Applesauce-Strawberry Bread
A moist and flavorful apple-strawberry bread infused with warm spices, raisins, and nuts, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, appealing to fruit lovers and bread enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine raisins and brandy in a medium saucepan.
- Add enough water to cover the raisins and bring to a simmer.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Drain the raisins and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine applesauce, lemon juice, melted butter, vanilla, and beaten eggs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the drained raisins, chopped strawberries, and nuts.
- Pour batter into a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan.
- Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before removing from the pan and slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh strawberries instead of frozen. If you're out of brandy, apple juice can be a great non-alcoholic substitute. For a nutty texture, add chopped walnuts or pecans. Be sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy. You can also experiment by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm or at room temperature, sliced thick, with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. This bread pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. Consider serving it alongside Granny's Pies or Puddings for a comforting dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover applesauce-strawberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce-Strawberry Bread contains roughly 635 calories, with 5g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 647mg per serving (28% 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 substitute the raisins in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a less sweet bread, consider reducing the sugar slightly or using unsweetened applesauce.
What is the best way to check if 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 a few moist crumbs attached. If it comes out wet with batter, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes and test again.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the bread a day in advance. Just store it at room temperature, wrapped well. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious when served the next day.
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).