Cinnamon Applesauce Bread is an easy to make, moist quick bread that is filled with Fall flavor throughout! Using simple ingredients, this bread is ready for the oven in under 10 minutes!
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Easy Applesauce Bread
This past week, I was in the mood to do some baking! Being that it is Fall and I wasn’t really in the mood for something pumpkin, I decided to make a few batches of this Cinnamon Applesauce Bread.
Now, some may be turned off by the addition of applesauce in bread, but let me tell you…..its what makes this AMAZING! You can’t taste the “apple”, however, it adds just the right amount of moistness to this bread. That paired with all the Fall spices and it is a Heavenly combination that will have you going back for seconds.
I made two batches, which ended up being 10 mini loaves of bread (or two large 9 x 5 loaf pans if preferred). I saved a few for my family, froze some for later, and offered the rest to other families in our area.
When my kids came home from school, I sliced up a mini loaf for their snack and all three of them thoroughly enjoyed it. My oldest son said it was his new favorite bread that I have made.
My hubby came home and immediately asked what was making the house smell so tasty. One slice of bread later and he too declared this his new favorite bread. He is a big fan a spice cake and said that the bread reminded him of that!
Ingredients Needed
See printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for ingredient amounts and step by step directions.
- Applesauce– unsweetened, this adds the flavor and moistness into the recipe
- Sugar– adds the perfect amount of sweetness
- Vegetable Oil– you can also use coconut oil if desired
- Eggs– room temperature is best
- Milk– I use 2%, any type works
- Flour– all-purpose
- Baking Soda/Baking Powder
- Cinnamon/Nutmeg/Pumpkin Pie Spice– the perfect blend of Fall spices
- Salt
How to make Applesauce Bread
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×5 loaf pan or 5 mini loaf pans.
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In a medium bowl, combine the applesauce, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and milk.
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Slowly add in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir until just combined.
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Pour batter into prepared loaf pan(s) and place in oven to bake for 30 minutes if making mini loaves, or about 60 minutes if making large loaf.
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Once toothpick comes out clean once inserted in center, remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add raisins into the batter before baking. About ½ cup is great!
- Add in some chopped pecans or walnuts. About ½-1 cup.
- Peel and chop up some apple and toss it into the batter, 1 apple will do.
- Coconut oil can be used in place of the vegetable oil for a healthier option.
- Make these into mini loaves, a full loaf, or muffins depending on preference.
- Crumb Topping: Mix ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup oats, ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and 3 Tablespoons melted butter. Press lightly into the top of the uncooked bread just before baking.
How to store Cinnamon Applesauce Quick Bread
- Room Temperature: cool completely and store in an airtight container or bag for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: place the cooked applesauce bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.
- To freeze: wrap with completely cooled loaf of bread in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Then place in a plastic zip closure freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- To Make Ahead: prepare the batter and place in pan(s). Cover with plastic wrap and store in refrigerator up to 2 days. Once ready to bake, remove from refrigerator and add a few minutes to bake time if chilled.
Quick Bread Bake Times
Full Loaf: For a full loaf, bake for 55-60 minutes, using a toothpick to test center.
Mini Loaves: If making mini loaves, bake for about 25-30 minutes and eye from there.
Muffins: Bake for about 20-25 minutes.
More Quick Bread Recipes to try
Brown Sugar Quick Bread– full of flavor and incredibly easy to make. A no yeast bread made with staple ingredients and just 5 minutes hands-on time!
Cinnamon Roll Quick Bread– buttery and moist, with a hidden layer of cinnamon and pecans, then topped with a silky sweet glaze. So easy and so good!
Snickerdoodle Bread– delicious and easy (no yeast involved)! It’s filled with cinnamon chips and topped with cinnamon and sugar!
Lemon Bread– soft, moist bread bursting with citrus lemon flavor and topped with a shell of sweet lemon glaze. This quick and easy homemade bread is great for sharing or savoring!!
Cinnamon Crumble Banana Bread– homemade banana bread that is topped off with a cinnamon crumble for the ultimate treat.
Applesauce Coffee Cake– perfectly moist, flavorful, and includes a cinnamon streusel that just can’t be beat! Perfect to enjoy with your morning coffee, with brunch, or an anytime treat!
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Cinnamon Applesauce Quick Bread
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup applesauce (I used unsweetened but any kind works)
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoon milk
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x5 loaf pan or 5 mini loaf pans.
- In a medium bowl, combine the applesauce, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and milk.
- Slowly add in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Stir until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan(s) and place in oven to bake for 30 minutes if making mini loaves, or about 60 minutes if making large loaf.
- Once toothpick comes out clean once inserted in center, remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving!
Rhonda says
I followed everything in the recipe except used pear chunks I had frozen. Everything blended well and my house smells WONDERFUL. Hope it tastes a good as it smells!
Kristin says
Yay!! Be sure to let me know how it turned out and what you think of it!!
Trish says
I wondered if you have tried this with swerve, instead of sugar, and almond flour instead of all purpose flour?
Kristin says
I haven’t tried that personally, but don’t see why both of those substitutions wouldn’t work great.
Kailani says
Good idea because I have frozen pears I have no idea what to do with it. I didn’t want to do a Pear Cobbler. Thanks for the idea.
Kristin says
Love this idea! Enjoy!
Dee says
I made this with stevia and added dried cranberries and raisins. This is our new favorite!!!
Kristin says
Yay!! Love hearing that! Glad you enjoyed and what wonderful add in’s!!
Dawn says
I usually use applesauce to replace vegetable oil. Do you think that would work for this recipe too since it already has applesauce in it?
Kristin says
That “should” work. I haven’t tried it personally, but I don’t see that that wouldn’t be a great alternative option. Keep me posted if you give it a try! Enjoy!
Thehesbomb says
Fairly inexperienced baker, here…to make two loaves would you just double ingredients? Many recipes have the option to use the button to adjust recipe size and I’m a little scared to wing it, lol!
Kristin says
Absolutely! Simply double and two large loaves should be perfect! I will go ahead and see if I can add the setting into the recipe card to adjust the servings, sorry about that!
Cathy says
I just put it in the oven I don’t use milk so put in 3tablespoons of sour cream hope it still turns out
Kristin says
That should work great, hope you enjoyed!!
nancy cage says
haven’t made it yet– sounds so yummy–could I substitute canned pumpkin-to try something different??-not omitting the applesauce just 2 different was to make it…
Kristin says
Absolutely! Although I haven’t tried it, that should work great!
Laurie says
Absolutely delicious! Came together easily, made the house smell wonderful! Thank you for sharing!
Kristin says
Yay!! Love hearing this and SO glad you enjoyed too! This quick bread is a family favorite!
Rita says
I used half the sugar as my applesauce was sweetened. I did not have enough white flour so added almond, whole wheat and a little teff flour, giving it extra protein. Turned out great. Don’t be afraid to play with this recipe, it is easy, very good and a keeper. Oh yes, did I mention that it made my entire home smell lovely.
Kristin says
Yay! Love that you enjoyed this bread and love hearing all the variations and changes that can be made!!
Rita says
Just put this in the oven, did not have enough white flour, so also added almond, whole wheat and a little teff flour to make two cups. Will let you know how this works.
Kristin says
Yay! Can’t wait to hear what you think!!
Bruce S. says
I’d give 4.5 stars if that were available. Recipe works great even for those of who’re not necessarily faith-based and who are male. Tweaked it with some white wheat flour, little less sugar, bit o’ honey, and so forth. Applesauce was homemade & chunky. Used dry milk. Toughest part was keeping my wife away from it (failed). Had some doubts about the pumpkin spice, but went with it. Wrapped loaf and let it sit overnight. I just tried a piece 24 hours after baking…very, very nice. I was looking for something fairly simple but different. There you go. Thanks much!
Kristin says
Yay! Glad you enjoyed! And….my recipes are for anyone and everyone who likes to try new, delicious dishes, so glad you found this one!! I love the idea of using homemade chunky applesauce, yum!!
Angela Sexton says
Does this bread need to be stored in the refrigerator after baking? Thanks
Kristin says
Nope, no need to refrigerate! Enjoy!
Steve says
I made the bread as written. It was awesome. I made it twice more with modifucations using: 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup melted butter and 1/4 cup oil; 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg and 1/4 tsp allspice. I added a tsp of vanilla, 3/4 cup coarsely chopped craisins and 3/4 cup chopped pecans. Great recipe!
Kristin says
Yea!! Love hearing all the modifications! Glad you enjoyed!!
Kayce says
I do not bake. This has turned out 3 out of 4 times for me!!! If you can’t make brownies out of a box…. this recipe will still most likely turn out!
Kristin says
Yay!! Love hearing that you enjoy this! Its one of my favorites!
Karen says
I don’t have pumpkin spice and don’t care for pumpkin flavor. Can I leave it out? Should I increase the cinnamon?
Kristin says
No problem, you can do either! Omit or increase cinnamon slightly! It’ll be great either way! Enjoy!
Hope Salas says
How long would you bake in 3 x 5 mini loaf pans?
Kristin says
I would start at about 25 minutes and keep an eye on it from there!
Roxanne Goff says
Yum! I used Marsha’s idea (Nov., 2018) of making these into mini-muffins (350º for 12 minutes) with a cinnamon & sugar topping. I followed the recipe exactly and it made 54 muffins. These taste great and will be perfect if you just want a small tasty treat!
Kristin says
Ooooo I love that! So glad they were a hit! I need to try them for myself with the topping, now my mouth is watering, haha!
Carol says
Whenever I see SALT in a recipe I eliminate it. It is not necessary!
Kristin says
I do believe it adds to the flavor of the recipe, however, you can definitely omit the salt if desired!
Tina says
Has anyone made it with a substitution for the eggs?
Kristin says
I haven’t but you could use yogurt, more applesauce, oil, flaxseed, etc in lieu of the eggs I believe!
Sheila says
The flour , is it self rising flour?
Kristin says
Nope, all purpose, sorry for not specifying!
Faith says
I make this alot but I use 2 cups of applesauce and I add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts and 1 cup or so of raisins. Its amazing
Kristin says
Oh yum! I love the idea of adding walnuts and raisins to this!
Syndi says
Would there need to be any adjustments if using almond flour to try and go for gluten free?
Kristin says
I don’t think you would have to change anything as the ratio for both is typically 1:1
Judy says
Is there anyway to use less oil and sugar to make this healthier?
Kristin says
You can eliminate up to 1/4 cup of the sugar without any changes. You can also use 1/2 the oil and increase the applesauce by that same amount. Hope that helps!
Barbara Lynn Brown says
Do you know the nutrition?
Kristin says
Sure! 1 slice: 142 calories, 4g fat, 23mg cholesterol, 179mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate, 3g protein
Kathleen Voorhees says
Should I cut back on the sugar if using sweetened applesauce?
Kristin says
You definitely can. I would suggest cutting about 1/4 cup out of the recipe if using sweetened applesauce! Enjoy!
Patty Massare says
If you double the recipe, how much do you fill the 9×5″ pans?
Kristin says
About 1/2 full is what I typically stick to. If you want larger loaves, you can fill as high as 3/4 full!
Ginny says
How many regular size loaves does a single recipe make? It seems like 6 mini loaves would be very small ones.
Kristin says
I typically make one large loaf, or 5-6 mini loaves depending on fullness. I have made 2 medium loaves before with this recipe too! Enjoy!
Billy Richards says
Sprinkled brown sugar on top of unbaked bread, makes a crunchy sweet crust almost caramel
Kristin says
Oh wow, what a fabulous idea! Bet that was tasty!!
shawn-athan says
I brushed the top with melted butter and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Easy to make & really delicious.
Kristin says
Ooooo, now you’re talking! Great idea! Yum!
Donna says
Can you add walnuts to this
Kristin says
Absolutely! That would be a great addition!
Lynn says
Walnuts or even raisins
Kristin says
Great idea! Either would be a great addition!!
Carmeletia Winters says
Yum I made this today, and it’s delicious. Next time I’m going to add walnuts.
Kristin says
Yea! So glad you enjoyed! Great idea on adding walnuts next time!
Rebecca Edwards says
what about apple butter instead of apple sauce?
Kristin says
Hmmmm, good idea! I don’t see why that wouldn’t work! Keep me posted if you try it!
sweetpea says
You have a very nice site. Any way you can enlarge your font? (I don’t see a way to adjust on my compute)
Kristin says
Thanks! Unfortunately, I cannot without having to recode several things! You can always print larger to see the recipes enlarged though!!
Marsha Staley says
My family loves this same recipe made into mini-muffins. Bake for 10-12 minutes. After cooling, dip top of muffins in melted oleo and then a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Makes about 4 dozen and freeze well!
Kristin says
Oooooo, yum! Ill have to try these as muffins!
Lisa Langston says
Looks yummy! Do you have any photos of what the inside of the loaf looks like? I love seeing what a cut dessert looks like inside! Thank you!
Kristin says
I don’t, however, I plan on making this again this week and will be sure to take some more pictures to add!
Judy Doyle says
Sure looks Delicious. Wish I had some now.
Kristin says
Oh yes, this is one tasty bread!
Lynne says
Can u put apple slices in it?
Kristin says
Sure! I think that would be a great addition!
Linda Chandler says
Do you think I could add some chopped apple to the batter
Kristin says
Absolutely! I think that would be a great idea!
karen richards says
could you freeze this bread?
Kristin says
Absolutely! This bread freezes perfectly!!