level of your bread. If you only have sweetened applesauce on hand, you might want to slightly reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the recipe, perhaps by ¼ cup, to prevent the bread from becoming overly sweet. The type of oil also matters; a neutral-flavored oil like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil is ideal as it won’t impart any unwanted flavors to your bread, allowing the apple and spice notes to shine. Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference; if you love a stronger cinnamon kick, add a little extra, or introduce other fall favorites like a pinch of allspice or ground ginger for added complexity.
The most crucial tip for any quick bread is to avoid overmixing the batter. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a tough, dense bread rather than the tender, moist crumb we’re aiming for. When testing for doneness, the toothpick test is your best friend: insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, your bread is ready. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and retest. Finally, proper cooling is essential; allow the bread to cool in the pan for the recommended time before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents the bottom of the loaf from becoming soggy by allowing air circulation.
This Applesauce Bread is wonderfully versatile and lends itself beautifully to various additions. For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans with the dry ingredients. If you enjoy dried fruit, ½ cup of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots can be added for bursts of chewy sweetness. For an extra touch of indulgence, consider adding ½ cup of chocolate chips – dark, milk, or white chocolate all work wonderfully. A simple streusel topping can elevate this bread to dessert status: combine ¼ cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cold butter (cut into small pieces), and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Mix with your fingertips until crumbly, then sprinkle over the batter before baking. Alternatively, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or apple cider drizzled over the cooled bread adds a lovely finish and extra sweetness. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own!
Storage and Reheating
This Applesauce Bread stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying over several days. To keep it fresh, ensure the bread is completely cooled before storing. Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Stored at room temperature, it will stay moist and delicious for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bread, where it will last for up to a week. The refrigeration might alter the texture slightly, making it a bit firmer, but it will still be delicious.
For even longer storage, this Applesauce Bread freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap again in aluminum foil. Place the well-wrapped bread in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply remove the bread from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for several hours or overnight. Individual slices will thaw more quickly.
Reheating is easy and can bring back some of that freshly baked warmth. If you’re reheating a whole loaf, you can warm it in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. For individual slices, a toaster oven or microwave works well. In a toaster oven, toast slices for a few minutes until warm and slightly crisp on the edges. In a microwave, heat slices for 10-20 seconds for a soft, warm result. Be careful not to overheat in the microwave, as this can make the bread tough or dry. Enjoying it warm with a pat of butter, a dollop of cream cheese, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream can be a delightful treat!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade applesauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade applesauce works wonderfully in this recipe. Just ensure it’s a smooth consistency or that any chunks are small, and adjust the sugar in the recipe if your homemade applesauce is already sweetened. Unsweetened homemade applesauce is ideal for best results.
My bread is dry, what went wrong?
There are a few common culprits for dry quick bread. The most likely cause is overmixing the batter, which develops the gluten too much. Another possibility is overbaking; ovens can vary, so always rely on the toothpick test rather than just the timer. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate by using an oven thermometer. Finally, using too much flour can also lead to a dry loaf, so measure your flour accurately, preferably by weight if possible, or by fluffing the flour and spooning it into your measuring cup before leveling.
Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Yes, this recipe can easily be adapted for muffins! Prepare the batter as directed. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The yield will be approximately 12-18 muffins, depending on how full you fill the cups.
What’s the best way to enjoy this Applesauce Bread?
This bread is incredibly versatile! It’s fantastic on its own as a breakfast treat with coffee or tea. You can toast slices and spread them with butter, cream cheese, or even apple butter for an extra apple kick. For a more decadent dessert, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It also makes a wonderful addition to a brunch spread or a thoughtful homemade gift.
