Moist Cinnamon Applesauce Quick Bread Recipe

This simple Applesauce Bread is the perfect way to enjoy some of fall’s best flavors. Laced with warm spices, brown sugar, and chopped pecans, this quick bread is a delicious treat to make and share during the autumn season.

Applesauce Bread

When you come home from the orchard with bags of apples, making applesauce is an easy way to preserve their flavor. Use that applesauce to bake this moist, warmly spiced Applesauce Bread for a simple seasonal treat.

Each slice is tender and dense, sweetened with brown and granulated sugar and flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of apple pie spice. Chopped pecans give the loaf a pleasant crunch while applesauce provides a light apple taste throughout.

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If you prefer to skip the tips and head straight to the recipe, you can find the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

This recipe works well with homemade applesauce made from fresh-picked apples, but store-bought applesauce will also give great results. It’s quick to prepare and makes two loaves, so it’s perfect for sharing or gifting during the fall season.

What is a Quick Bread?

A quick bread is a bread-like baked good leavened with baking soda or baking powder rather than yeast. The crumb is more like a muffin—tender and cake-like—making these breads ideal for quick, satisfying treats that don’t require rising time.

Quick breads are versatile: serve them for breakfast, a snack with coffee or tea, or dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A thin layer of cream cheese, butter, or apple butter complements applesauce bread nicely.

Bring a loaf to potlucks, family gatherings, or the office—this bread travels well and is always welcome. If you need a portable option, try baking applesauce muffins instead.

Whether you want a cozy breakfast or an easy dessert, this Applesauce Bread highlights classic autumn flavors in a simple, crowd-pleasing loaf.

How Do You Make Apple Bread?

For this Applesauce Bread I recommend using chunky applesauce rather than diced apples for a better, more consistent texture in the loaf. The applesauce keeps the crumb moist and tender without the risk of soggy fruit pieces.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease two 8×4 or 9×5-inch loaf pans with nonstick spray and set aside.
2. In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a whisk, combine 1 1/2 cups chunky applesauce, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 3 tablespoons whole milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix on low just until combined.
3. In a separate bowl whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet in two additions, mixing gently between each and scraping the bowl as needed.
4. Fold in 1 cup chopped pecans, then divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans.
5. For the topping, combine 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice, and 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over both pans.
6. Bake 60–70 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow loaves to cool completely in the pans before removing and slicing.

Can You Freeze Apple Bread?

Yes. Cool the loaves completely, then wrap them in freezer bags or airtight packaging, squeezing out excess air. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months for best flavor and texture. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.

More Delicious Quick Bread Recipes:

• Zucchini Bread
• Banana Bread
• Blueberry Ice Cream Bread
• Pumpkin Bread

Applesauce Bread

Author Rebecca Hubbell

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings 2 loaves

This simple Applesauce Bread brings together warm spices, brown sugar, and chopped pecans for a comforting quick bread that celebrates fall flavors.

Ingredients

Bread

• 1 1/2 cups chunky applesauce
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Topping

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease two 8×4 or 9×5-inch loaf pans with nonstick spray.
• In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine applesauce, oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla. Mix on low until just combined.
• Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, apple pie spice, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to the wet ingredients in two additions, mixing gently.
• Fold in the chopped pecans and divide the batter between the prepared pans.
• Combine topping ingredients in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the batter. Bake 60–70 minutes or until a tester comes out clean.
• Cool completely in the pans before removing and slicing.

Notes

• Nutrition facts are per loaf.
• To freeze: cool completely, place in freezer bags to remove air, label, and freeze up to 3 months.
• Thaw loaves at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 1941kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 264g
|
Protein: 27g