🍎 Spiced Applesauce Bread – Moist, Fragrant & Full of Fall Flavor
Who knew applesauce could make bread this good? Moist, warmly spiced, and smelling like a cozy autumn day, this Spiced Applesauce Bread is a recipe you’ll want to save and bake all season long. 🍂 With cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves blended into every slice, it’s the perfect comfort food for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Let’s dive into the ingredients, easy step-by-step instructions, expert chef tips, health benefits, and FAQs so you can bake this fall favorite to perfection. 🥧
🍞 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✨ Simple, Moist, and Flavorful
- Applesauce keeps the bread moist without extra butter or cream.
- Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring out fall flavors.
- Perfectly balanced sweetness with natural apple goodness.
- Great for gifting, freezing, or enjoying fresh out of the oven.
📋 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup applesauce (unsweetened works best)
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup oil (vegetable or canola)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cloves
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
STEP 1: Prep the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
STEP 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together applesauce, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
STEP 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
STEP 4: Make the Batter
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
STEP 5: Bake
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
STEP 6: Cool & Serve
Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice, serve, and enjoy! 🍎
🍴 Expert Chef Tips
Chef Bobby Flay: “Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and texture.” 🌰
Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman): “Top with a cinnamon glaze or cream cheese frosting for a dessert-style bread.” 🍥
Gordon Ramsay: “Use freshly grated nutmeg—it gives a stronger, more aromatic flavor than pre-ground.” 👨🍳
Ina Garten: “Make mini loaves for gifting. Wrap in parchment and tie with twine for a rustic touch.” 🎁
🥗 Nutrition & Health Benefits
This bread isn’t just tasty—it’s also lighter than many other quick breads thanks to applesauce, which reduces the need for extra fat and adds natural sweetness.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories | Health Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flour | 1 ½ cups (180g) | 660 | Provides structure and carbohydrates |
| Applesauce | 1 cup (240g) | 100 | Natural sweetness, fiber, vitamin C |
| Sugar | ¾ cup (150g) | 600 | Sweetness and energy (moderation advised) |
| Oil | ½ cup (120ml) | 960 | Moisture and healthy fats |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 | Protein, B vitamins, structure |
| Spices | ~2 tsp | 10 | Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties |
⚠️ Health & Safety Tips
- Cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for 1 week.
- Freeze tightly wrapped slices for up to 3 months.
- Always use unsweetened applesauce for best balance of flavor and sweetness.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this bread without eggs?
Yes, replace eggs with flaxseed eggs or extra applesauce for a vegan version.
2. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, cut by ¼ cup without affecting texture.
3. Can I add raisins or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates work great.
4. Can I make muffins instead?
Yes, bake in muffin tins at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.
5. What’s the best flour to use?
All-purpose is classic, but whole wheat flour can be used for a denser, heartier loaf.
6. Can I add glaze?
A cinnamon-sugar glaze makes it extra indulgent.
7. How do I know when it’s done?
Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
8. Can I make it oil-free?
Replace oil with extra applesauce, though bread may be slightly denser.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in two loaf pans or one large Bundt pan.
10. Does it taste strongly of apples?
No, the applesauce adds moisture more than flavor—the spices dominate.
🔗 Related Recipes You’ll Love
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🍁 Final Thoughts
This Moist Spiced Applesauce Bread is proof that sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most comforting bakes. With its fluffy texture, cozy aroma, and warm flavors, it’s the perfect recipe to welcome autumn into your kitchen. Bake a loaf, slice it thick, and enjoy with coffee, tea, or a drizzle of honey. 🍯🍎
