Applesauce Spice Bread
A moist, flavorful applesauce spice bread with warm cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, complemented by raisins and walnuts, perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. Suitable for all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 can (16 oz.) applesauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Sift together flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.
- Add applesauce, shortening, and water; mix well.
- Beat the mixture for 2 minutes.
- Add eggs and beat for 2 minutes more.
- Stir in raisins and chopped walnuts.
- Pour batter into two greased 9x5x3-inch loaf pans.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before removing from pans. Slice and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, try using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour. If you want to reduce sugar, you can substitute part of it with unsweetened applesauce or a sugar substitute. Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor. Consider adding chopped apples for additional moisture and texture, which pairs beautifully with this Applesauce Spice Bread.
Serving Suggestions
This Applesauce Spice Bread is delightful on its own but pairs wonderfully with a spread of cream cheese or butter. For a cozy breakfast, serve it alongside a warm cup of chai or coffee. You can also slice it and toast it for a crunchy texture, making it a perfect companion to a bowl of oatmeal or a side of Sweet Potatoes With Topping.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds, ensuring it stays moist and delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Spice Bread contains roughly 1223 calories, with 20g protein, 190g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (89% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), and calcium (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2558mg per serving (111% 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 types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds based on your preference. Just make sure to chop them coarsely for even distribution throughout the bread. If you prefer nut-free options, you can omit the nuts entirely or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly, as gluten-free flours can behave differently, so start with the original amount and add more as needed for the right batter consistency.
How can I make this bread more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of orange zest. You could also incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots for added sweetness and texture. Experimenting with spices like nutmeg or ginger can also elevate the flavor profile of your Applesauce Spice Bread.
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).