If you want a soft, sweet loaf that’s easy to make, applesauce bread is it. This recipe gives you rich flavor with basic ingredients and no fuss—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
Why We Love This Applesauce Bread Recipe
This isn’t just another quick bread. Applesauce bread offers a unique blend of nutrition and nostalgia, striking a perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome.
Moist and Tender: The applesauce ensures every bite is soft without needing lots of oil.
Naturally Sweetened: Applesauce reduces the need for added sugars.
Great for All Seasons: Ideal in fall but comforting year-round.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything you need already.
Perfect for Meal Prep: It freezes well and tastes even better the next day.
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, one-bowl recipe that still impresses, you’re in the right place.
Ingredients
All-purpose flour — Provides structure for the bread.
Baking soda — Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
Salt — Enhances the overall flavor without making it salty.
Ground cinnamon — Adds warm spice that complements applesauce.
Ground nutmeg — Gives a subtle nutty spice for extra flavor.
Unsweetened applesauce — Moistens and naturally sweetens the bread.
Brown sugar — Adds sweetness and a rich, molasses flavor.
Neutral oil (canola or vegetable) — Keeps the bread moist and tender.
Large eggs — Bind ingredients and help give the bread structure.
Vanilla extract — Adds sweet, aromatic flavor.
How to Make Applesauce Bread
You won’t need any special equipment or skills to pull this off—just follow these steps and you’ll end up with a loaf worth savoring.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a separate bowl, combine the applesauce, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Gently mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until just combined.
Fold in any optional add-ins, being careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Simple, right? The hardest part is waiting for it to cool before slicing.
Expert Tips for Perfect Applesauce Bread
Baking might seem precise, but a few smart tweaks can really make a difference in texture and flavor. Here’s how you can elevate your applesauce bread:
Use room temperature ingredients to help them blend better.
Don’t overmix the batter—overworking the gluten can lead to a dense loaf.
A sprinkle of turbinado sugar on top before baking adds a beautiful crunch.
For a deeper flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light.
If your loaf starts browning too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Easy Variations to Try
You don’t have to stick to the original recipe every time. Here are some simple tweaks that let you customize based on your dietary needs or flavor preferences:
Whole Wheat Version: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Vegan Applesauce Bread: Use two flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 5 tbsp water) and plant-based oil.
Gluten-Free Alternative: Opt for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Chunky Apple Twist: Fold in 1/2 cup of diced apples for texture.
Spiced Loaf: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a warmer profile.
Feel free to get creative—this base recipe welcomes it.
Serving Suggestions
Your applesauce bread can be more than just a quick snack. Here are a few ways to enjoy every slice:
Toasted with a swipe of butter or almond butter
Paired with morning coffee or herbal tea
Cubed into chunks and added to a yogurt parfait
Served with a dollop of cream cheese or whipped honey butter
Wrapped up for holiday gift baskets
More Bread recipes you will love!
FAQ – All About Applesauce Bread
What does applesauce do in bread?
It acts as a moisture enhancer and natural sweetener, often replacing some oil or sugar while keeping the bread tender and soft.
Can I replace oil entirely with applesauce?
Yes, but it may make the loaf denser. Replacing half the oil gives a good balance of texture and health benefits.
How should I store applesauce bread?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze.
Is applesauce bread healthy?
It’s a healthier alternative to traditional quick breads. It uses less fat and sugar, and the applesauce adds fiber and nutrients.
Can I use homemade applesauce?
Absolutely. Just make sure it’s smooth and unsweetened to maintain balance in sweetness and consistency.
Applesauce Bread
Equipment
- Loaf Pan
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup neutral oil canola or vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, combine the applesauce, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gently mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in any optional add-ins, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.