Cinnamon Applesauce Bread – Easy, Moist & Comforting

Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 1 loaf or 5 mini loaves
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cup applesauce (unsweetened or sweetened); ¾ cup sugar; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 eggs; 3 tablespoon milk; 2 cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; ¼ teaspoon salt

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There’s something magical about baking with applesauce. I still remember the first time I made Cinnamon Applesauce Bread—it was one of those chilly fall mornings in Denver where the air is just crisp enough to pull on socks and preheat the oven without hesitation. My daughter, nose crinkled in delight, said it smelled like “mom’s hugs and fall had a baby.” And truly, that’s the best way I can describe it too. This quick bread is soft, warm, slightly sweet, and full of cozy spice.

As a busy mom of three, I’ve learned to lean into recipes that are both forgiving and rewarding—and this cinnamon applesauce bread is a perfect example. No need for mixers or fancy techniques. You just stir, pour, bake, and bask in the incredible smell that fills your kitchen. Whether you’re using unsweetened, spiced, or homemade applesauce, it adds both moisture and gentle fruit flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Applesauce Bread

Easy to make: One bowl, no mixer, and done in under an hour.
Moist and flavorful: Applesauce keeps the bread tender and adds natural sweetness.
Perfect for breakfast or snacks: Pairs well with coffee or tea, and it travels beautifully in lunchboxes.
Customizable: Add walnuts, raisins, or even a swirl of cinnamon sugar if you’re feeling extra fancy.

This cinnamon applesauce bread is more than just a recipe—it’s a cozy tradition waiting to happen. Whether you’re baking it for your family, gifting it to neighbors, or sneaking a warm slice in the evening with a book, this bread is the answer to every “what should I bake?” moment.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Applesauce Bread

Here’s what you’ll need to create this moist and warmly spiced loaf:

Ingredient	Amount
Applesauce (unsweetened or any kind)	1 ¼ cups
Granulated Sugar	¾ cup
Vegetable Oil	½ cup
Eggs	2 large
Milk	3 tablespoons
All-Purpose Flour	2 cups
Baking Soda	1 teaspoon
Baking Powder	½ teaspoon
Ground Cinnamon	½ teaspoon
Nutmeg	½ teaspoon
Pumpkin Pie Spice	½ teaspoon
Salt	¼ teaspoon

These pantry staples combine to make a loaf that’s aromatic, comforting, and perfect for any time of the year—but especially when the leaves begin to fall.

Tips for Success When Baking Cinnamon Applesauce Bread

Use room temperature eggs and milk for better blending.
Don’t overmix the batter—just stir until ingredients are incorporated.
Grease your loaf pans well or use parchment paper for easy removal.
If using mini loaf pans, check at the 25-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

Trust me, once you take that first slice—warm, fragrant, and softly spiced—you’ll want to make this loaf a regular part of your rotation. And your kitchen will thank you for smelling so amazing.

Why Applesauce Works Wonders in Quick Bread

One of the most beautiful things about Cinnamon Applesauce Bread is how simple pantry ingredients come together to create something deeply comforting. Applesauce isn’t just here to add moisture—it’s a quiet hero that transforms the texture and nutrition of your loaf.

Let’s talk texture first. Applesauce acts as a natural tenderizer. When baked, it releases just enough steam to create a soft, cake-like crumb. This allows you to reduce oil or butter without sacrificing the final result. If you’re someone who’s cautious about fats but still wants rich flavor, this bread is your best friend.

From a nutrition standpoint, using unsweetened applesauce can reduce the need for added sugar. It’s packed with natural fruit sugars, and if you’re using a homemade variety, you can control sweetness even more. Plus, applesauce adds fiber, vitamin C, and hydration—all from a humble jar or homemade batch.

Smart Ingredient Substitutions That Work

Baking is part science, part soul. Once you’ve made a recipe a few times, it becomes yours to tweak and play with. Here are a few of my favorite swaps for this loaf that keep the flavor bold and the texture perfect:

Flour: You can substitute 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. Just note it may yield a denser loaf.
Milk: Any dairy or non-dairy milk will work here. Almond, oat, or even evaporated milk all hold up beautifully.
Vegetable oil: Try melted coconut oil or avocado oil if you’re avoiding seed oils. Even melted butter gives a slightly richer bite.
Sugar: Coconut sugar or maple syrup works in place of white sugar (use ¾ cup syrup and reduce milk by 1 tbsp).
Eggs: For a vegan version, use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and plant-based milk.

These substitutions don’t just cater to dietary needs—they’re a chance to make the recipe reflect your kitchen and your lifestyle. Whether you’re watching sugar intake, avoiding allergens, or just love experimenting, this bread welcomes your twist.

The Spice Balance: Making Cinnamon the Star

Spices are where the soul of this bread really shines. Cinnamon is front and center—warm, slightly sweet, and nostalgic. But it’s the backup spices that deepen the flavor. Nutmeg adds an earthy, almost woodsy warmth, while pumpkin pie spice offers that whisper of clove and ginger you didn’t know you needed until it hits your tongue.

If you’re looking to turn up the volume on this bread, try increasing the cinnamon to a full teaspoon, or even adding a dash of cardamom. A little goes a long way, and it can elevate the entire experience with a subtle shift in flavor. Want to get even cozier? Stir in a splash of vanilla extract or a handful of chopped toasted pecans.

Nutrition Snapshot

Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutrients per slice (based on 8 slices from one loaf):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	340
Carbohydrates	48g
Protein	5g
Fat	15g
Sugar	23g
Fiber	1g

This bread may be sweet, but it’s a far cry from the sugar bombs lining bakery shelves. It’s made with real ingredients and balanced flavor. And when served warm with a pat of butter, it’s nourishing to more than just your body—it feeds the spirit, too.

How to Make Cinnamon Applesauce Bread

Once your kitchen is stocked with those cozy spices and a jar of applesauce, you’re only a few steps away from warm, cinnamon-scented goodness. This recipe is straightforward and stress-free—perfect for early mornings, lazy weekends, or those days when you just need a little comfort without the fuss.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or five mini loaf pans. If you prefer, line the pan with parchment for easier cleanup.

2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, sugar, oil, eggs, and milk until smooth and fully combined. No need for a mixer here—just a sturdy spoon or whisk will do the trick.

3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.

4. Combine wet and dry: Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing—this keeps your bread soft and tender.

5. Pour and bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan(s). For a full-size loaf, bake for 55–65 minutes. For mini loaves, start checking at 25–30 minutes. Use a toothpick to test doneness—if it comes out clean, your bread is ready.

6. Cool and slice: Let the loaf rest in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the texture firm up and makes slicing a breeze.

Optional Add-Ins

Want to make this bread your own? Try mixing in a few handfuls of your favorite additions:

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
⅓ cup golden raisins for sweetness
A swirl of cinnamon sugar on top before baking
A few apple chunks for a double-fruit effect

These variations add texture, flavor, and a little personal flair to your loaf. Just be sure not to overload the batter—about ½ cup total add-ins is usually the sweet spot.

Baking Tips for Perfect Texture and Flavor

Baking quick breads like this one is more forgiving than cakes or cookies, but a few tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve the best results:

Room temperature ingredients: Eggs and milk blend better and rise more evenly when not straight from the fridge.
Check early: Oven temperatures can vary. Start checking mini loaves at 25 minutes and full loaves at 55 minutes.
Let it rest: Cooling the bread before slicing helps it set and avoids crumbling.
Don’t skip the spice: Even if you’re sensitive to bold flavors, a little cinnamon and nutmeg go a long way in balancing the sweetness.
Grease well or line with parchment: This ensures an easy release and prevents the loaf from sticking to the pan.

Common Troubleshooting Solutions

Even the best recipes sometimes need a little troubleshooting. Here are a few quick solutions to the most common baking hiccups:

Dry bread: Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer. Overbaking or too much flour can dry out the loaf. Make sure to spoon and level your flour, not scoop.
Sunken center: This can happen if the batter was overmixed or the oven door was opened too early. Let the bread bake uninterrupted for at least 45 minutes.
Too dense: Check the expiration date on your baking soda and baking powder—expired leaveners lead to a flat, heavy loaf.
Bread stuck in the pan: Try running a butter knife around the edge after baking. Let it cool slightly and invert gently onto a rack.

There’s no need to worry if your first loaf isn’t perfect. This recipe is one of those forgiving gems that lets you get better every time—and even the “oops” versions are still delicious with a bit of butter or cream cheese spread on top.

How to Store and Serve Cinnamon Applesauce Bread

There’s something truly special about slicing into a loaf that you’ve baked from scratch. Even better? Having leftovers for the next morning. Cinnamon Applesauce Bread stores beautifully, making it ideal for prepping ahead or gifting to friends and neighbors.

Storage Tips

Let the bread cool completely before storing. Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for 2–3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.

When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds. Add a smear of butter or a spoonful of cream cheese if you’re feeling fancy. Some mornings, I even toast a slice and enjoy it with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Serving Suggestions

This bread is so versatile it can land on your breakfast table, snack board, or dessert plate. Serve it with:

A warm mug of cinnamon tea or coffee
Fresh fruit or Greek yogurt on the side
Vanilla bean ice cream for a simple dessert

No matter how or when you enjoy it, the comforting aroma of cinnamon and applesauce will always feel like home. And isn’t that what the best baking moments are all about?

Final Thoughts

Every kitchen needs that one recipe—the kind that never fails, that always gets smiles, and that fills your home with the scent of something wonderful. Cinnamon Applesauce Bread is that kind of loaf. It’s dependable, flexible, and just the right mix of nostalgic and nourishing.

From the first stir of the batter to the last warm bite, this bread reminds us that comfort can be simple. And with a recipe this forgiving, you don’t need to be a professional to bake something that feels like a hug from the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to substitute applesauce for sugar in bread?

Applesauce can replace some of the sugar in a recipe, but not all of it unless it’s specifically designed as sugar-free. As a general rule, you can replace half the sugar with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce. Reduce the liquid slightly to compensate.

Is applesauce with cinnamon good for your stomach?

Yes! Applesauce, especially unsweetened, is easy on digestion and often recommended during stomach upset. Cinnamon can also help with digestion and blood sugar regulation when consumed in moderation.

What are the ingredients of cinnamon bread?

Basic cinnamon bread usually includes flour, sugar, eggs, fat (like butter or oil), baking powder or soda, and of course, cinnamon. This version adds applesauce for moisture and warm spices like nutmeg and pumpkin pie spice for a deeper flavor profile.

How to spice up a loaf of bread?

Try adding warm spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger. You can also mix in nuts, raisins, or a cinnamon-sugar swirl. A crumble topping or vanilla glaze will give it that bakery-style finish.

Cinnamon Applesauce Bread – Moist, Easy & Perfectly Spiced