If you’re searching for a cozy, warmly spiced treat that feels like a hug in bread form, the Cinnamon Applesauce Bread Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful loaf balances the sweetness of applesauce with the aromatic spice of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a moist, tender crumb that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a comforting dessert. With simple pantry staples and a straightforward method, this recipe invites you to fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of freshly baked goodness and share it lovingly with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Cinnamon Applesauce Bread Recipe is a breeze. Each component plays a crucial role, from the rich moisture delivered by applesauce and oil to the perfect lift given by baking soda and powder. The spices infuse warmth and character, while the sugars add balanced sweetness to every bite.
- ½ cup oil (olive, avocado, or neutral): Adds moisture and tenderness to keep the bread wonderfully soft.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (or monkfruit for sugar-free): Sweetens the bread while helping create a tender crumb.
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar (or monkfruit alternative): Adds a hint of molasses flavor and extra moisture.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the batter.
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (or sweetened, if preferred): Offers natural sweetness and keeps the bread moist without extra fat.
- ¼ cup milk of choice: Helps blend ingredients and adds a bit of creaminess.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances flavor depth with a sweet floral note.
- 1¾ cups flour: Use all-purpose or substitute ¾ cup whole wheat plus 1 cup all-purpose for a healthier twist.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Vital for leavening, creates a light and airy texture.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Adds extra lift to the bread.
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (add 1 tsp more for extra spice): Delivers that signature warm and spicy kick.
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg: Provides a subtle, complementary spice that rounds out the flavor.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
How to Make Cinnamon Applesauce Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a standard loaf pan so your bread bakes evenly and releases easily. This step sets you up for a perfect bake without sticking or mess.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, unsweetened applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract. This combination blends the sweetness, fat, and moisture harmoniously, ensuring that each slice of your bread will have a rich and tender bite.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This dry mix brings all the key flavors together while ensuring the right leavening balance for a light, fluffy texture. The generous cinnamon sets the tone for this cozy loaf.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Now gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread tough. It’s all about preserving a moist, tender crumb with lovely pockets of cinnamon flavor.
Step 5: Bake Your Bread
Pour the batter into your prepped loaf pan and smooth the top gently. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma during baking is irresistible and will have you eagerly awaiting the moment it’s ready.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy and helps the flavors settle beautifully before slicing.
How to Serve Cinnamon Applesauce Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light spread of butter brings this bread to life. For an extra special touch, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top before baking or serve with a smear of cream cheese for a silky contrast.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea, making it ideal for breakfast or a mid-afternoon treat. For a fuller snack, consider serving alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt to balance sweetness with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this classic loaf into charming breakfast toast—slice thickly, toast until golden, and top with cinnamon sugar and apple slices. Alternatively, cube the bread for a cinnamon-spiced bread pudding that transforms leftovers into a decadent dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover cinnamon applesauce bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and moist for about 3 to 4 days, perfect for quick snacks or impromptu guests.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, slice the bread and freeze the slices individually in zip-top bags. This way, you can easily take out just what you need and toast slices straight from the freezer for a quick treat anytime.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster or oven at low heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving too long, which can dry out the bread. A little butter or cream cheese on warm bread is pure comfort!
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
Absolutely! Using sweetened applesauce will add extra sweetness, so you might want to reduce the sugar slightly to maintain balance, but the bread will still be delicious either way.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend designed for baking. Keep an eye on texture since gluten-free flours behave differently, but the flavors will be just as wonderful.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this bread?
Definitely. Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries or raisins can offer additional texture and bursts of flavor. Fold them into the batter in Step 4 before baking.
What’s the best way to ensure the bread doesn’t dry out?
Use the applesauce as directed and avoid overbaking by checking with a toothpick around 45 minutes. Cooling on a wire rack also helps keep the crust from becoming soggy.
How long does the bread stay fresh if refrigerated?
Storing in the fridge can extend the life up to a week, but it may dry out slightly faster, so make sure it’s wrapped tightly. Bringing slices back to room temperature or warming slightly can revive some moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Applesauce Bread Recipe is a heartfelt way to bring warmth and flavor into your kitchen with minimal fuss. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or toasted the next day, its cozy spices and tender crumb are sure to brighten your day. I encourage you to try making this bread soon — there’s something deeply satisfying about slicing into a loaf that smells like home and tastes like love!
Print
Cinnamon Applesauce Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 standard loaf (about 10-12 slices)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Applesauce Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. Made with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and sweetened naturally with applesauce and sugars, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice. The loaf is simple to prepare, using common pantry ingredients, and bakes to a tender crumb with a lightly crisp crust.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup oil (olive, avocado, or neutral)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (or monkfruit for sugar-free)
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar (or monkfruit alternative)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (or sweetened, if preferred)
- ¼ cup milk of choice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1¾ cups flour (substitute ¾ cup whole wheat + 1 cup all-purpose for a healthier option)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (add 1 tsp more for extra spice)
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and helps it set perfectly.
Notes
- You can substitute monkfruit sweetener for both sugars to make this bread sugar-free.
- For a healthier option, use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
- Add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon if you prefer a spicier flavor.
- Applesauce can be sweetened or unsweetened based on your taste preference.
- Make sure not to overmix batter to keep the bread light and tender.
- Store leftovers wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
