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This cinnamon applesauce bread will fill your kitchen with the most amazing fall aroma. My family begs me to make this moist, flavorful bread whenever the weather starts cooling down. The best part? You'll only need simple pantry ingredients and 10 minutes to get it in the oven.
The Magic of Applesauce
Let me tell you why applesauce makes this bread so special. It creates an incredibly tender crumb without making the bread heavy. While you won't taste obvious apple flavor, the applesauce works behind the scenes to keep every slice perfectly moist.
Spices That Make It Special
The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin pie spice in this bread takes me right back to my grandmother's kitchen. These warm spices work together to create that cozy fall feeling we all love. My kitchen smells absolutely divine when this bread is baking.
A Recipe Born From Love
This bread became an instant favorite in our home. My kids rush through the door after school when they smell it baking, and my husband says it reminds him of his mom's spice cake. Sometimes the simplest recipes become our most treasured ones.
Baking Extra to Share
I usually double this recipe to make plenty for sharing. With two batches, you'll get either two large loaves or ten mini ones. Nothing brings people together like homemade bread, and this recipe is perfect for gifting to neighbors or freezing for later.
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What You'll Need in Your Kitchen
- Applesauce: Grab the unsweetened kind
- Sugar: Regular granulated works perfectly
- Oil: I use vegetable oil, but coconut oil works too
- Eggs: Take them out early to reach room temp
- Milk: I use 2% but any milk works fine
- Flour: Just regular all-purpose flour
- Spices: Our fall trio cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice
- Leaveners: Both baking soda and powder for the perfect rise
- Salt: Just a pinch to bring out all the flavors
Getting Ready to Bake
Before you start mixing, gather your bowls and measuring tools. I like to measure everything first and grease my pans before turning on the oven. Set your oven to 350°F and we're ready to create something wonderful.
Starting Your Batter
The key to perfect bread starts with mixing your wet ingredients until they're smooth as silk. Combine your applesauce, sugar, oil, eggs and milk in a bowl. I use a whisk to make sure everything blends beautifully.
Adding the Dry Mix
Now comes the gentle part. Sprinkle in your flour mixture gradually while stirring just until everything comes together. I learned from my grandmother that overmixing quick breads makes them tough, so keep it gentle.
Into the Oven
Pour your batter into your prepared pan with care. For regular loaves, you'll need about an hour of baking time. Mini loaves only take around 30 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing while you wait.
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The Cooling Process
Patience pays off when it comes to cooling your bread. Give it 10 minutes in the pan, then move it to a cooling rack. Trust me on this step. Perfect slices come from properly cooled bread.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I toss in extras like plump raisins or toasted nuts. Fresh apple chunks work beautifully too. This recipe welcomes your personal touch, so feel free to experiment with your favorite add-ins.
Adding Extra Crunch
Want to make it extra special? Top your bread with a buttery crumb mixture. Mix oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and melted butter, then sprinkle it over top before baking. It adds such a lovely texture.
Keeping It Fresh
Your bread will stay delicious on the counter for three days if you keep it in an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge and you'll get almost a week of freshness. Perfect for busy families.
Freezer Tips That Work
I always make extra for the freezer. Just wrap your cooled bread really well first in plastic, then in foil. Slip it into a freezer bag and you'll have delicious bread whenever you want it for up to two months.
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Make Now, Bake Later
Short on time? Mix up your batter and keep it in the fridge for up to two days. Just remember it might need a few extra minutes in the oven when you're ready to bake since the batter will be cold.
Timing Is Everything
Keep an eye on your baking times. Big loaves need about an hour, mini loaves take half that, and if you're making muffins, check them at 20 minutes. The toothpick test never fails me.
The Perfect Gift
Mini loaves make such thoughtful gifts. Wrap them in pretty paper or cellophane, tie with a ribbon, and you've got a homemade treat anyone would love to receive. I often give these during the holidays.
Ways to Enjoy
Sometimes I like mine warm with a little butter. My husband prefers his with afternoon coffee. The kids love it straight up as an after-school snack. There's really no wrong way to enjoy this bread.
A Fall Tradition
This bread has become part of our fall tradition. When the leaves start changing and there's a chill in the air, my family knows it's time for cinnamon applesauce bread. It's these simple recipes that create the sweetest memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use sweetened applesauce in this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of applesauce in this recipe. If using sweetened applesauce, you might want to reduce the sugar amount slightly to balance the sweetness.
- → How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the bread is done. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to touch.
- → Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, this bread freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to eat.
- → Why is my bread too dense?
Overmixing the batter can make the bread dense. Mix ingredients just until combined, as overmixing develops too much gluten. Also, make sure your baking soda and powder are fresh.
- → Can I make this recipe healthier?
You can swap half the flour for whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar amount. The applesauce already adds natural sweetness and keeps the bread moist. You can also use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.
Conclusion
Cinnamon applesauce bread is a delightful, easy-to-make quick bread that offers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Using simple ingredients like applesauce, flour, and spices, this recipe creates a moist and flavorful loaf suitable for breakfast or snacking.