Applesauce Raisin Nut Bread
A moist, flavorful applesauce raisin nut bread combining warm spices, chopped walnuts, and sweet raisins for a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or snacking.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup applesauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped ⓘ
- 6 whole walnut halves ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg; set aside.
- Cream butter, brown sugar, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, sour cream, and applesauce to the butter and sugar mixture; mix well.
- Blend in flour mixture until just moistened.
- Mix in raisins and chopped walnuts.
- Pour batter into a greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- Decorate the top of the loaf with 6 walnut halves.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour or until a wire cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Turn out onto a rack and cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the sugar by a couple of tablespoons. You can also use unsweetened applesauce to reduce sugar content or swap in Greek yogurt for the sour cream for a protein boost. To enhance flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Applesauce Raisin Nut Bread warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese on top. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack. For a more indulgent treat, try it alongside a slice of Supreme Chocolate Pie or as a side to a hearty bowl of Mama's Baked Chili Spaghetti.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in a toaster or oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Raisin Nut Bread contains roughly 666 calories, with 9g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), iron (14% of the Daily Value), and calcium (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1130mg per serving (49% 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 different nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor. Just ensure they are chopped and mixed into the batter in the same way as the walnuts for the best texture.
Can I add more fruits to this bread?
Yes, adding chopped apples or cranberries can enhance the fruitiness of the bread. Just make sure to adjust the wet ingredients slightly to maintain the right batter consistency.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick or wire cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. If there are batter clumps on the tester, it needs more time in the oven. Keep an eye on the top; it should be golden brown.
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).