Apple Bread
Apple Bread is a delightful and moist loaf that combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. Chunks of pecans and raisins add texture, while applesauce keeps it tender. Perfect for breakfast or as a comforting snack, it's a great treat for any apple lover.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in egg.
- Stir together flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, raisins and pecans.
- Add to sugar mixture alternately with applesauce.
- Pour into greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Bake in 325° oven for 1 hour or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. You can substitute half of the applesauce with mashed bananas for a different twist. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans. Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for better incorporation. For added sweetness, you might also mix in some chocolate chips.
Serving Suggestions
Apple Bread is delightful on its own, but you can enhance the experience with a spread of cream cheese or butter. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee and makes for a lovely breakfast or snack. For a more festive touch, serve it alongside a slice of Fruit Cake or as part of a dessert platter featuring Chocolate Fudge.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Apple Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Bread contains roughly 622 calories, with 5g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1749mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh apples instead of applesauce?
Yes, you can use fresh apples, but you will need to peel, core, and finely chop them. Generally, one cup of applesauce can be replaced with about two medium-sized apples. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, and you may want to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the apples.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
If you need an egg substitute, consider using a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. This works well in keeping the bread moist and binding the ingredients.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Apple Bread gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. This will help maintain the bread's structure. It's also a good idea to check that all other ingredients, like baking soda and spices, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).