Helen'S Applesauce Raisin Bread
Helen's Applesauce Raisin Bread offers moist, flavorful slices with warm spices, sweet raisins, and chunks of applesauce, perfect for breakfast or snack with a comforting aroma.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup oleo, softened ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 cup raisins, softened ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups fresh applesauce with chunks ⓘ
- 1/2 cup nuts, chopped (optional) ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream together oleo and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg and beat well.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, ground cloves, and cinnamon.
- Add the dry ingredients to the sugar mixture.
- Mix on low speed for 1 minute.
- Blend in softened raisins and chopped nuts.
- Add the fresh applesauce with chunks and blend well.
- Pour the batter into greased 9-inch loaf pans.
- Bake at 325°F for 1 hour or until a inserted knife comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Remove from pans and wrap in a terrycloth dish towel to keep moist.
- Once cooled, wrap in plastic wrap and place inside a plastic bag to keep fresh.
- Bread freezes well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider substituting half the brown sugar with unsweetened applesauce or using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. If you prefer a different flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a handful of chopped dried fruit. Make sure to soften the raisins by soaking them in warm water or apple juice for a few minutes before adding them to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This Applesauce Raisin Bread is delicious on its own but can be served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. For a delightful twist, try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as a dessert, reminiscent of American recipes that highlight comforting flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Once the bread has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaf by wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature or microwave slices for a quick reheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Helen'S Applesauce Raisin Bread contains roughly 291 calories, with 2g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (19% of the Daily Value), iron (12% of the Daily Value), and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 629mg per serving (27% 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 other fruits in this bread?
Yes, you can substitute the applesauce with other fruit purees like pear or pumpkin. You can also add diced fresh fruit such as apples or pears for added texture and flavor. Just ensure that any substitutions maintain the moisture balance in the recipe.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this Applesauce Raisin Bread vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or a commercial egg replacer. Use plant-based margarine instead of oleo. This will keep the texture and flavor intact while making it suitable for a vegan diet.
What can I serve with this bread?
This bread is versatile and can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Try it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a sweet treat. It also goes well with savory sides like scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad, making it a perfect addition to brunch.
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).