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.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
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
