This moist and tender applesauce bread delivers pure comfort in every slice. A delightful fusion of sweet apples and warm spices, this easy recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Perfect for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or a light dessert, each serving packs wholesome goodness with just 287 calories. The natural sweetness from applesauce makes this bread an ideal choice for those seeking a healthier baked treat.
Ingredients for Moist Applesauce Bread
- Oil: 1/2 cup – choose between vegetable, canola, or melted coconut oil
- Sweeteners: 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar for perfect sweetness
- Eggs: 2 large eggs at room temperature for best binding
- Applesauce: 1 cup unsweetened – adds natural moisture and flavor
- Greek Yogurt: 1/4 cup to enhance tenderness
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon for aromatic flavor
- Flours: 1 cup all-purpose and 3/4 cup whole wheat for perfect texture
- Leavening Agents: 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Spices: 1 tablespoon cinnamon and 1 teaspoon nutmeg for warming flavor
- Salt: A pinch to enhance overall taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Work: Heat oven to 350°F and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, spray sides lightly
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk oils and sugars until smooth, then blend in eggs, applesauce, vanilla, and yogurt
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add both flours, leavening agents, spices, and salt – mix just until combined
- Bake: Pour into prepared pan and bake 45-55 minutes until toothpick comes out clean
- Cool: Let rest briefly, then release from pan and cool completely on rack
Variations & Substitutions
This applesauce bread welcomes so many tasty swaps! Want to make it dairy-free? Replace the Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt or more applesauce. For extra nutrients, swap white flour entirely for whole wheat.
Love nuts? Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. You can also toss in 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries for natural sweetness. For a lower-sugar version, cut the sugar by 1/4 cup – the applesauce adds natural sweetness!
Storage Tips
Your fresh-baked applesauce bread stays yummy for 3-4 days when wrapped well and kept at room temperature. Pop it in an airtight container with a paper towel to catch extra moisture.
Want to save it longer? Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw a slice at room temperature whenever you’re ready for a treat!
Serving Suggestions
This cozy bread tastes amazing warm from the oven! Spread some butter on a slice for breakfast, or dress it up with a smear of cream cheese. For a snack, try it with a thin layer of peanut butter or apple butter.
It’s perfect alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Want to make it extra special? Warm a slice for 10-15 seconds in the microwave – it’ll taste just like it’s fresh from the oven!
Applesauce Bread
Equipment
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup oil (vegetable oil, canola oil, melted coconut oil, or melted butter)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch salt optional and to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line the bottom of a 9X5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the insides of the pan with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together oil, granulated sugar and brown sugar.
- Add the eggs, whisking until smooth.
- Add the applesauce, vanilla, and Greek yogurt and mix until well-combined
- Add the flours, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and stir just until combined; don’t over-mix the batter.
- Pour the batter into prepared loaf pan and spread into an even layer.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with just moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven. Run a knife gently around the side of the pan and then remove bread onto a cooling rack.
