Picture this: a crisp autumn day, leaves dancing in hues of orange and gold, the scent of cinnamon wafting through the air. It’s the perfect backdrop for a slice of warm applesauce spice bread. This delightful treat pairs beautifully with a steaming mug of coffee or tea, making it a wonderful companion for those cozy moments.
Imagine serving it up at a brunch gathering or enjoying a slice as a midday snack—the compliments from friends and family will keep you busy for hours!
Applesauce spice bread brings together the comforting flavors of autumn spices and the natural sweetness of apples. This bread is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm hug in food form. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a dessert, this easy-to-make bread fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your heart with joy.
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What is applesauce spice bread recipe?
Applesauce spice bread is a dense, moist loaf that captures fall’s essence beautifully. The star ingredient, applesauce, adds natural sweetness and keeps the bread wonderfully moist, while spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice deliver a warming flavor. It’s a flexible recipe, allowing for nuts and other variations while remaining a classic crowd-pleaser.
Why this recipe works?
The blend of spices in this recipe makes it remarkably flavorful. Each ingredient plays a key role: applesauce infuses moisture and sweetness, while the sugar provides a lovely caramelization as it bakes. The addition of eggs and oil helps create a tender crumb. Meanwhile, the pecans add crunch and nuttiness. In short, it’s the balance of wet and dry ingredients along with those delightful spices that ensures each bite is an experience worth savoring.
What You’ll need to make this dish?
For this applesauce spice bread, gather these ingredients:
– 1 ¼ cups unsweetened applesauce
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup canola oil
– 2 large eggs
– 3 tablespoons buttermilk (for a bit of tang and moisture)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup chopped walnuts (a delightful swap for pecans)
You’ll notice I’ve swapped in canola oil for vegetable oil and added a touch of buttermilk for a richer flavor profile. Walnuts provide a slightly different texture and flavor, too!
Ingredients From : allrecipes.com
How to make applesauce spice bread recipe?
Get ready to create something special! Follow these simple steps to whip up your very own applesauce spice bread. Just a few mixing and measuring moments, and then you’ll be ready to savor a delicious slice.
Step-by-step directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring the bread bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the pan
Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a bit of oil. This will help your bread slide right out when it’s done baking.
Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the applesauce, granulated sugar, canola oil, eggs, and buttermilk. Beat these ingredients well using a whisk or an electric mixer until they’re thoroughly blended and fluffy.
Step 4: Incorporate dry ingredients
Now, it’s time to sift in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients helps avoid clumps, so make sure to stir until the batter is smooth and there’s no dry flour left.
Step 5: Add the nuts
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts into your batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This adds a delightful crunch to your bread.
Step 6: Pour into the pan
Carefully pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Level it off with a spatula to ensure the top comes out smooth and flat.
Step 7: Bake
Pop your loaf pan into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Make sure to check around the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking—it’s better to check a little early!
Step 8: Cool and slice
Once baked, take the pan out and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, gently remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into it.
Tips
– Use fresh spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground spices if you can.
– Storage: Ensure the bread is fully cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
– Add-ins: Feel free to mix in some raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
– Check for doneness: Instead of the method with the toothpick, gently press the top of the bread; it should spring back when done.
– Serving suggestion: A smear of cream cheese or butter takes this bread to the next level!
How to store leftovers?
Once your applesauce spice bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider placing it in the fridge, where it will last up to a week. For longer life, slice and freeze the bread in an airtight container, allowing you to enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes!
How would I recommend serving applesauce spice bread recipe?
Here are some delicious ways to enjoy your bread:
1. With cream cheese: Slather on some softened cream cheese for a tangy contrast.
2. Plain or toasted: Enjoy it warm straight out of the oven or toasted with a pat of butter for added richness.
3. With tea or coffee: Pair a slice with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy afternoon treat.
4. As a breakfast slice: Serve it alongside some Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for a fulfilling breakfast.
5. Dessert style: Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel for an indulgent dessert!
What alternatives can you use for the ingredients if not available?
Here are some substitute ideas you can consider:
1. Unsweetened applesauce: Replace with mashed bananas for a banana bread variation.
2. Canola oil: Use melted coconut oil for a tropical twist.
3. Granulated sugar: Swap in brown sugar for a more molasses-like flavor.
4. Buttermilk: Use plain yogurt thinned out with a bit of water, or dairy-free yogurt to make it vegan.
5. Chopped walnuts: Pecans can be used as a direct swap if you prefer their flavor and texture.
Applesauce Spice Bread Recipe
Equipment
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- measuring cups and spoons
- sifter
Ingredients
- For this applesauce spice bread gather these ingredients:
- – 1 ¼ cups unsweetened applesauce
- – 1 cup granulated sugar
- – ½ cup canola oil
- – 2 large eggs
- – 3 tablespoons buttermilk for a bit of tang and moisture
- – 2 cups all-purpose flour
- – 1 teaspoon baking soda
- – ½ teaspoon baking powder
- – ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- – ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- – ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- – ¼ teaspoon salt
- – ½ cup chopped walnuts a delightful swap for pecans
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring the bread bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the pan
- Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a bit of oil. This will help your bread slide right out when it’s done baking.
Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the applesauce, granulated sugar, canola oil, eggs, and buttermilk. Beat these ingredients well using a whisk or an electric mixer until they’re thoroughly blended and fluffy.
Step 4: Incorporate dry ingredients
- Now, it’s time to sift in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients helps avoid clumps, so make sure to stir until the batter is smooth and there’s no dry flour left.
Step 5: Add the nuts
- Gently fold in the chopped walnuts into your batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This adds a delightful crunch to your bread.
Step 6: Pour into the pan
- Carefully pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Level it off with a spatula to ensure the top comes out smooth and flat.
Step 7: Bake
- Pop your loaf pan into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Make sure to check around the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking—it’s better to check a little early!
Step 8: Cool and slice
- Once baked, take the pan out and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, gently remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into it.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
1. Can I make this bread vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water equals 1 egg) and use a plant-based milk instead of buttermilk.
2. How do I know when the bread is done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
3. Can I freeze applesauce spice bread?
Yes! Slice it and store in an airtight container or bag. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
4. Can I add other spices or mix-ins?
Certainly! Feel free to add spices like ginger or cardamom. Chocolate chips, raisins, or dried fruit can also be lovely additions.
5. What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
You can use a round cake pan as an alternative, but reduce the baking time and keep an eye on it to adjust accordingly.
Conclusion
Baking this applesauce spice bread is a delightful way to embrace the warmth of the season and create something special for your loved ones. With its wonderful texture, delicious spices, and welcoming aroma, it’s sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, fire up that oven, and treat yourself to a slice (or two!). Happy baking!
