Nothing feels cozier than the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, and the Apple Spice Applesauce Bread Recipe is exactly that kind of warm, comforting treat. This delightful loaf combines the natural sweetness and moistness of applesauce with a blend of aromatic spices that instantly make you feel at home. Whether you’re baking it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a thoughtful gift, this bread brings together simple ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in the Apple Spice Applesauce Bread Recipe.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation providing structure with a tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bread rise for a light texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Adds lift and reacts well with the applesauce’s acidity.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warm, spicy sweetness that defines the bread’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty warmth and complexity.
- ½ teaspoon allspice: Infuses hints of cloves and pepper for depth.
- 2 large eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness.
- 1â…“ cups applesauce: The star ingredient that keeps the bread moist and naturally sweet.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness without overwhelming.
- ½ cup light brown sugar: Adds a touch of caramel flavor and moisture.
- ¼ cup melted butter: Enhances richness and tender crumb texture.
- 2 teaspoons orange zest: Brightens the flavor with a citrusy twist.
- Coarse sugar (optional topping): Adds a delightful crunch and sparkle on top.
How to Make Apple Spice Applesauce Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your bread comes out easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. This mix of spices and leavening agents creates the bread’s signature flavor and perfect rise.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add the applesauce, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, melted butter, and orange zest. Stir these together until well combined. The applesauce not only sweetens but also keeps the bread incredibly moist.
Step 4: Incorporate Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently fold them together using a spatula. Mix just until combined to avoid tough bread—some lumps are perfectly okay!
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan. If you like, sprinkle coarse sugar on top for that lovely crunchy crust. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before removing it from the pan.
How to Serve Apple Spice Applesauce Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light spread of cinnamon butter or a drizzle of honey can elevate each slice and complement the warm spices naturally found in the bread. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty, delicate finish especially if serving at a gathering.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea, making your morning routine feel extra special. For a more substantial snack, try it alongside sharp cheddar cheese or creamy cream cheese, which contrast delightfully with the sweet, spiced flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Apple Spice Applesauce Bread Recipe into a festive dessert by layering slices with whipped cream and fresh apple slices to create a trifle. Alternatively, toast slices and top them with almond butter and sliced bananas for a nutritious twist that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making it great for quick snacks or lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep this bread on hand longer, slice it and freeze the pieces individually, wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a zip-top bag. This way, you can thaw exactly how many slices you need, preserving freshness without waste.
Reheating
To bring your Apple Spice Applesauce Bread Recipe back to life after storage, simply warm slices in a toaster or microwave for 20-30 seconds. The gentle heat revives the moist texture and lets those spices shine again.
FAQs
Can I use homemade applesauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade applesauce works wonderfully and can add an extra depth of flavor. Just be sure it’s smooth or lightly chunky without excess liquid to keep the bread’s texture perfect.
What can I substitute if I don’t have allspice?
If you don’t have allspice, you can use a tiny pinch of ground cloves or a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg to approximate the warm, spicy notes it provides.
Is this bread gluten-free?
Traditional recipes call for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking, though the texture may vary slightly.
Can I add nuts or dried fruits?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch, while raisins or dried cranberries offer bursts of sweetness that complement the apple spice flavors beautifully.
How long does the bread stay moist?
Thanks to the applesauce, this bread stays moist for several days when properly stored at room temperature or in the fridge, making it an excellent make-ahead option.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a homey, easy-to-make bread that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Apple Spice Applesauce Bread Recipe is just what you need. It’s perfect for cozy mornings, sharing with friends, or simply savoring with a cup of your favorite drink. Give it a try—I promise it will become one of your all-time favorite recipes!
Print
Apple Spice Applesauce Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Applesauce Bread is a moist, tender quick bread flavored with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Sweetened with applesauce and a blend of granulated and brown sugar, it makes a perfect snack or breakfast treat. The addition of orange zest adds a subtle citrus brightness, and a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top gives a lovely crunch. Easy to prepare and bake, this bread slices beautifully for sharing or storing.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon allspice
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1â…“ cups applesauce
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
Topping (Optional)
- Coarse sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add the applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, and orange zest. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and integrated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Optionally, sprinkle coarse sugar evenly over the top for a sweet, crunchy crust.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should be golden brown and spring back slightly when touched.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Serve: Slice into 12 equal pieces and serve on its own or with butter or jam as desired. Enjoy your moist, flavorful applesauce bread!
Notes
- Using unsweetened applesauce will control the sweetness level; adjust sugar accordingly if using sweetened applesauce.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to avoid tough bread texture.
- You can substitute butter with an equal amount of oil for a dairy-free option.
- The coarse sugar topping is optional but adds a lovely crunch and sweet finish.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
