recipe for applesauce bread
The Best recipe for applesauce bread
I love this recipe for all kinds of occasions. It’s perfect for breakfast when you’re in a hurry, for a snack when the kids need something warm, or even as part of a brunch spread. It’s also a great way to sneak in extra fruit—apples are packed with fiber and vitamin C, and the natural sweetness makes it a healthier option than store-bought bread. Plus, it’s easy to customize: swap in a little cinnamon for warmth, add a bit of nutmeg if you like, or even fold in some chopped nuts for extra crunch. My family’s favorite part is the way it stays soft for days, so you can make a big batch and have it ready whenever you need it. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like home, no matter what day it is.
Easy Applesauce Bread
A tender, moist loaf with a subtle sweetness from applesauce, perfect for breakfast or a snack. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.
🥘Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup chopped apples (peeled and diced)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. -
2
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla. -
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. -
4
In a small bowl, mix applesauce, milk, chopped apples, and cinnamon. Pour the filling evenly into the prepared loaf pan. -
5
Pour the dough over the filling, spreading it evenly to cover the apples. Use a spatula to smooth the top. -
6
Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Loaf pan
- Oven
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Easy Applesauce Bread Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Applesauce Bread
1. What is the best way to store homemade applesauce bread to keep it fresh longer?
Store leftover applesauce bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring it to a bag or container. Frozen bread stays fresh for 3 months. To reheat, simply warm slices in a toaster or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
2. Can I substitute applesauce with another fruit puree in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap applesauce for a similar moisture level with purees like mashed banana, pumpkin, or even well-mashed berries (like blueberries or raspberries). Just reduce the liquid in the recipe by about ¼ cup to avoid making the bread too wet. A berry puree will add a subtle fruity flavor, while pumpkin adds a slight earthiness.
3. Why does the bread sometimes turn out dense or crumbly instead of moist?
Dense or crumbly texture usually happens when the applesauce isn’t warm enough before mixing or if the oven isn’t preheated properly. Warm the applesauce to room temperature before folding it into the batter, and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for at least 15 minutes. Also, overmixing the dough can make it tough—stop mixing once the flour just begins to look like a rough paste.
4. Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free baking?
This recipe is not gluten-free by default, as it relies on all-purpose flour. To make it gluten-free, replace the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend (like King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill) and ensure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Test the recipe first, as gluten-free flours can behave differently in texture.
5. How can I make this bread more flavorful or add extra nutrients?
Boost flavor with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract while mixing. For extra nutrients, fold in finely chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin), or dried fruit (like raisins or cranberries). If you want a richer taste, add 1 teaspoon of melted butter or coconut oil to the applesauce before mixing.
