Applesauce Bread
Applesauce bread is a tender loaf of cinnamon spiced bread made with unsweetened applesauce and plenty of cinnamon. A one bowl recipe that just happens to be vegan and gluten free!
When it comes to recipes using applesauce, I love making applesauce brownies, applesauce oatmeal cookies, and this delicious applesauce quick bread.
Whenever the weather starts to become cooler and I’m after some healthier comfort food, there is nothing better than a slice of applesauce bread with a cup of coffee or tea. This apple bread is so easy to make and uses simple and healthy ingredients. It’s made without eggs or dairy, but you’d never tell- It’s so moist on the inside and has the most tender crumb!
What I love about using applesauce here is that not only does it give a lovely subtle apple flavor, but it also replaces the need for any butter at all!
How to make applesauce bread
The Ingredients
- Wholewheat flour– Gives the quick bread a heartier texture, but still remains fluffy. You can also use white flour.
- Brown sugar– Sweetens the bread, but also gives it a light molasses flavor.
- Cinnamon– A must for any recipe involving apples!
- Nutmeg– A lovely warming spice, especially when paired with the cinnamon.
- Baking soda– Leavens the bread and gives it some rise.
- Baking powder– works with the baking soda to give the sweet bread some fluffiness.
- Salt– Enhances 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.
The Instructions
Simply mix together your dry ingredients, mix together your wet ingredients, and combine. Fold through your walnuts and bake in a 9 x 5-inch pan at 180C/350F for 50-60 minutes.
Can I make this sugar free?
If you like a super healthy applesauce bread, you can replace the brown sugar with a sugar free alternative. I prefer a sugar free brown sugar blend, but you can also use monk fruit sweetener or erythritol.
Is this gluten free?
For a gluten free applesauce bread, be sure to use a gluten free flour. I’ve tried it with Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 flour and it worked beautifully.
I cannot vouch for homemade or other brands of flour.
Can I make applesauce muffins instead of a bread?
Feel free to make healthy 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.
Tips for Applesauce Bread
- 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.
- Feel free to add extra spices or even some chocolate chips, if desired.
Applesauce Bread Storage Tips
- To store: Leftover apple bread 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.
- To thaw: Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight.
More delicious vegan quick bread recipes
- Blueberry Banana Bread
- Banana Bread
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- Double Chocolate Banana Bread
- Strawberry Banana Bread
Applesauce Bread (Vegan + GF)
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour of choice * See notes
- 1 1/3 cups brown sugar or any sugar of choice
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup oil of choice coconut oil, vegetable oil, etc.
- 1 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2/3 cups raisins and walnuts Optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add your flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, baking soda, and baking powder, and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together your oil, apple cider vinegar, applesauce, and water until combined.
- Combine your wet and dry ingredients together. Fold through your raisins/nuts of choice. Transfer to the loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer comes out just clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, before carefully transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Definitely not keto but probably delicious!
Yep! Applesauce isn’t keto 🙂
Thank you so much for this recipe. This is, hands down, the best applesauce based bread I have ever made and I’m 68 years old, so I’ve made a lot. LOL Thanks again. This one’s a keeper.
Haha thank you, Linda- Hope you are well!