Applesauce Bread

updated on Oct 13, 2022

22 comments

5 from 264 votes

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This applesauce bread is perfectly moist and tender, and needs just one bowl to make! No eggs and no dairy needed, it needs just two minutes prep!

As soon as the weather cools down, my oven goes into overdrive, and on an almost daily basis, I’ll be getting my bake on.

At the very beginning of fall, I always whip up a big batch of homemade applesauce. This is not only to eat on its own (I’m not the only one, am I?) but to use in plenty of baked goods. If I’m not using it to make some applesauce cake or oatmeal cookies, it’s being used in a loaf of applesauce bread.

Table of Contents

Why you’ll love this recipe
Ingredients needed
How do you make applesauce bread?
Tips to make the best recipe
Storage instructions
More quick bread recipes to try
Frequently Asked Questions
Applesauce Bread | No Eggs, No Butter, No Milk (Recipe Card)

Why you’ll love this recipe

Use up leftover applesauce. It uses a full cup of unsweetened applesauce, which is perfect to use up that final remaining bit you may have lying around.
Healthy. It’s healthier than traditional versions out there. There is no butter and minimal oil needed, and it’s naturally sweetened.
Quick prep. Everything is made in one bowl: no fancy kitchen gadgets needed.
Diet friendly. It’s both vegan and gluten free, thanks to the ingredients used, and not needing any eggs or dairy.

Okay, can we just lament on how good this quick bread is? The texture is moist and fluffy in the middle and has a tender crumb. It’s pleasantly sweet and full of warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

If you love apple based desserts, you’ll enjoy apple cinnamon muffins and apple bars.

Ingredients needed

You will love the very basic ingredient list for this recipe. It uses pantry staples that you probably have in your kitchen already! Here is what you’ll need:

Flour. All purpose flour (white) or whole wheat flour. I prefer using the latter as it gives the bread a more hearty texture.
Coconut sugar. Sweetens the bread, but also gives it a light molasses flavor. Brown sugar or white sugar can both be used.
Cinnamon and nutmeg. Two lovely warming spices that are a must for any recipe that calls for applesauce.
Baking soda and baking powder. Both leavening agents are used to give the bread some rise and fluffiness.
Salt. Enhance the sweetness!
Unsweetened applesauce. Be sure to use unsweetened applesauce or one that has no added sugar. You can also use homemade applesauce.
Apple cider vinegar. As this recipe has no eggs, vinegar works with the baking soda to replicate the same qualities an egg would.
Oil of choice. Coconut oil, vegetable oil, or any mild flavored oil can be used.
Water. To mix everything together. You can use unsweetened almond milk, but I found water to be just as effective.
Walnuts and Raisins. There’s something special about walnuts and raisins in a sweet bread recipe. You can use any nuts or fruit of choice, or omit it completely.

How do you make applesauce bread?

Honestly, this is one of the easiest quick bread recipes you’ll ever make. It follows a simple 2-step process too, so really, there are no excuses.

Step 1- Make the batter

Start by mixing your dry ingredients, then your wet ingredients, and combine. Fold through your walnuts and raisins.

Step 2- Bake the bread

Next, transfer the batter into a lined pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan completely, before slicing and serving.

Tips to make the best recipe

Use the toothpick test to see if the apple bread is cooked. Check around the 50 minute mark, but depending on your make and model of the oven, it could take up to 60 minutes.
Your applesauce should be very smooth, almost like a thick liquid. If it has chunks or is more thick than smooth, give it a quick blend in a blender or food processor.
For easy removal, line your loaf pan with parchment paper, reserving an inch around the sides. After cooling the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, grip each side of the parchment paper and move the loaf onto a cooling rack.
Add extra spices or even some chocolate chips, if desired.

Storage instructions

Wondering what is the best way to store leftovers? Here are best practices for apple bread storage:

To store: Leftovers can be stored at room temperature, in a sealable container. To keep the bread moist, cover with a paper towel on top, BEFORE covering it. It will keep well for up to 1 week. To keep longer, store in the refrigerator.
To freeze: Applesauce bread is freezer friendly so store leftover slices by covering them in parchment paper and keeping them in ziplock bags. They freeze well for up to 6 months.

More quick bread recipes to try

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this recipe gluten free?

For a gluten free applesauce bread, use a gluten free flour blend with added xanthan gum. I like using Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 baking flour blend.

Can I make this recipe sugar free?

For a sugar free applesauce bread, swap out the coconut sugar for a brown sugar substitute or another sugar free substitute, like erythritol.

Can I make applesauce muffins instead of bread?

Feel free to make applesauce muffins instead of a loaf. It takes less time to bake and yields a delicious fluffy texture.

To make muffins-Distribute the batter amongst a 12-count muffin pan lined with muffin liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden on top and a skewer comes out clean from the center. Let muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes, before carefully transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.