Applesauce Bread is one of my favorite easy quick breads when I want something moist, warmly spiced, and comforting without a complicated baking process. I make it with unsweetened applesauce, cinnamon, vanilla, and simple pantry staples, which gives every slice a soft texture and gentle apple flavor.
I enjoy serving this bread for breakfast with coffee or tea, but I also like it as an afternoon snack or simple dessert. The cinnamon adds plenty of warmth, while optional walnuts give the loaf a pleasant crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple this Applesauce Bread is to prepare. I only need two mixing bowls, a loaf pan, and everyday ingredients, so it is an easy recipe to make whenever I have applesauce in the pantry.
I also appreciate how the applesauce keeps the loaf wonderfully moist. The bread stays tender even after it has cooled, and the combination of cinnamon and vanilla gives it a cozy flavor that works especially well during fall, although I happily make it throughout the year.
Another reason I keep this recipe around is its versatility. I can leave the walnuts out for a smooth, tender loaf or add them when I want some extra texture. I can serve the bread plain, lightly warmed, or with a little butter.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional
Directions
I preheat my oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan well so the bread releases easily after baking.
In a large mixing bowl, I whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
In a separate bowl, I beat the eggs. I then add the applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract and mix until the wet ingredients are smooth and well combined.
I pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir everything together. I stop mixing as soon as I no longer see dry streaks of flour because overmixing can make the finished bread denser.
If I am using walnuts, I gently fold the chopped walnuts into the batter.
I transfer the batter to my prepared loaf pan and smooth the top into an even layer.
I bake the bread for 50–60 minutes. I start checking it near the 50-minute mark and consider it ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
I let the Applesauce Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. I then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 55 minutes
Total time: 70 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: approximately 220 kcal per serving
Variations
For a more heavily spiced loaf, I sometimes add a small amount of ground nutmeg, ginger, or cloves along with the cinnamon. These spices give the bread an even warmer flavor.
When I want additional texture, I add chopped pecans instead of walnuts. I can also stir in raisins or dried cranberries for little bursts of sweetness.
For a sweeter version, I like adding chocolate chips to the batter. Applesauce, cinnamon, and chocolate work surprisingly well together and turn the loaf into more of a dessert.
I can also sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the batter before baking. This creates a lightly sweet and slightly crisp topping that contrasts nicely with the moist center.
If I want to make individual portions, I can divide the batter among muffin cups instead of using a loaf pan. I keep an eye on them while baking because smaller portions will finish much sooner than a full loaf.
Storage/Reheating
I let my Applesauce Bread cool completely before storing it because wrapping a warm loaf can trap excess moisture. Once cooled, I keep it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly. At room temperature, I aim to enjoy it within about 2–3 days.
For longer storage, I refrigerate the bread in an airtight container. I can also slice and freeze it so I can remove individual portions whenever I want them. I wrap the slices carefully and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
When I want a warm slice, I reheat it briefly in the microwave until just warm. I avoid overheating it because that can affect its soft texture. Frozen slices can be thawed at room temperature before serving or gently reheated.
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FAQs
Why is my Applesauce Bread too dense?
I usually find that dense quick bread comes from overmixing the batter or adding too much flour. Once I combine the wet and dry ingredients, I stir only until everything is incorporated. I also measure the flour carefully rather than packing it firmly into the measuring cup.
Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Yes, I can use sweetened applesauce, but the finished loaf will be sweeter. When I substitute it for unsweetened applesauce, I may reduce the granulated sugar slightly depending on how sweet I want the bread to be.
Can I leave out the walnuts?
Absolutely. I consider the walnuts completely optional. When I leave them out, the Applesauce Bread remains soft, moist, and flavorful. This is also my preferred option when I want a smoother texture.
How do I know when Applesauce Bread is finished baking?
I insert a toothpick into the thickest part in the center of the loaf. When it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, I know the bread is ready. If wet batter sticks to the toothpick, I continue baking and check it again after a few minutes.
Can I freeze Applesauce Bread?
Yes. I find that this quick bread freezes well. I let the loaf cool completely before wrapping it tightly and placing it in a freezer-safe container. I can freeze the whole loaf, but I prefer freezing individual slices because they are easier to thaw whenever I want a quick breakfast or snack.
Conclusion
Applesauce Bread is a simple homemade treat I can prepare with ingredients I often already have in my kitchen. I love its moist crumb, warm cinnamon flavor, and subtle apple sweetness, and I especially appreciate that the recipe requires very little preparation.
Whether I serve it for breakfast, alongside an afternoon cup of coffee, or as a cozy dessert, this loaf is an easy recipe I can return to again and again. I can keep it classic, add crunchy walnuts, experiment with extra spices, or customize it with my favorite mix-ins for a different loaf each time.
📖 Recipe:
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Applesauce Bread
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist Applesauce Bread is warmly spiced with cinnamon and vanilla for a comforting quick bread with gentle apple flavor. Enjoy it for breakfast, a snack, or a simple dessert.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan well.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir just until no dry streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing.
- If using walnuts, gently fold them into the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top into an even layer.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, checking near the 50-minute mark. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the bread in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
For extra spice, add a small amount of ground nutmeg, ginger, or cloves.
Pecans can be substituted for walnuts, or the nuts can be omitted completely.
Raisins, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips can be folded into the batter for additional flavor and texture.
For a sweet, lightly crisp topping, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the batter before baking.
Sweetened applesauce can be used, but consider reducing the granulated sugar to compensate for the added sweetness.
Store completely cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate for longer storage.
The bread can be frozen whole or in individual slices. Wrap well and store in a freezer-safe container or bag.
To serve warm, briefly microwave a slice until just heated through. Frozen slices can be thawed at room temperature or gently reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg
