🍎 Moist Applesauce Bread with Warm Fall Spices

A cozy and flavorful quick bread made with applesauce, cinnamon, and nutmeg—perfect for chilly mornings or fall baking.

🍂 Why This Recipe Works

This moist applesauce bread is a comforting classic that brings together the rich aroma of fall spices and the natural sweetness of applesauce. It’s soft, tender, and stays moist for days—making it the perfect make-ahead treat.

Here’s why this recipe delivers every time:

• Even Spice Distribution: Whisking the spices with the dry ingredients ensures every bite is full of warm, comforting flavor.

• Moisture-Rich Texture: Applesauce naturally adds moisture, eliminating the need for extra oil or dairy.

• Slow Baking: A gentle bake at 350°F allows the bread to set slowly, ensuring a soft, fluffy crumb.

• Customizable Flavors: Swap in different apple varieties or fold in nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries for texture and variety.

🧾 Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures even spice distribution.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add Eggs, Applesauce, and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Then add the applesauce and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

5. Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread soft and tender.

6. Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

🍁 Tips for Baking Success

• Don’t Overmix: Stir just until the flour disappears to prevent a dense loaf.

• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick—no wet batter should stick.

• Cool Completely: Let the loaf cool fully for cleaner slices and better texture.

🧡 Variations & Add-Ins

• Add Crunch: Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.

• Extra Fruit: Try ½ cup dried cranberries, raisins, or diced apples.

• Banana Swap: Replace half the applesauce with mashed banana for a twist.

❄️ Storage & Freezing

Serving Tip: Toast slices and top with butter, maple syrup, or cream cheese for a cozy treat.

☕ Perfect Pairings

Enjoy this bread with:

• A hot mug of chai latte or pumpkin spice coffee

• A side of scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast

• A cozy fall-themed brunch board

🙋‍♀️ FAQs

Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, raisins, or dried cranberries all work beautifully in this recipe.

What can I substitute for applesauce?
Try mashed bananas or pureed pears for a slightly different flavor and texture. Adjust spices and sugar to taste.

Can I freeze this bread?
Absolutely. Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or toast from frozen.

Can I make it vegan?
Yes—use plant-based butter and a flax egg substitute (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg).

🥄 Try More Cozy Recipes:

• Soft & Buttery Dinner Rolls