I’ll tell you a little secret—this recipe for applesauce bread is one of those quick breads that never disappoints. It is the kind of quick bread that feels extra special when you serve it with tea or coffee. The first time I made this one-bowl applesauce bread, I couldn’t believe how simple it was. No mixer, no fuss, just a few pantry staples and boom—you have got the softest loaf ready to slice.
Some people call it spiced applesauce bread, others say cinnamon applesauce quick bread, but honestly, whatever you name it, it’s downright delicious. It’s the kind of moist applesauce quick bread that makes your kitchen smell so good, you’ll want to bake it again before the first loaf is even gone. Trust me on this one—you’ll be hooked.
Why You’ll Love This Applesauce Bread
- So here’s the thing—this applesauce bread is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on repeat. It’s not fussy, it’s not fancy, but oh man, it hits the spot every single time.
- The applesauce keeps the loaf super soft and moist (like, no dry crumb in sight). Add a little cinnamon and spice and suddenly your whole kitchen smells like fall trust me you’ll thank me later.
- Trust me, the easiest part is what makes it so good. One bowl a few pantry staples and you’ve got yourself a homemade quick bread that tastes way better than store-bought.
- And guess what? It’s not just for breakfast. Toast up a slice with a little butter, pack it for an afternoon snack, or sneak a piece with your coffee at night. No rules here.
Ingredients You Will Need for Applesauce Bread
- 4 large eggs (room temp) – they give the bread that nice structure and a rich bite.
- 1 ½ cups sugar – just enough sweetness without going overboard.
- 3 cups applesauce – homemade or store-bought both work fine it keeps the bread super moist and flavorful.
- 2 sticks unsalted butter (8 oz) melted make sure it’s cooled a bit. Oh and save a little extra to grease your pan.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – nothing fancy just the classic pantry staple.
- 1 tablespoon baking soda – this is what helps your loaf rise nice and fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – a small pinch that makes everything else taste better.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – that warm cozy flavor we all love.
- 2 cups walnuts (optional) – toast and chop them if you want some crunch but you can totally skip if nuts aren’t your thing.
Step-by-Step Instructions (One-Bowl Method)
Get Your Oven Ready
Preheat your oven according to you oven temperature. Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper so the bread comes out easily later.
Whisk the Wet Ingredients
Grab a big bowl and whisk together the eggs, sugar, applesauce, and melted butter. Don’t worry if it looks a little lumpy it’ll all come together in the next steps
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, toss the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Whisk it a bit so your spices and leavening are evenly spread. This helps make a soft moist loaf.
Combine Wet and Dry
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture a little at a time and fold them in gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Don’t overmix you want this to stay light and keep that cozy quick bread texture
Add Some Crunch (Optional)
If you’re a nut lover fold in the chopped walnuts now. They add a nice crunch but totally optional if you like it soft and simple
Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the pan and even it out with a spoon so it looks smooth on top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 55–60 minutes. Around 50 minutes, check with a toothpick — if it comes out clean your moist applesauce bread is ready
Cool and Slice
Let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack. Slice it warm or at room temp. Honestly, a warm slice with a little butter is the best part. You will thank me later.
Spiced Applesauce Bread Variation
Cinnamon Swirl Applesauce Bread
Guess what, you can swirl some brown sugar and cinnamon right into your applesauce batter it makes every slice a soft moist loaf with a cozy ribbon of flavor. Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking and your kitchen will smell amazing. Honestly perfect for a breakfast snack or with a warm cup of coffee.
Applesauce Banana Bread Twist
Mashing a ripe banana and stir it into your applesauce keeps the loaf super moist and naturally sweet. Want a little extra fun? Fold in some chopped walnuts or chocolate chips. Trust me kids will love it and you’ll sneak a slice or two yourself perfect for an afternoon snack or cozy late night treat.
Pumpkin Applesauce Quick Bread
Swap half the applesauce for pumpkin puree and add a pinch of cinnamon nutmeg and ginger. The smell alone will make your kitchen feel like fall toss in pecans if you like a little crunch. The best part of this cozy quick bread is amazing for chilly mornings or a cup of tea. You’ll thank me later.
Tips for Moist Applesauce Quick Bread
- Use room temperature eggs and butter it helps the loaf stay soft and bake evenly.
- Don’t overmix the batter fold gently just until combined keeps the bread light and moist.
- Always use the ingredients with accurate measuring it makes a big difference for the texture and taste
- Want a little extra flavor? Sprinkle in some cinnamon nutmeg or allspice with the dry ingredients it makes the loaf smell amazing while baking
- For a fun little crunch or sweet surprise fold in some chopped walnuts or a handful of raisins every bite will feel cozy and special
- Make sure to measure your flour correctly too much can make it dry.
- Let the bread cool for a little bit before slicing but honestly, I love sneaking a warm slice with some butter the best part.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container it’ll stay soft for a few days or you can freeze slices for later and enjoy whenever you want.
How to Store and Freeze Applesauce Bread?
- Let the bread cool completely before storing. This keeps it from getting soggy
- Wrap the whole loaf or slices in plastic wrap or foil and keep it in an airtight container. It’ll stay soft for a few days
- If you want it to last longer freeze the whole loaf or individual slices in a freezer bag then grab a slice whenever you want and pop it in the toaster for a warm cozy bite
- Pro tip: Label the bag with the date so you know how fresh it is. Trust me you’ll thank me later
- When ready to eat just thaw at room temperature or pop it in the toaster for a few minutes and enjoy that cozy, moist bread.
Easy Applesauce Bread Serving Ideas
- Honestly, I love just toasting a slice and slapping on some butter or cream cheese it’s cozy and simple but trust me it hits the spot
- Cut it into little squares and serve with coffee or tea you’ll notice everyone sneaking bites before you even pour your cup
- Sometimes I drizzle a tiny bit of honey or maple syrup it makes each bite feel like a little treat you’ll thank me later
- Peanut butter or almond butter on a warm slice is my go-to when I need a quick snack that actually fills me up
- I like folding in a few chopped walnuts or raisins adds a nice crunch and makes it feel a bit fancy without trying
- Honestly the best part is serving it warm right out of the oven that soft moist loaf just melts in your mouth every time
Recipe Variations You Can Try
Nutrition Information for Applesauce Bread
- Calories: 280 kcal || Carbohydrates: 45 g || Protein: 4 g || Fat: 10 g || Saturated Fat: 5 g || Fiber: 2 g || Sugar: 25 g || Sodium: 200 mg
Source: Nutritionix
FAQs About Applesauce Bread
What are the basic 3 ingredients to make bread?
Honestly you really only need flour a liquid like water or milk and some kind of leavening like baking powder and baking soda.That’s it even with just these you can whip up a soft simple loaf at home
What does applesauce do when baking?
Applesauce is like a little secret it keeps bread super moist adds natural sweetness and a gentle fruity flavor. Sometimes I swap it for some butter or oil and the loaf still turns out soft and cozy
Which apples work best for making apple bread?
I usually go with Fuji Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. Fuji and Honeycrisp are nice and sweet. Granny Smith gives a little tang but honestly any firm apple works. Just avoid ones that are too watery
Can you substitute applesauce for sugar in bread recipe?
Yes you can applesauce adds sweetness on its own so you can use less sugar I sometimes add a touch of honey or maple syrup if I want a slightly sweeter loaf keeps it moist and tasty
What can replace sugar in a bread recipe?
There are lots of options honey maple syrup agave mashed bananas or applesauce. Each adds its own flavor but all make the bread naturally sweet and comforting
Can you freeze applesauce bread?
Totally let it cool completely then wrap the loaf or slices in plastic or foil and put them in a freezer bag. When you want a slice just grab one and toast it. It tastes almost as good as fresh baked
Final Thoughts on Recipe for Applesauce Bread
Honestly this recipe for applesauce bread is one of my all-time favorites. It is simple cozy and so versatile. You can enjoy it for breakfast as a snack or even a little dessert. Slice trust me once you try it you will keep coming back for more
The best part is how the applesauce keeps the loaf soft and moist. Every bite melts in your mouth and that little hint of cinnamon or spice just makes your kitchen smell amazing. You can also add nuts or raisins for extra texture. I love doing that.
If you have never made a moist applesauce quick bread before don’t worry this one bowl method is super easy even for beginners. You will thank me later for how soft and flavorful it turns out.
So go ahead grab your ingredients try this cozy loaf and let me know how it turns out. Leave a comment below or share your pictures. I’d love to see your version of this spiced apple sauce bread.
Easy Recipe for Applesauce Bread – Soft, Moist & Cozy Loaf
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 cup applesauce
- 2 sticks unsalted butter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tbsp baking soda
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 cups walnuts, chopped and lightly toasted (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper trust me it makes taking the bread out super easy
- In a big bowl whisk together eggs sugar applesauce and melted butter it’ll look a bit lumpy but thats okay
- In another bowl combine flour baking soda salt and cinnamon whisk lightly to spread everything evenly
- Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture don’t overmix you want it light and soft
- Fold in chopped walnuts or raisins for a little crunch this step is totally optional
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula
- Bake for 55-60 minutes check at 50 minutes with a toothpick if it comes out clean your bread is ready
- Let cool 10 mins in the pan then transfer to a rack slice warm or at room temp honestly a warm slice with butter is the best part
Tips
- Use room temp eggs and butter for best results
- Measure ingredients accurately it really makes a difference
- Don’t overmix fold gently for a soft loaf
- Add spices or nuts for extra flavor and texture
Notes
- Applesauce choice matters – homemade or store-bought works just make sure it’s not too watery for a soft loaf
- Sweetness tweak – you can reduce sugar a little or add honey/maple syrup if you like it sweeter
- Nuts & add-ins – walnuts, pecans, or raisins add texture and flavor but totally optional
- Mix gently – folding dry into wet gently keeps the bread light and moist
- Check baking time – ovens vary start checking at 50 mins with a toothpick it should come out clean
- Serving tip – best enjoyed warm with butter but also tasty cold or toasted for later
- Storage tip – wrap tightly in plastic or foil to keep soft or freeze for long-term storage
