This cozy applesauce bread is moist, lightly sweet, and bursting with cinnamon-spice flavor. Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or giftingβand simple enough for any baker!
β±οΈ Quick Recipe Snapshot
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Bake Time: 45β55 minutes
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Total Time: ~1 hour 5 minutes
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Servings: 10β12 slices
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Skill Level: Easy
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Diet Tags: Dairy-Optional β’ W-W Friendly Substitutions Available
π Ingredients Checklist
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Olive oil (or oil of choice)
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Granulated sugar (or monk fruit for no-sugar option)
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Brown sugar (or monk fruit brown)
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Eggs
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Unsweetened applesauce
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Greek yogurt
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Vanilla extract
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All-purpose flour (or half whole wheat for a healthier swap)
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Baking soda
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Baking powder
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Ground cinnamon
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Ground nutmeg
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Salt
π©βπ³ Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Pan
Preheat oven to 350Β°F. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment and lightly spray the sides with cooking spray.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
Add eggs, whisk until well blended.
Stir in applesauce, vanilla, and Greek yogurt until smooth.
3. Fold in the Dry
Sift in flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir gentlyβjust until combined. Do not overmix.
4. Bake
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45β55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with just moist crumbs.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
π¬ Why Youβll Love This Bread
This bread is my personal go-to for early fall bakingβor any time I want something warm and comforting but not overly sweet. The applesauce adds incredible moisture, the yogurt gives it a tender crumb, and you can tweak it to fit your goals (hello, W-W friendlier swaps!). Serve it warm with a cup of tea or slice and pack it for the kidsβ lunchboxes.
π§ Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Tips & Swaps |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | Use any neutral oil (like canola or avocado). Melted coconut oil works too! |
| Applesauce | Unsweetened keeps sugar low, but sweetened can be usedβjust reduce added sugars slightly. |
| Greek yogurt | Adds protein and moisture. Can sub with sour cream. |
| Sugar & brown sugar | Swap with monk fruit or stevia blends for a no-sugar version. |
| Flour | Use ΒΎ cup whole wheat + 1 cup AP flour for fiber-rich results. GF flour works if 1:1 baking blend. |
π Variations & Serving Ideas
β¨ Flavor Twists
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Add-ins: Fold in Β½ cup chopped nuts or raisins before baking.
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Choco-chip Treat: Stir in ΒΌ cup mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
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Glaze it: Mix powdered sugar + milk + cinnamon for a drizzle.
π½οΈ How to Serve It
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Warm with a pat of butter or nut butter
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As a base for French toast (trust me!)
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Toasted with Greek yogurt & berries
π§ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
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Store: Keeps 3β4 days at room temp, or up to 1 week in the fridge.
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Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze up to 2 months.
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To Reheat: Microwave slices for 15β20 seconds or toast lightly.
π Nutrition Info (Per Slice)
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Calories: 286
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Carbs: 41g
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Protein: 4g
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Fat: 12g
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Sugar: 23g
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W-W Points (approx.):
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With olive oil & sugar: ~8β9 points
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With monkfruit + whole wheat: ~4β5 points
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Allergens: Gluten, Eggs
For dairy-free, sub Greek yogurt with a plant-based option.
βFAQs
Q: Can I use sweetened applesauce?
A: Yes, but reduce the sugar by 1β2 tablespoons depending on your sweetness preference.
Q: Is this W-W friendly?
A: Absolutelyβwith a few tweaks. Use ΒΎ cup whole wheat flour, monk fruit sweetener, and nonfat Greek yogurt to lower points.
Q: Can I make it egg-free?
A: Yesβreplace each egg with ΒΌ cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water).
π©βπ³ Kristyβs Note
This is one of those cozy, honest bakes I love to make at the end of a long day. The smell alone fills the kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. Whether you keep it simple or customize it with mix-ins, itβs the kind of everyday recipe that never fails.
π More Cozy Quick Breads
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Cinnamon Swirl Greek Yogurt Bread
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W-W Zucchini Banana Bread
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Pumpkin Oat Bread with Maple Glaze
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Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Loaf
π Letβs Bake Together!
Did you try this Applesauce Bread? Iβd love to hear how it turned out!
πΈ Tag me @KristyCookRecipes or drop your variation in the comments below.
Letβs keep baking healthy, happy, and delicious!