I’ll never forget the autumn afternoon when I first discovered the magic of cinnamon applesauce bread. My grandmother had just finished making a batch of homemade applesauce, and rather than letting the extra go to waste, she whipped up this incredible quick bread. The moment she pulled that golden-brown loaf from the oven, the entire kitchen filled with the most intoxicating aroma—sweet cinnamon, warm spices, and that comforting scent of freshly baked bread. One slice was all it took for me to become completely smitten with this recipe.
Cinnamon applesauce bread is the epitome of comfort baking. It’s incredibly moist thanks to the applesauce, beautifully spiced with cinnamon and warm aromatics, and blessedly simple to make. Unlike yeast breads that require kneading and rising time, this quick bread comes together in minutes and bakes into a tender, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even dessert. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your house smell like a cozy fall bakery and tastes like a warm hug.
Why This Cinnamon Applesauce Bread Recipe Is a Must-Try
What sets this applesauce bread apart from other quick breads is its exceptional moisture and tender crumb. The applesauce not only adds natural sweetness and apple flavor but also keeps the bread incredibly moist for days. Many quick breads dry out quickly, but this cinnamon bread stays soft and delicious, making it perfect for meal prep or gift-giving.
The spice profile is another winning feature. While cinnamon takes center stage (as it should in any proper cinnamon applesauce bread), subtle notes of nutmeg and perhaps a hint of allspice create depth and complexity. The result is a warmly spiced loaf that tastes like autumn in every bite, regardless of the season.
This recipe is also wonderfully forgiving—a boon for novice bakers. The thick batter is nearly impossible to overmix, and the applesauce creates such a moist environment that slight variations in baking time won’t ruin your loaf. It’s the perfect confidence-building recipe for anyone new to baking.
Essential Ingredients for Cinnamon Applesauce Bread
Creating the perfect applesauce bread requires simple pantry staples that you likely already have:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar mixed with ½ teaspoon cinnamon for sprinkling
The combination of granulated and brown sugar creates a complex sweetness—the molasses in brown sugar adds depth that complements the cinnamon beautifully. Using unsweetened applesauce allows you to control the sweetness level, though sweetened applesauce works too if you reduce the added sugar slightly.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Applesauce Bread
Preparing Your Baking Setup
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray, then dust lightly with flour, tapping out any excess. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides for easy removal. This simple step transforms cleanup and ensures your cinnamon applesauce bread releases perfectly.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Whisking not only combines these ingredients but also aerates the flour, contributing to a lighter texture in your finished applesauce bread. Make sure there are no lumps of spices—you want that cinnamon evenly distributed throughout every bite.
The leavening agents (baking soda and baking powder) work together to create the perfect rise. The baking soda reacts with the acidity in the applesauce, while the baking powder provides additional lift. This combination ensures your cinnamon bread has a beautiful, tender crumb without being too dense.
Combining the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. The mixture should look smooth, though some texture from the applesauce is expected and perfectly fine.
Add the oil and whisk until fully incorporated. The oil contributes to the incredibly moist texture of this applesauce bread—don’t be tempted to reduce it. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
The wet mixture should be smooth and homogeneous. This is the base that will create that signature moist, tender crumb in your cinnamon applesauce bread.
Bringing the Batter Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, fold the mixture together gently until just combined. You should see no dry flour, but a few small lumps are perfectly acceptable—actually, they’re preferred. Overmixing quick bread batter develops gluten, which creates a tough, chewy texture rather than the tender crumb you want in applesauce bread.
This is a relatively thick batter compared to cake batter—somewhere between a cake and cookie dough consistency. It should be spreadable but not pourable. If you’re adding mix-ins like chopped nuts or raisins, fold them in gently at this stage.
Baking Your Cinnamon Applesauce Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The batter won’t level itself completely, so take a moment to smooth the top. If desired, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top for a beautiful, sparkly finish that adds extra cinnamon flavor and a subtle crunch.
Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top of your cinnamon bread should be golden brown and may crack slightly down the center—this is normal and attractive in quick breads.
The baking time can vary depending on your oven and the material of your pan (glass pans typically take longer than metal). Start checking at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking. The applesauce bread is done when the top springs back lightly when touched and the edges are just beginning to pull away from the pan sides.
Cooling and Serving
This is perhaps the hardest step—patience. Allow the cinnamon applesauce bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This cooling period lets the structure set, preventing the loaf from crumbling when you remove it.
After 15 minutes, run a knife around the edges if needed, then turn the loaf out onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing—at least 30 more minutes. I know it’s tempting to cut into warm bread, but slicing too early can result in a gummy texture and uneven slices.
Once cooled, slice your applesauce bread with a sharp serrated knife using a gentle sawing motion. The slices should be neat and even, revealing that beautiful golden crumb flecked with cinnamon.
Nutritional Information for Applesauce Bread
Per slice (based on 12 slices per loaf):
- Calories: 245
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 31mg
- Sodium: 195mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 37g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 21g
- Protein: 3g
The applesauce in this cinnamon bread recipe contributes beneficial nutrients like vitamin C and fiber while keeping the fat content reasonable. Using oil instead of butter keeps it dairy-free and adds unsaturated fats. While this is definitely a treat, the applesauce provides a healthier moisture source than many traditional quick breads that rely entirely on butter.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon applesauce bread is wonderfully versatile in how it can be served:
For Breakfast: Toast a slice and spread with butter, cream cheese, or almond butter. The warmth from toasting intensifies the cinnamon flavor and creates a slightly crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the moist interior.
For Snacking: Serve slices at room temperature alongside hot coffee or tea. The bread is substantial enough to satisfy afternoon hunger without being overwhelmingly heavy.
As Dessert: Warm a slice and top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a simple but satisfying dessert. A drizzle of caramel sauce takes it over the top.
For Gifting: Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap, then in decorative parchment or cellophane tied with a ribbon. This applesauce bread makes a thoughtful homemade gift that conveys warmth and care.
Plating: For special occasions, dust slices with powdered sugar just before serving, or plate with a small dollop of apple butter and a cinnamon stick for garnish.
Perfect Pairings for Your Spiced Bread
Spreads: Butter is classic, but try apple butter for double the apple flavor, or maple cream cheese for a sweet, tangy complement to the cinnamon.
Beverages: This cinnamon applesauce bread pairs beautifully with spiced chai tea, apple cider (hot or cold), or a cappuccino. The warm spices in each beverage echo the cinnamon in the bread.
Cheese: For a savory-sweet snack, serve slices with sharp white cheddar or aged Gouda. The salty, nutty cheese contrasts beautifully with the sweet, spiced bread.
Fruit: Fresh apple slices or pear slices alongside your applesauce bread create a complete apple-themed snack or light breakfast.
Creative Variations and Substitutions
Whole Wheat Cinnamon Bread: Replace up to half the all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour for added fiber and a slightly nuttier flavor. Don’t replace all the flour or the bread will be too dense.
Add-ins: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins for texture and additional flavor. Dried cranberries add a tart contrast that’s delightful.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly more delicate, but the applesauce helps maintain moisture.
Reduced Sugar: You can reduce the sugar by ¼ cup without dramatically affecting the texture, though the bread will be less sweet. The applesauce provides natural sweetness.
Vegan Applesauce Bread: Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water, let sit 5 minutes). Use coconut oil or another plant-based oil.
Streusel Topping: Before baking, top your cinnamon applesauce bread with a mixture of ⅓ cup flour, ⅓ cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and 3 tablespoons cold butter cut in until crumbly.
Cream Cheese Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese (4 oz cream cheese mixed with ¼ cup sugar) into the batter and swirl gently with a knife before baking for a decadent twist.
Apple Chunks: Fold in 1 cup of finely diced fresh apple (peeled) for added apple flavor and texture bursts throughout the bread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Proper storage keeps your cinnamon applesauce bread moist and delicious for days:
Room Temperature: Wrap the completely cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for 3-4 days. The applesauce acts as a natural preservative, keeping the bread moist longer than many quick breads.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate wrapped bread for up to a week. Let slices come to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing: This applesauce bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.
Individual Slices: For ultimate convenience, slice the bread, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, and freeze. Pull out single servings as needed—they thaw in minutes.
Make-Ahead: Mix the dry ingredients up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container. Mix the wet ingredients up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate. Combine and bake when ready.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Bread Sinks in the Middle: This usually indicates underbaking or too much leavening. Make sure your baking soda and powder are fresh (they lose potency over time), and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Too Dense: Overmixing develops gluten, creating a tough, dense texture. Mix just until the dry ingredients disappear. Also ensure your leavening agents are fresh.
Dry Bread: Overbaking is the likely culprit. Start checking your cinnamon applesauce bread at 50 minutes. Also, measure flour correctly—spoon into the measuring cup and level off rather than scooping, which packs in too much flour.
Burning on Top: If the top browns too quickly before the center is done, tent loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Sticking to Pan: Make sure you grease the pan thoroughly, including the corners and seams. Parchment paper is your friend for guaranteed release.
My Personal Baking Tip for Cinnamon Applesauce Bread
After years of perfecting this recipe, here’s my secret: use homemade chunky applesauce if you have it. The texture variations and more pronounced apple flavor elevate this bread from delicious to extraordinary. If using store-bought, choose a brand that lists only apples as the ingredient—no added sugars, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Also, let your loaf rest overnight wrapped in plastic wrap before slicing. I know this requires tremendous patience, but the flavors meld and intensify, and the texture becomes even more perfectly moist. The overnight rest is the difference between very good applesauce bread and absolutely phenomenal cinnamon applesauce bread that people will beg you to make again and again. Trust me on this—it’s worth the wait.