Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than applesauce bread! This classic recipe is a staple in many kitchens, offering a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. Forget those dry, crumbly loaves; this recipe guarantees a tender, perfectly spiced slice every time. It's one of those easy recipes that's perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned cooks alike. This recipe also makes a fantastic healthy meal option when paired with yogurt or fruit.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup raisins or cranberries (optional)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your bread releases easily from the pan.
Dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This thorough mixing ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a perfectly risen loaf.
Wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can lead to a tough loaf.
Add-ins (optional): Stir in your choice of nuts and/or dried fruits. This is where you can get creative and personalize your bread.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes as ovens can vary.
Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from getting soggy.
Tips for the Best Applesauce Bread:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients helps create a more evenly mixed batter.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough loaf. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, that's perfectly fine.
- Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Citrus zest: A tablespoon of lemon or orange zest adds a bright, refreshing note.
- Chocolate chips: For a decadent treat, stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips.
- Different nuts: Experiment with different nuts like chopped almonds or pecans.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Around 250-300 Fat: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 35-45g Sugar: 15-20g Protein: 3-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This applesauce bread recipe is a fantastic addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. It's a simple, delicious, and versatile recipe that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen and the delicious taste of this classic treat!