If you’re searching for a comforting, moist, and aromatic bread that feels like a warm hug straight from your kitchen, look no further. Our Favorite Applesauce Bread Recipe is exactly that special treat you’ve been craving. It combines the natural sweetness of applesauce with a cozy blend of spices and wholesome flours, resulting in a tender crumb that holds together beautifully with a hint of heartiness. The crumble topping adds just the right touch of crunch and nuttiness, making every slice a true delight for breakfast, snack time, or an after-dinner indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a crucial role—from the flours that provide texture and fiber, to the apple pie spice delivering that signature fall flavor, and the Greek yogurt keeping the bread moist and rich.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives the bread structure and lightness.
- 1 cup whole wheat flour: Adds a hearty, nutty flavor and fiber for a wholesome bite.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Makes the crumb tender and soft without heaviness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Offers caramel notes and sweetness that deepen the apple flavor.
- 1 tablespoon apple pie spice: A fragrant mix that brings warm spice notes, or use cinnamon alone if you prefer.
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the yogurt and applesauce to tenderize and lift the bread.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 cup thick-style unsweetened applesauce: The star ingredient providing moisture and natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt: Adds tang and moisture while keeping the bread tender.
- 2-4 tablespoons melted butter or oil: Adds richness and keeps the texture soft.
- 1/4 cup quick-cooking oats: Forms part of the delightful crumbly topping.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the topping for that perfect crunch.
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans: Introduces a pleasant nutty crunch in the topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Spices up the topping to pair perfectly with the bread’s flavors.
- 2-3 tablespoons cold butter: Helps create those irresistible crumbles on top.
How to Make Our Favorite Applesauce Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by lining a 5×9 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking, then preheat your oven to 350°F. This simple prep step is essential for a mess-free baking experience and ensures your bread bakes evenly and comes out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cornstarch, brown sugar, apple pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Thoroughly mixing these dry ingredients helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly so every bite is flavorful and airy.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate measuring jug or bowl, whisk together the eggs, thick-style unsweetened applesauce, Greek yogurt, and melted butter (or oil). Blending these moist ingredients separately ensures a smooth, uniform mixture that will make your bread irresistibly tender and moist.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, stir the oats, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and cinnamon. Add cold butter and work it into the mixture until crumbly. This topping adds a wonderful textural contrast and a nutty sweetness that makes each slice extra special.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and gently fold together just until combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent the bread from becoming tough; you want to keep it light, airy, and tender with a crumb that melts in your mouth.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the surface, gently pressing it in just a little. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The result is a golden crust with a moist, fragrant interior.
Step 7: Cool Before Slicing
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 5 to 10 minutes to set up, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents crumbly slices and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
How to Serve Our Favorite Applesauce Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple pat of butter or a light drizzle of honey can elevate each slice. For a festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon sugar on top, or add fresh apple slices for an inviting crunch and a burst of freshness.
Side Dishes
This applesauce bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, creamy yogurt, or alongside a bowl of spiced apple soup. It’s also fantastic alongside savory spreads like cream cheese mixed with a hint of cinnamon and maple syrup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy brunch, slice the bread thickly and toast it lightly, then top with cream cheese and sliced nuts or fruit preserves. It also works beautifully cut into cubes as part of a bread pudding, elevating it with its natural sweetness and spice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your applesauce bread fresh by storing leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for about a week. Wrapping it well helps retain moisture for that soft, tender bite every time.
Freezing
Our Favorite Applesauce Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Slice it first for convenience, wrap the slices individually or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to three months without losing any of its delicious flavor or texture.
Reheating
To warm up frozen or refrigerated slices, toast them lightly in a toaster or oven until just heated through. This brings back the bread’s soft, warm charm and refreshes the crumble topping’s crunchiness, making it taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! Using all all-purpose flour will yield a lighter, less dense loaf. However, the whole wheat adds a wholesome nutty flavor and fiber, making the bread more satisfying and nutritious.
Is it necessary to use Greek yogurt in this recipe?
Greek yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness and keeps the bread tender. If you don’t have it, plain yogurt or sour cream can be used as good substitutes, but avoid flavored varieties.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best way is to insert a toothpick or skewer into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. The top should be golden brown and the crumble topping set.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the Greek yogurt with a coconut or almond-based yogurt and use oil instead of butter. Make sure your applesauce is unsweetened and free from dairy additives.
What variations can I try to customize this applesauce bread?
You can experiment by adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, swapping pecans for walnuts, or incorporating a splash of vanilla extract in the wet ingredients. Spices such as nutmeg or clove also complement the apple flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and satisfying about baking Our Favorite Applesauce Bread Recipe. It’s not just a quick bread—it’s a slice of warmth and home wrapped in spices, sweetness, and tender crumb. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or treating yourself to a quiet moment with a cup of tea, this recipe promises smiles and cozy memories. Give it a try and enjoy every fragrant, delicious bite!
Print
Our Favorite Applesauce Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist and flavorful Applesauce Bread is a wholesome twist on traditional quick bread. Packed with wholesome flours, warm spices, and a sweet crumbly oat and pecan topping, it’s perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. The use of unsweetened applesauce and Greek yogurt lends natural sweetness and tenderness without excess fat, making it a deliciously satisfying homemade treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple pie spice (or cinnamon, or a mix of cinnamon and pumpkin spice)
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup thick-style unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2–4 tablespoons melted butter or oil
Topping
- 1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2–3 tablespoons cold butter
Instructions
- Prep: Line a 5×9 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the batter.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cornstarch, brown sugar, apple pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate large measuring jug or bowl, beat together the eggs, unsweetened thick-style applesauce, Greek yogurt, and melted butter or oil until smooth and well combined.
- Make topping: In a small bowl, stir together the quick-cooking oats, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly like coarse crumbs.
- Combine wet and dry: Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Gently fold the mixture just until combined; be careful not to overmix, which can lead to a denser, tougher bread.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crumbly oat topping over the batter, pressing lightly to adhere. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This helps maintain the bread’s texture and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Use thick-style applesauce for best moisture; avoid watery varieties.
- Adjust butter in batter according to preference: 2 tablespoons for lighter bread, up to 4 for richer flavor.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- Store cooled bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Freezing slices wrapped well is possible for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
