Quick Applesauce-Bran Bread
A hearty, moist bread packed with applesauce, bran cereal, and raisins, offering warm spices and fiber-rich goodness, perfect for breakfast or snack times.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place in a large mixing bowl the margarine, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves; beat until fluffy.
- Add eggs to the mixture and beat well.
- On wax paper, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a small bowl, combine applesauce and bran cereal.
- Gradually blend the flour mixture into the creamed mixture alternately with the applesauce and bran mixture.
- Stir in raisins.
- Turn the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. If you don't have raisins, try chopped walnuts or dried cranberries for a different flavor. Adding a touch of vanilla extract can enhance the sweetness without extra sugar.
Serving Suggestions
This Applesauce-Bran Bread pairs beautifully with a spread of cream cheese or butter for breakfast or a snack. Serve it alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. Consider enjoying it with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced meal. For a delightful twist, serve it as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the bread to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, slice and freeze individual pieces for easy access later. Reheat in the microwave or toaster for a warm treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Applesauce-Bran Bread contains roughly 395 calories, with 3g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2104mg per serving (91% 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
Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar by about a third without significantly affecting the texture. Alternatively, consider using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but adjust the liquids in the recipe accordingly.
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).