Applesauce Spice Loaf
A moist and flavorful applesauce spice loaf packed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and pecans, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert with a cozy, nutty taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and the combined applesauce and vanilla to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool on a rack.
- Wrap in foil once cool. Slice the next day or freeze.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the margarine or butter with applesauce. If you're out of pecans, walnuts or almonds can be used as a great alternative. To enhance flavor, consider adding raisins or dried cranberries. Make sure to cream the butter and sugar until fluffy for the best texture. To keep the loaf moist, do not overmix once you add the dry ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
This Applesauce Spice Loaf is delightful when served warm with a pat of butter on top. It pairs beautifully with Minted-Glazed Carrots for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. For a unique touch, top slices with a dollop of cream cheese frosting for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze slices individually in airtight containers for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or warm it in a toaster oven until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Spice Loaf contains roughly 349 calories, with 1g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1650mg per serving (72% 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 store-bought applesauce instead of homemade?
Yes, store-bought applesauce works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it is unsweetened to maintain the balance of flavors. If using sweetened applesauce, you might want to reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly to avoid overpowering sweetness.
How do I know when the loaf is done baking?
The loaf is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Since oven temperatures can vary, it's a good idea to start checking a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this Applesauce Spice Loaf gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to mimic the structure of wheat flour. The flavor will remain delicious, maintaining the spices and moisture from the applesauce.
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).