Description
This Applesauce Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread packed with warm spices and the natural sweetness of applesauce. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, it combines cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a comforting fall-inspired treat. Optional nuts add a delightful crunch, making it a versatile and easy-to-make loaf.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves thoroughly to ensure the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Add nuts (optional): If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans carefully to incorporate them into the batter.
- Pour batter and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to preserve its structure and flavor.
Notes
- This bread stays moist for several days and tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld.
- You can add raisins or chocolate chips for a delicious variation.
- For a healthier version, substitute half the vegetable oil with Greek yogurt to reduce fat while keeping moisture.
