If you’re searching for a cozy treat that tastes like a warm hug and fills your kitchen with the irresistible scent of spices and sweet apples, look no further than Applesauce Bread. This beloved quick bread combines pantry staples with fragrant cinnamon, nutmeg, and a bright pop of orange zest, all swirled together with applesauce to create a moist, tender loaf. Applesauce Bread is a cherished classic in my home—simple, soul-satisfying, and the perfect slice to pair with a mug of coffee or pack into a lunchbox. Trust me: this recipe is bound to become a staple for you, too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for Applesauce Bread is probably already in your kitchen! Each ingredient brings something special, from texture and tenderness to pops of color and cozy warmth. Here’s why every component matters:

All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that forms the structure of your bread, resulting in a perfect crumb.
Baking powder: Essential for ensuring your loaf rises tall and fluffy every time.
Baking soda: Works with the acidic applesauce to tenderize and lift the batter for a soft texture.
Salt: Just a teaspoon transforms the flavors, making them sing and preventing blandness.
Ground cinnamon: Adds that iconic sweetness and warming fragrance you expect in fall baking.
Ground nutmeg: Brings an earthy, nutty depth that pairs beautifully with apple flavors.
Allspice: A little goes a long way to round out the spice profile with gentle heat.
Eggs: They bind everything together and lend richness to the finished loaf.
Applesauce: The star! It keeps the bread impossibly moist and infuses it with pure apple flavor.
Granulated sugar: For classic bakery-style sweetness in every bite.
Light brown sugar: Adds subtle caramel notes and helps the loaf stay tender.
Butter (melted): Delivers rich flavor and a soft crumb—don’t skip it!
Orange zest: Brightens the bread and makes all the spices pop (try lemon zest for a twist!)
Coarse sugar (optional): Sprinkled on top before baking for a dreamy, sparkling crust.

How to Make Applesauce Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan, give it a generous coat of nonstick spray, and set it aside. This step ensures your Applesauce Bread will release easily and bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Combining your dry ingredients first helps distribute the leaveners and spices evenly, guaranteeing those warm flavors shine through in every slice.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the applesauce, both sugars, melted butter, and orange zest. Give this mixture a really good whisk to break up any sugar lumps and ensure the butter is fully incorporated. This step creates the base of flavor and moisture for your bread!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients over your bowl of dry ingredients. Use a sturdy spatula or spoon to gently fold everything together until just combined. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as you can’t see any streaks of flour. This keeps your Applesauce Bread beautifully soft and tender.

Step 5: Pan and Top

Scrape your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. If you like a sparkly, crunchy top, sprinkle it generously with coarse sugar. This extra touch makes the bread feel special.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the loaf on the center rack for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is deeply golden and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Every oven is unique, so start checking around the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

Step 7: Cool and Release

Let the bread cool in the pan—it keeps baking and firms up so it won’t fall apart. Once fully cooled, run a paring knife around the edge, then flip the loaf out onto a rack. Slice thickly and enjoy—you’ve just made Applesauce Bread magic!

How to Serve Applesauce Bread

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, dust your cooled bread with powdered sugar, drizzle with a quick vanilla glaze, or spread slices with maple or honey butter. Even a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes Applesauce Bread feel like dessert straight from grandma’s kitchen.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with everything from fruit salad to sharp cheddar cheese. I love serving it alongside creamy yogurt and berries for a quick breakfast, or alongside a hot mug of chai or cider for an afternoon snack. The gentle sweetness plays well with both sweet and savory pairings.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Applesauce Bread into muffins for easy, grab-and-go treats, or bake the batter in mini loaf pans to give as heartfelt homemade gifts. You can even toast thick slices and top them with apple compote or a generous smear of cream cheese for a totally new breakfast experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Applesauce Bread moist and delicious, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen runs warm or humid, stash it in the fridge to maintain peak freshness just a little longer.

Freezing

Applesauce Bread freezes beautifully! Simply wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place inside a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. It keeps well for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Want that fresh-from-the-oven flavor again? Pop a slice in the toaster or warm it for 10–15 seconds in the microwave. For the best texture, microwave slices covered with a slightly damp paper towel, which prevents drying out as they heat up.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

Absolutely! You can swap in whole wheat flour for up to half the all-purpose for a nuttier taste and heartier texture. If you go all-in with whole wheat, add 1–2 tablespoons of extra applesauce to keep the bread from drying out.

How do I know when my Applesauce Bread is fully baked?

Start testing at about 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the bread’s center. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your loaf is ready! The top should be beautifully golden, and the bread will start to pull away from the pan’s sides.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can! Replace the eggs with flax “eggs” (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, per egg), and swap the butter for melted coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Double-check that your sugars are vegan, and your Applesauce Bread will be completely plant-based.

What kind of applesauce works best?

I recommend using unsweetened applesauce so you can control the overall sweetness. Homemade, chunky applesauce gives great texture, but store-bought smooth works perfectly, too. If you like extra spice, try cinnamon applesauce for even more flavor depth!

Can I add nuts or dried fruit?

Definitely—chopped walnuts, pecans, raisins, dried cranberries, or even mini chocolate chips are all wonderful mix-ins. Stir up to 1 cup of your favorite add-in into the batter just before transferring it to the loaf pan for a delicious twist on classic Applesauce Bread.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to discover just how comforting and simple homemade Applesauce Bread can be. With every slice, you’ll taste the warmth of spices and sweet apples in a loaf that’s as easy as it is unforgettable. Give this recipe a try—I have a feeling it’ll be a family favorite in your kitchen in no time!

Applesauce Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 30 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Applesauce Bread is a simple and spicy quick bread made with applesauce, sugar, butter, and warm spices. Prep time is just five minutes, and after baking in the oven, your whole house will smell like fall.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.
Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
In a medium bowl, beat together the eggs, applesauce, sugars, melted butter, and orange zest.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and top with coarse sugar.
Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan.
Run a paring knife around the edge of the loaf and flip it over to release.

Notes

2.5 teaspoons of apple pie spice may be used in place of the other spices in the recipe.
Orange zest may be omitted or substituted for lemon zest.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Fall
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 193
Sugar: 20
Sodium: 297
Fat: 4
Saturated Fat: 1
Unsaturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 37
Fiber: 1
Protein: 3
Cholesterol: 38

Keywords: Applesauce Bread, Quick Bread, Fall Baking, Apple Recipes