If you love the cozy, comforting flavors of fall baked goods, then this Applesauce Bread Recipe is about to become one of your all-time favorites. It’s moist, packed with the natural sweetness of applesauce, and gently spiced with cinnamon—a perfect combination that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this bread will fill your kitchen with the most inviting aromas and deliver slices that are soft, tender, and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Applesauce Bread Recipe lies in its simple, readily available ingredients. Each one plays a vital role: from eggs providing structure, to applesauce adding moisture and natural sweetness, and walnuts offering a delightful crunch if you like a little texture variation.
- 4 large eggs (at room temperature): Ensure they are room temperature to help the batter mix more evenly and rise better during baking.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness without overpowering the applesauce flavor.
- 3 cups applesauce: This is the star ingredient, bringing moisture and subtle apple essence that keeps the bread tender.
- 2 sticks (8 oz) unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Butter enriches the bread’s flavor and adds a lovely, soft crumb texture.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the bread, giving it substance and that classic bread density.
- 1 tablespoon baking soda: This helps the bread rise beautifully and stay light.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with applesauce.
- 2 cups walnuts (lightly toasted and chopped, optional): Offers a crunchy contrast that complements the softness of the bread wonderfully.
How to Make Applesauce Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (176°C). Lightly butter two 9-x-5-inch loaf pans or line a 24-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This sets the stage for your bread to bake evenly and come out cleanly, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Beat Eggs and Sugar
In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the four large eggs and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture thickens and turns a pale lemon-yellow color, usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, helping the bread rise and develop a tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Applesauce and Butter
Next, slowly add the 3 cups of applesauce followed by the melted, slightly cooled butter. Beat well after each addition, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed. Don’t be alarmed if the mixture looks a bit curdled at this point—that’s completely normal and won’t affect the final bread at all.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Gradually stir this mixture into your wet ingredients and beat just until combined. If you’re using the optional walnuts, fold them in now for added texture and flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans or use a scoop to fill muffin tins. Bake for about one hour if making loaves, or 20 to 25 minutes for muffins. You’ll know they’re done when the tops turn a golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing by this point!
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the applesauce bread to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step stops the cooking process and ensures your bread maintains its moist and tender texture.
How to Serve Applesauce Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, consider topping warm slices with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light smear of cream cheese can also elevate the simple, rustic charm of this bread into a special treat.
Side Dishes
This Applesauce Bread Recipe pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a bowl of hearty soup or chilled fruit salad. It’s versatile enough to serve as breakfast, snack, or dessert, making it a perfect companion for a variety of meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond plain slices? Try serving the bread with a dollop of vanilla yogurt and fresh berries, or cut it into cubes and toast them lightly for an irresistible bread pudding base. You could even turn it into a French toast twist by dipping slices in your favorite egg mixture and frying until golden.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your applesauce bread fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay wonderfully moist for up to four days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week without any sacrifice in texture.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Wrap loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place muffins in freezer bags. Frozen, this bread maintains its delicious flavor and texture for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-out-of-the-oven experience, reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave just until warm. Adding a small pat of butter will give it that extra touch of indulgence that makes each bite feel special.
FAQs
Can I use homemade applesauce for this Applesauce Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade applesauce adds a wonderful fresh flavor and you can control the sweetness and spice in it, which can personalize the bread even more.
Is it necessary to toast the walnuts?
Toasting walnuts is optional but highly recommended because it enhances their nutty flavor and adds a slight crunch, making the bread even more delightful.
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
You can substitute with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil, but keep in mind butter adds richness and flavor that’s hard to replicate with oils.
Why does the batter look curdled after adding applesauce and butter?
This is a common reaction when combining wet ingredients like melted butter with the eggs and applesauce. It’s normal and won’t affect the final bread texture as long as you continue mixing gently.
How do I know when my applesauce bread is done baking?
Look for a golden-brown color on top and use a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking a loaf that feels like a heartfelt gift, and this Applesauce Bread Recipe does just that. It’s easy to prepare, comforting to eat, and full of textures and flavors that make coming back for seconds irresistible. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of homemade applesauce bread—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Applesauce Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings (2 loaves or 24 muffins)
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Applesauce Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread made with applesauce, eggs, and a hint of cinnamon, perfect for breakfast or a snack. This recipe yields tender loaves or muffins with a subtle sweetness and optional toasted walnuts for added crunch.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 3 cups applesauce
- 2 sticks (8 oz) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (plus more for the pan)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional
- 2 cups walnuts, lightly toasted and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Lightly butter two 9×5-inch loaf pans or line 24 cupcake or muffin tins with paper liners for muffins.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the 4 large eggs and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until the mixture thickens and turns a pale lemon color, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Applesauce and Butter: Add the 3 cups applesauce to the egg mixture, followed by the 2 sticks of melted unsalted butter. Beat well after each addition, scraping down the sides of the bowl. The batter may look curdled, but this is normal—keep mixing.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet applesauce mixture and beat to combine thoroughly. If using, fold in the 2 cups of lightly toasted and chopped walnuts. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure an even mixture.
- Fill Pans and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pans or use a 2-ounce ice cream scoop or heaping tablespoon to fill the muffin tins. Bake in the preheated oven until the bread is golden brown and firm in the center—about 1 hour for loaves or 20 to 25 minutes for muffins.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing or serving.
Notes
- Applesauce can be unsweetened or sweetened depending on your sweetness preference.
- Using room temperature eggs helps achieve a smooth batter.
- To toast walnuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- Store bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
