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Spiced Applesauce Bread

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A perfectly spiced Applesauce Spice Bread made with homemade applesauce is supple and moist. This simple bread can be oven-ready in just a couple of minutes. Perfect with a steamy cup of coffee.

Applesauce Spice Bread on a rack with apples and coffee around it

I love anything apple and bread. Apple Cheddar Pecan Bread, Pumpkin Apple Sunflower Bread.

But for this recipe today, I had some leftover spiced vanilla applesauce and decided to make a fall-inspired quick bread.

My grandmother loves a sweet bread and I knew that my aunt that was visiting this weekend could give it to her on her way home from my house.

Plus, this spice bread keeps really well (and also freezes beautifully), so I knew that it would still be good when it made it to her.

Ready to get started? Let’s go!

Applesauce Spice Bread Ingredients //

You probably have everything you need already in your pantry.

This is a simple wet into dry recipe, so I like to divide the ingredients into their respective categories.

For the dry ingredients, gather together:

  • all-purpose flour
  • baking soda
  • baking powder
  • salt
  • ground cinnamon
  • freshly grated nutmeg
  • cardamom powder
  • ground ginger

For the wet ingredients, bring to room temperature:

  • eggs
  • applesauce
  • sugar
  • brown sugar
  • melted butter
  • sour cream
  • vanilla bean paste
ingredients for applesauce spice bread in bowls

Cinnamon + Nutmeg + Cardamom + Ginger. These really put the spice in this apple spice cake. Keep the spices you like and omit the ones you don’t. Alternatively, use 1 ½ Tablespoons Apple Pie Spice. I like King Arthur brand.

Applesauce. I love the deep, nuanced flavor of my homemade applesauce. Instead of my usual recipe, I tried roasting the apples first and it created a deeper flavor because the sugar caramelized a bit in the oven. So it’s almost like caramel. I love it. But store-bought can also work. Add a touch more cinnamon and sugar if using plain, unsweetened applesauce.

Melted Butter + Sour Cream. Along with the applesauce, these two ingredients add moisture and flavor. Make sure to cool the butter before mixing.

How To Make // The Steps

This spice bread is super simple and can be in the oven in minutes. I’ve made this a few times and it is so easy, that I’ve been able to get it in the oven while I’m in the middle of making dinner. Ava has even made this bread on her own.

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment, letting the sides overhang and spray lightly with cooking spray.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.

dry ingredients in a glass bowl with whisk

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients until well combined.

wet ingredients in a bowl for applesauce spice bread

Step 4:

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined.

pouring wet ingredients into dry ingredients in glass bowl

Be careful not to over mix.

well mixed bowl of batter for apple bread

Step 5:

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

apple batter in a loaf pan

Step 6:

Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean (I like to underbake just a tad, or when the toothpick has some loose crumbs).

Step 7:

Cool on a rack for 20 minutes and pull the bread out with the overhanging parchment (See Baking Tip below to bake it the night before).

apple spice cake sliced on kitchen towel

Baking Tip: To get ahead and bake it the night before, simply let the apple bread cool a bit, then place a piece of fresh bread on the top. The bread will get stale, but your apple cake will not. It’s magic. In the morning, I toss the slice of bread and take the apple spice bread out of the pan. This trick works for cookies, cakes, anything that can go stale.

baked apple bread in a loaf pan with bread on top to keep from getting stale.

What Makes This Spiced Applesauce Bread So Good? //

Nothing beats the sweet smell of apples and spices baking away in the oven. I whip this quick bread together throughout the fall and winter seasons because:

  • Applesauce, melted butter and sour cream make it moist, dark and spongy.
  • It makes a quick breakfast, snack or dessert for family and friends.
  • Apples, cinnamon and sugar – enough said.

Serving Suggestions //

I like to toast a slice of apple bread and serve it with a little bit of butter. Cream cheese or honey would be wonderful, too.

And don’t forget your steamy cup of coffee.

It’s so soft, moist and satisfying. Enjoy it as is on its own.

Variations //

For some variance in ingredients, you can try:

  • Replacing the sour cream with an equal amount of Greek yogurt
  • Using coconut oil instead of melted butter
  • Adding sanding sugar or streusel on top before baking (see Top Tips for streusel recipe).
applesauce spice bread in slices

How to Keep the Applesauce Spice Bread? //

The spiced applesauce cake will keep, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container, on the kitchen counter for 3 days or in the fridge for one week.

To freeze, double wrap in plastic wrap, then place in a ziplock bag. Label, date and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw for a few hours on the kitchen counter.

Top Tips for Spiced Applesauce Bread //

  • Use homemade or store-bought applesauce. I like to use my homemade applesauce recipe for this bread, but you can use whatever applesauce you have on hand. If you use store-bought, make sure it is smooth (not chunky) and add a pinch more cinnamon and sugar.
  • Use all, some or an Apple Pie Spice blend. I go heavy-handed with the spices, but you can pick-and-choose which ones to use. King Arthur Apple Pie Spice is another great option. Use 1 ½ Tablespoons.
  • Add a sprinkle of sanding sugar or streusel top. A bit of extra sweetness never hurt. Sprinkle on sanding sugar for a glossy finish. Or, combine a ratio of ¾:½:¼ cup flour, sugar, melted butter and sprinkle over the surface before baking.
  • This recipe doubles well. Make two loaves. Eat one throughout the week and freeze the other for later. Or gift it to a friend.
  • It keeps well for a few days. Wrap well and keep for about 3 days on your kitchen counter or one week in the fridge.
  • The apple sauce bread freezes beautifully, too. Double wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a plastic storage bag. Label, date and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw for a few hours on your kitchen counter.

More Apple Recipes //

Originally published in November 2015, updated August 2020 with updated images and updated recipe card.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to know how it goes! Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest, too!

apple spice cake sliced on kitchen towel

Spiced Applesauce Bread

Yield: 1 (9 x 5-inch) loaf
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Additional Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

A perfectly spiced Applesauce Spice Bread made with homemade applesauce is supple, moist and can be oven-ready in just a couple of minutes.

Ingredients

Dry ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 Tablespoon cinnamon (add more if using plain applesauce)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger

Wet ingredients:

  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup applesauce
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup melted butter, cooled
  • 1/4 cup sour cream, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment letting the sides overhang and spray lightly with cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients until well combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined. Be careful not to over mix.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  6. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. (I like to underbake just a tad, so when the toothpick has some loose crumbs.)
  7. Cool on a rack for 20 minutes and pull the bread out with the overhanging parchment (see Notes below to bake it the night before).

Notes

Adapted from Averie Cooks.

I like my bread to be pretty spicy, so I am heavy-handed with the cinnamon and warm spices. If you are using a jarred sauce, I would add more cinnamon or an apple pie spice. (King Arthur has a good one).

To get ahead and bake it the night before, simply let the apple bread cool a bit, then place a piece of fresh bread on the top. The bread will get stale, but your apple cake will not. It’s magic. In the morning, I toss the slice of bread and take the apple spice bread out of the pan. This trick works for cookies, cakes, anything that can go stale.

This bread keeps well wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container either on the kitchen counter for 3 days or in the fridge for one week.

To freeze, double wrap in plastic wrap, then place in a ziplock bag. Label, date and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw for a few hours on the kitchen counter.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 335Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 368mgCarbohydrates: 47gFiber: 1gSugar: 25gProtein: 5g

All information and tools presented and written within this site are intended for informational purposes only.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Paula

Sunday 4th of December 2022

Hello. Wondering if this recipe can be made in mini tins. Maybe filled 2/3 full, this recipe would make 3? This is what I have done and tried with other loaf recipes. Just wondering what your thoughts would be. Thank you.

BakedBree

Sunday 4th of December 2022

Hi Paula - I haven't tried but think it should work! Please let me know if you try.

Lolly

Thursday 17th of November 2022

I had a box of apple sauce that was given to me, so I looked for a recipe for apple sauce bread or a cake that use the ingredients I already had in my pantry. I found this one. I did make some adjustments for gluten free. I substituted oatmeal instead of flour. I just grind up same amount of oatmeal for flour in my nutri bullet. Since I can’t do white sugar, or any sugar. I used molasses and honey. I also used coconut oil. I couldn’t find vanilla bean paste, so I used my homemade vanilla flavor ( lots of it 🤭) loved me some vanilla flavor. Thank you so much for sharing a wonderful and delicious recipe.

BakedBree

Saturday 19th of November 2022

Thanks for your kind message Lolly, glad this was useful

Susie Huck

Thursday 20th of October 2022

I made your Applesauce Spice Bread this morning. Perfect taste and texture. Absolutely love it!

BakedBree

Friday 21st of October 2022

So happy to read this Susie, thanks for your feedback!

Amy

Monday 26th of September 2022

Wow! I made this with the streusel topping and wow! Since I have celiac, I used a 1 for 1 flour and this is super tender without it being rich. My midnights snack will also be breakfast. Yum!

BakedBree

Thursday 29th of September 2022

Awesome! Thanks for letting me know Amy

Janice

Sunday 24th of April 2022

Very good. Nice and moist.

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