Applesauce Bran Bread
A wholesome, moist applesauce bran bread with warm spices, raisins, and walnuts, perfect for breakfast or snack, appealing to health-conscious and bread-loving individuals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together applesauce and All-Bran cereal.
- In a large bowl, beat margarine, cinnamon, cloves, and sugar until well combined.
- Add eggs to the mixture and beat again.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the applesauce-bran mixture, and mix until just combined.
- Fold in raisins and chopped walnuts, if desired.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool on a rack.
- Wrap and store overnight before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetener. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or substitute with sunflower seeds. Adding a dash of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This Applesauce Bran Bread is delightful on its own, but you can enhance the experience by spreading a thin layer of cream cheese or butter on top. It pairs beautifully with flavored iced coffee for a refreshing breakfast or snack. Serve it alongside a fruit salad for a nutritious brunch option, or enjoy it as an afternoon treat with a cup of tea.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop slices in the toaster or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Bran Bread contains roughly 258 calories, with 3g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of calcium (16% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1792mg per serving (78% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, it may result in a denser bread. For best results, consider using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour to maintain some lightness while adding fiber.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make this Applesauce Bran Bread vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg), and use a plant-based margarine or coconut oil instead of regular margarine. The applesauce already acts as a great binder and keeps the bread moist.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
To check if the bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If it comes out wet with batter, continue baking for a few more minutes, checking frequently to avoid overbaking.
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).