Applesauce Bread

Written by
Kristina Vanni
An internationally recognized culinary authority, Kristina Vanni is well-known for her recipe development, food photography, and experience as a TV show host.
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Kristina Vanni
Updated 08/29/19
Applesauce Bread

 Kristina Vanni
  • Total: 75 mins
  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 65 mins
  • Cooling: 30 mins
  • Yield: Serves 8

If you are looking for a quick bread that isn’t too sweet, this applesauce bread is for you! The recipe uses whole wheat flour for a more robust flavor and texture. Then, some of the sugar and fat typically found in quick bread recipes is substituted with smooth, thick applesauce. You can use store bought applesauce or make your own, both taste great in this recipe. Cinnamon and nutmeg are added to the batter for a hint of fall spice. Next, the batter is given added bulk with the addition of rolled oats. Finally, chopped walnuts bring additional flavor and crunch to every slice.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/3 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups smooth, thick applesauce
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup quick-cooking oats
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Applesauce Bread ingredients
    Kristina Vanni 

  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan or coat with cooking spray. 

    Applesauce Bread
     Kristina Vanni

  3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg; set aside. 

    Applesauce Bread
    Kristina Vanni 

  4. Cream butter and sugar with an electric beater in a large mixing bowl.

    Applesauce Bread
     Kristina Vanni

  5. Thoroughly beat in applesauce and eggs. 

    Applesauce Bread
    Kristina Vanni 

  6. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and blend well. 

    Applesauce Bread
     Kristina Vanni

  7. Stir in oats and nuts.

    Applesauce Bread
     Kristina Vanni

  8. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

    Applesauce Bread
     Kristina Vanni

  9. Bake until bread is golden brown and tests done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 55 to 65 minutes. 

    Applesauce Bread
    Kristina Vanni 

  10. Allow to cool in pan about 15 minutes.

    Applesauce Bread
     Kristina Vanni

  11. Remove from pan, and let cool completely on a wire rack.

    Applesauce Bread
     Kristina Vanni

  12. Slice and serve!

Tips

Toasting Nuts: For more flavor, try toasting the walnuts before adding them to the batter. Toasting brings out the natural, rich flavor in walnuts while mellowing out some of the bitterness. Simply heat in a dry pan over medium-high heat until fragrant, or warm on a sheet pan in a 375 F oven for 5 to 7 minutes until the aroma fills your kitchen. Watch them closely so that they do not burn.


Freeze It: This recipe also freezes well. Once the loaf is completely cooled, wrap in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. Be sure to label the outside so you don’t forget what's in there. Once defrosted, toast up individual slices of this applesauce bread and serve with a hearty spread of peanut butter.  



Great Gift: Since this hearty bread stores and transports well, it also makes for a great edible gift. Wrap individual loaves in decorative plastic wrap and then secure with a bow. Don’t forget to print out a copy of the recipe to include with the card. Friends and family will love receiving something homemade that is sweet without being overly indulgent.