If you’re craving something deeply comforting and warmly spiced, look no further than this Cinnamon Applesauce Bread. This delightful loaf blends the natural sweetness and moisture of applesauce with a rich cinnamon kick and a tender crumb that’s simply irresistible. Whether for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert, Cinnamon Applesauce Bread feels like a warm hug in every bite — bursting with aroma and flavor that instantly makes any day better.

Cinnamon Applesauce Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cinnamon Applesauce Bread lies in its simplicity: straightforward ingredients that come together to create a moist, flavorful bread with just the right balance of spice and sweetness. Each component plays a crucial role, from the applesauce that keeps it tender and naturally sweet to the cinnamon that gives the bread its signature cozy flavor.

Unsweetened applesauce: Adds natural moisture and mild sweetness without overpowering the bread.
Vegetable oil or melted butter: Enhances richness and keeps the crumb tender.
Granulated sugar: Provides the perfect level of sweetness to balance the spices.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients while adding structure and lightness.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor with warm, sweet notes.
All-purpose flour: The base that gives the bread its hearty body.
Baking soda and baking powder: Ensure a gentle rise and a soft texture.
Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that defines the Cinnamon Applesauce Bread.
Ground nutmeg (optional): Adds complexity with a subtle nutty spice.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Offers delightful crunch and a toasty note.

How to Make Cinnamon Applesauce Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly. Dust the pan with a light coating of flour or use parchment paper to prevent sticking, setting yourself up for a flawless, easy release when the bread is done.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil or melted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This trio provides the moist base that makes the bread so tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with a lovely aromatic sweetness that complements the cinnamon beautifully.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg. This step ensures your leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed, which is key to an even rise and consistent flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here—overworking the batter can lead to a dense loaf instead of the soft, tender crumb that defines Cinnamon Applesauce Bread.

Step 6: Add Nuts (Optional)

If you love a little crunch in your bread, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans now. They add a wonderful texture and a nutty depth that pairs perfectly with the warm spices.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula. Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, revealing that perfectly baked loaf.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up slightly, then gently turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step allows the flavors to settle and makes slicing easier without crumbling.

How to Serve Cinnamon Applesauce Bread

Garnishes

This bread is lovely on its own, but a simple spread of softened butter or cream cheese can enhance its rich flavor. For a cozy touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar or drizzle a thin glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Side Dishes

Pair Cinnamon Applesauce Bread with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot apple cider for a comforting snack or breakfast. It also complements creamy soups or a simple fruit salad for a light brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this bread into a decadent dessert by toasting slices and topping them with cinnamon-spiced whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Or slice it thickly and use it for French toast to start your day with a burst of cozy flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, wrap Cinnamon Applesauce Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Slice it before freezing so you can thaw just what you need. Wrap slices individually or place the whole loaf airtight in plastic wrap and foil to protect from freezer burn for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To enjoy Cinnamon Applesauce Bread warm, reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for just a few seconds. This breathes life back into the moist, tender crumb and revives the irresistible cinnamon aroma.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?

Yes, you can, but since sweetened applesauce adds extra sugar, you might want to reduce the granulated sugar slightly to avoid the bread becoming overly sweet.

Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum to keep the texture similar. Bake as directed, but keep an eye on the bread as gluten-free flours sometimes alter baking times.

Can I omit the nuts entirely?

Yes, the nuts are optional and the bread will still be delicious without them, keeping the focus on the tender texture and warm spice notes.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter, your bread is ready to come out of the oven.

Can I substitute the oil with butter?

Definitely! Melted butter works wonderfully, adding a richer flavor while keeping the bread tender and moist. Use the same quantity as the oil called for in the recipe.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Applesauce Bread is truly one of those comforting, all-around winners that feels like a treat any time of day. The combination of tender applesauce, warming cinnamon, and optional crunchy nuts make it a personal favorite to share with friends or enjoy with a quiet moment at home. I absolutely encourage you to try this recipe—you’ll quickly discover why it’s such a beloved classic that brings flavor and comfort together in perfect harmony.

Cinnamon Applesauce Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 15 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This cinnamon applesauce bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. It combines the natural sweetness of applesauce with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, enhanced by optional crunchy nuts. Easy to make and wonderfully aromatic, it’s a wholesome treat that requires minimal effort.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended, forming the moist base of the batter.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate them fully, then stir in the vanilla extract for aroma and added flavor.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and optional nutmeg. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently fold together until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
Fold in Nuts: If using, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans to add a delightful crunch to the bread.
Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula for uniform baking.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Use unsweetened applesauce to control the sweetness level.
You can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
Adding nuts is optional but gives a nice texture contrast.
Check doneness around the 50-minute mark, as ovens may vary.
Store the bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Bread, Quick Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of the loaf)
Calories: 190
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 140mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: cinnamon applesauce bread, quick bread, moist bread, breakfast bread, spiced bread, easy baking, nut bread