Old-Fashioned Applesauce Bread Recipe

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Ready for fall? While I love summer, fall is my favorite season. If you want a cozy and delicious way to start the autumn season, this Applesauce Bread is just what you need! It’s made from pantry staples, so you probably already have everything you need. If you don’t keep applesauce around, that may be the only thing you have to buy.

This bread is moist and flavorful and full of warm spices. It’s packed with applesauce and chopped nuts for the perfect texture and flavor. Warm it up and add some butter for a delicious breakfast or snack!

Quick Facts

• Makes: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy
• Taste: Lightly sweet with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple flavor
• Best For: Breakfast, afternoon snacks, lunch boxes, coffee breaks, and holiday baking
• Texture: Moist, tender, and soft with a crunchy nut topping throughout
• Pan Size: 9 x 5-inch loaf pan 

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

It’s wonderfully moist. The applesauce keeps every slice soft and tender without needing a lot of fat.

Made with pantry staples. Chances are you already have most of the ingredients on hand, making it perfect for last-minute baking.

Warm, old-fashioned flavor. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and applesauce create a comforting aroma that makes the kitchen feel like home.

Easy enough for beginner bakers. No mixer, special techniques, or complicated steps required.

Perfect any time of day. Enjoy a slice for breakfast, an afternoon snack with coffee, or a simple dessert after dinner.

Freezes beautifully. Bake a loaf now and save some for later when you need a homemade treat.

A great way to use applesauce. Whether you have an open jar in the refrigerator or homemade applesauce to use up, this recipe puts it to good use.

Ingredients You Will Need

• Applesauce adds apple flavor and moisture. Applesauce can also replace some of the fat typically used in breads, making it a healthier alternative.
• Sugar sweetens the bread.
• Vegetable Oil provides moisture and fat for tenderness.
• Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the rise and structure of the bread.
• Milk adds moisture and richness.
• Flour is the main structure builder.
• Baking soda and baking powder are the leavening agents that make the bread rise.
• Salt enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
• Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg) add warmth and fall-like flavors to the bread.
• Nuts provide textural contrast and a nutty flavor.

Helpful Tips

• Don’t overmix: Overmixing can result in a tough, dense loaf. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined, then gently fold in the nuts.
• Let the batter rest (optional): Letting the batter sit for 15-20 minutes after mixing allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crumb.
• Achieve the right moisture: If the batter seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk until it reaches the right consistency.
• Testing for doneness: Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.
• Cooling: Letting the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing helps ensure clean cuts and prevents it from crumbling.

Substitutions and Variations

Applesauce:

• Pear Sauce: Swap applesauce for pear sauce for a seasonal twist with a similar texture.
• Mashed Banana: Substitute mashed banana for a different fruit flavor and added moisture. Use the same amount as applesauce called for in the recipe.
• Pumpkin Puree: This adds a fall flair and keeps the bread moist. Reduce the amount by half since pumpkin puree has more moisture than applesauce.

Vegetable Oil:

• Melted Butter: Melted butter adds a richer taste, but be aware it may make the bread a bit denser. Use the same amount as vegetable oil.
• Neutral Oil: Substitute with canola oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil for a neutral flavor.
• Applesauce Increase: Add an extra ¼ cup of applesauce for a healthier option, reducing the fat content.

Mix-ins:

• Chopped Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a nutty crunch.
• Dried Fruit: Include ½ cup of raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots for a burst of sweetness and texture.
• Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of dark, semi-sweet, or white chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
• Fresh Apples: Dice up an apple and toss it into the batter for added apple flavor and texture.

Spices: Play around with the warm spices! Add a pinch of cloves, ginger, or allspice for a different flavor profile.

Streusel Topping: Make a crumb topping with brown sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Muffin Transformation: Instead of a loaf, bake the batter in muffin tins for individual portions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweetened applesauce? If you only have sweetened, you can use it, but you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by about ¼ cup.

My bread tastes too much like baking soda. What do I do? Make sure you haven’t accidentally used too much baking soda. Double-check your measurements.

My batter looks curdled, is that okay? Yes, it’s common for applesauce bread batter to appear curdled. As long as you follow the recipe and mix everything well, it will bake up just fine.

How can I tell if the bread is done? Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the bread is done.

Storage Tips

Storing at Room Temperature:

• Cooling Completely: This is crucial to prevent moisture build-up and sogginess. Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before storing it.
• Airtight Container: Use a bread box, an airtight container, or a large zip-top bag to store the bread. This will keep it fresh and moist for up to 2-3 days.

Refrigerating:

• For Longer Storage: If you plan to eat the bread within a week, you can store it in the refrigerator. The cold temperatures will help it stay fresh for a bit longer.
• Cool First: As with room temperature storage, wait for the bread to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing:

• Freezing for Months: Applesauce bread freezes well and is a great option for long-term storage. You can freeze the entire loaf or individual slices.
• Wrap Tightly: No matter which method you choose (whole loaf or slices), make sure to wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will prevent freezer burn.
• Double Wrap for Extra Protection: For additional protection, you can place the wrapped loaf or slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freezing Time: Applesauce bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Thawing:

• Gradual Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen applesauce bread, thaw it gradually in the refrigerator overnight. This will help it retain its moisture and flavor.
• Room Temperature Thawing: Alternatively, you can thaw the bread at room temperature. However, this might take a few hours depending on the size of the loaf or slices.

Additional Tips:

• Freshness Check: Before enjoying stored or frozen applesauce bread, give it a sniff. If it has any off-odors, it’s best to discard it.
• Sliced Freezing: Consider portioning the bread into slices before freezing. This allows you to grab just what you need without thawing the whole loaf.
• Toasted Perfection: Frozen applesauce bread toasts beautifully. This is a great way to enjoy it after thawing.

What to Serve with Applesauce Bread

• Butter is a classic topping.
• Cream Cheese adds creaminess and tanginess.
• Nut Butters: Peanut butter, almond butter, or other nut butters pair well with the applesauce and spices.
• Jam or Marmalade: Spreads like raspberry jam or orange marmalade add a fruity touch that complements the apple flavor.
• Drinks: Pair it with a warm beverage like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

If you like Applesauce Bread, you might also like my Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins or my Cinnamon Raisin Bread. This Dutch Apple Bread and this Gingerbread Loaf are also delicious.