M.J.'S Applesauce Bread
A moist, flavorful applesauce bread infused with warm spices, oats, nuts, and dried fruits, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert for those who love comforting baked treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream margarine and sugar together in a large bowl.
- Beat eggs and applesauce into the mixture.
- Combine flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and oats in a medium bowl.
- Stir the dry ingredients into the applesauce mixture.
- Add chopped walnuts, raisins, dates, candied fruit, and maraschino cherries to the batter and mix well.
- Pour the batter into greased loaf pans.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the flour with whole wheat flour. If you prefer a sweeter bread, add an extra 1/4 cup of sugar. You can also use applesauce with cinnamon for an added flavor boost. To make it more indulgent, fold in chocolate chips or dried cranberries. For those who enjoy a nutty flavor, toasted pecans or walnuts work well too.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the applesauce bread and serve it warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese for a delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges. You can also enjoy it as a breakfast option, topped with fruit preserves or honey.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for a week. To reheat, slice and warm in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds until just heated through, ensuring it remains moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of M.J.'S Applesauce Bread contains roughly 319 calories, with 4g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of calcium (17% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 homemade applesauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade applesauce can enhance the flavor of the bread. Just ensure it's smooth and not overly chunky, as this will help achieve the desired texture. If your applesauce is unsweetened, you may want to slightly increase the sugar in the recipe.
What can I substitute for margarine?
You can substitute margarine with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil for a richer flavor. If you want to keep it dairy-free, use a plant-based butter alternative or applesauce itself as a replacement for some of the fat.
Can I freeze the applesauce bread?
Yes, you can freeze the applesauce bread! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat slices as desired.
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).