Applesauce Bread

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Nothing makes the kitchen feel cozier than the smell of freshly baked Applesauce Bread. Made with applesauce, apple cider, warm spices and topped with cinnamon sugar, this Applesauce Bread recipe is quick to make and has the most wonderful flavor and tender crumb. It’s perfect for fall or any time of year!

Whether you’re looking for a cozy autumn breakfast, an easy afternoon snack, or a simple homemade dessert, this Applesauce Bread recipe is one that you’ll keep coming back to. It’s a favorite in our home and just the wonderful aroma alone that permeates the kitchen while it’s baking is more than worth it. Desserts and sugary treats are something we enjoy pretty infrequently in our home, but I have to admit, I made this applesauce bread twice last week because we couldn’t get enough of it.

Why You’ll Love This Applesauce Bread

The combination of applesauce, apple cider, butter, fragrant spices, and cinnamon sugar topping creates a loaf that’s flavorful, comforting, and wonderfully tender. It’s delicious served plain or warmed up with a little butter spread on it. The applesauce makes the crumb exceptionally tender and prevents it from drying out, keeping it nice and moist for a few days. The apple cider adds a deeper apple flavor and the warm spices give every bite a cozy, comforting taste of autumn. It’s also easy to customize with chopped nuts, fresh apples, or dried fruit.

It’s simple and quick to make if you need a dessert at a moment’s notice or a thoughtful homemade gift to give to someone. In fact, I recommend doubling this recipe whenever you make it because trust me, two loaves will disappear fast! And if by some miracle you have some left, it freezes beautifully.

Applesauce Bread Ingredients

This easy applesauce bread recipe uses a combination of everyday baking staples and flavorful fall ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

• Unsweetened Applesauce: Provides natural sweetness, moisture, and apple flavor without making the bread heavy.
• Apple Cider: Enhances the apple flavor. You can substitute apple juice.
• Butter: Adds rich, buttery flavor and contributes to a soft, tender crumb.
• Oil: Provides extra moisture and helps keep the bread soft and fresh for days. Choose a neutral-flavored oil like canola or avocado.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and give the loaf structure.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses and contributes to the bread’s delicate texture. You can increase or decrease the amount according to your taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Complements the apples and warm spices.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for a soft, tender texture while balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives the bread structure. You can substitute half with whole wheat or spelt flour for a heartier loaf.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Help the bread rise and create a light texture.
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves add a classic sweet and warming spice flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other ingredients.

Easy Variations

This applesauce bread can be easily changed up to include some other additions:

• Add fresh apples: Fold in a peeled, diced, or grated apple for extra fruit flavor and texture.
• Mix in nuts: Add ½ to ¾ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a little crunch.
• Include dried fruit: Raisins, golden raisins, apricots or chopped dates add texture and extra sweetness.
• Make it with whole grains: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or spelt flour.
• Make gluten-free applesauce bread: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose baking blend.

And instead of the of cinnamon sugar topping, you can make a quick apple cider glaze by combining 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon apple cider. Drizzle it over the cooled loaf.

Tips for the Best Applesauce Bread

A few simple baking tips will help you achieve a perfectly soft and moist loaf every time:

• Don’t over-mix: Stir or beat the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Over-mixing will result in dense, tougher bread.
• Prepare the pan: Grease your loaf pan well or line it with parchment paper for easy removal, especially if adding fresh apples.
• Use unsweetened applesauce: This allows you to control the sweetness. If using sweetened applesauce, consider slightly reducing the sugar.
• Don’t over-bake: Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
• Cool before slicing: Allow the loaf to rest before cutting to help it hold its shape and prevent crumbling.

Applesauce Bread Recipe

Let’s get started!

Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C.

Combine the melted butter, oil, brown sugar, applesauce, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Blend in the eggs until the mixture is smooth. You can use a whisk or electric beater. If using the latter, use a deep bowl because it splashes!

In another bowl, combine the flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, and baking soda.

Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, using a spoon or beater to gently bring everything together. Be careful not to over-mix or the bread will be dense and heavy.

Generously butter a 9×5-inch loaf pan or use parchment paper to prevent sticking. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread it evenly.

Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the top.

Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the applesauce bread to rest for 5–10 minutes before carefully removing it from the pan and transferring it to a wire rack.

Once the applesauce bread has cooled completely, slice and serve.

If you prefer it warm, you can microwave the slices for a few seconds.

How to Store and Freeze Applesauce Bread

Once completely cooled, store the loaf at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 3 days. Warm individual slices in the microwave or toaster before serving if desired.

This applesauce bread is perfect for making ahead because it stays moist and freezes really well. Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality. Let the bread thaw at room temperature.

Enjoy!

For more favorite autumn bakes try my:

• German Apple Cake
• Apple Streusel Muffins
• Baked Apple Cider Donuts
• Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls
• Apple Strudel
• Sticky Toffee Pudding
• Parkin
• Caramel Pear Walnut Cake
• Baked Pumpkin Donuts
• Pumpkin Eggnog Cake
• Pumpkin Pecan Chocolate Streusel Muffins
• Chocolate Butterscotch Pumpkin Streusel Cake