Cinnamon Spice Applesauce Bread with Honey Butter
The bread is supremely moist and soft, with just enough cinnamon to complement the applesauce, without being overpowering. It’s more like an apple spice cake baked in a loaf pan than bread. The crust is slightly firmer and chewier, while the interior is soft and fluffy. I used cinnamon applesauce and if using plain, consider adding additional cinnamon to the batter. I used coconut oil, and the bread doesn’t taste like coconut, but substitute with your favorite oil or melted butter if concerned. Make sure the butter for the honey butter is extremely soft or you’ll have a hard time whisking it together.
The bread is supremely moist and soft, with just enough cinnamon to complement the applesauce, without being overpowering. It’s more like an apple spice cake baked in a loaf pan than bread. The crust is slightly firmer and chewier, while the interior is soft and fluffy. I used cinnamon applesauce and if using plain, consider adding additional cinnamon to the batter. I used coconut oil, and the bread doesn’t taste like coconut, but substitute with your favorite oil or melted butter if concerned. Make sure the butter for the honey butter is extremely soft or you’ll have a hard time whisking it together.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- pinch salt optional and to taste
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 cup cinnamon applesauce (plain may be substituted consider adding more cinnamon)
- 1/2 cup meltedâ coconut oilâ (canola or vegetable oil or me
- 1/4 cup sour cream (lite okay greek yogurt may be substituted)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (not teaspoon)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter extremely soft
- 1/4 cup honey or to taste
- pinch cinnamon optional and to taste
- Carbohydrate 29.0816888930532 g
- Cholesterol 183.02203705961 mg
- Fat 36.1022991185606 g
- Fiber 0.71455556634062 g
- Protein 6.00466936897012 g
- Saturated Fat 21.9060890816891 g
- Serving Size 1 1 x5 loaf, 12 hearty slice (115g)
- Sodium 504.776162779702 mg
- Sugar 28.3671333267125 g
- Trans Fat 2.94817160112817 g
- Calories 461 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with floured cooking spray, or grease and flour the pan; set aside (don’t use an 8-by-4-inch pan; it’s too small)
- In a large bowl, whisk together the first 7 ingredients, through optional salt.
- Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and stir until just combined; don’t overmix. Batter will be thick and with a few lumps. Don’t try to stir the lumps smooth.
- Turn batter out into prepared pan, smoothing the surface lightly with a spatula.
- Bake for about 56 to 63 minutes (I baked exactly 60), or until top is set and firm, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, or with a few moist crumbs, but no batter. In the last 15 minutes of cooking, tent bread with a sheet of foil (lay it loosely over top of pan) if your bread is looking a bit darker before you anticipate the center to cook through fully; I tented mine.
- Allow bread to cool in pan on top a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before turning out onto rack to cool completely.
- Bread will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 5 days, or may be frozen for up to 6 months. Serve plain, with honey butter, with a butter and confectioners’ sugar glaze or a vanilla cream cheese glaze.
- Combine the butter (make sure it’s extremely soft and squishy), honey, and optional cinnamon in a small bowl and whisk vigorously until smooth and fluffy. Extra portion will keep airtight in the fridge for at least 1 month.
The Comfort of Cinnamon Spice Applesauce Bread
The aroma of freshly baked bread, especially when it's infused with warm cinnamon and the sweetness of applesauce, is enough to transport me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. The scent alone evokes memories of cozy Sunday mornings, family gatherings, and the simple pleasure of sharing a warm slice of homemade goodness. This Cinnamon Spice Applesauce Bread recipe isn't just about baking; it’s about creating an experience, a sensory journey that connects us to the heart of home. It's a recipe I've perfected over the years, tweaked and refined to achieve that perfect balance of moist, tender crumb and a subtly sweet, spiced flavor.
The beauty of this bread lies in its simplicity. It’s not overly complicated, requiring no special equipment or obscure ingredients. Just simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly magical. The applesauce adds incredible moisture, resulting in a bread that is soft and fluffy, unlike any dry, store-bought loaf. And the touch of cinnamon? It's the perfect complement, adding a warm, comforting spice that lingers on the palate. It’s the kind of bread that disappears quickly, leaving everyone wanting more. Whether served warm from the oven or slightly cooled, it's the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee, or perhaps a dollop of creamy honey butter.
More than just a recipe: This is a story of comfort food, of family traditions, and the joy of creating something beautiful from humble beginnings. The act of baking itself is therapeutic – the gentle mixing, the anticipation of the rising dough, the intoxicating aroma filling the kitchen. It's a mindful process that allows me to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with something deeper. And for me, sharing this bread with loved ones is the most rewarding part of the experience.
I often think about the women in my family who came before me – my grandmother, my mother, aunts – and the countless loaves of bread they baked. Their hands, weathered and worn from years of labor, kneaded dough and created memories with every loaf. This recipe carries forward that legacy, a thread connecting generations through the simple act of baking. The warmth, the love, the care that goes into the making of this bread are just as important as the ingredients themselves. It's a recipe for the heart as much as it is for the belly.
Beyond its nostalgic appeal, this bread is remarkably versatile. It can be enjoyed plain, or elevated with a simple honey butter (as described in the recipe), a dusting of powdered sugar, or perhaps even a scoop of ice cream for a truly decadent treat. The possibilities are endless. But whatever way you choose to enjoy it, I hope this recipe brings you the same joy and comfort that it brings to me.
I often find myself baking this bread as a gesture of love and appreciation, a small token of comfort for friends and family going through difficult times. There's something incredibly comforting about the warmth of freshly baked bread, its ability to bring people together and create shared moments. It’s a small act of kindness that speaks volumes.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a sensory journey with this recipe. Let the aroma of cinnamon and applesauce fill your kitchen, let the warmth of the oven soothe your soul, and let the simple act of baking create a lasting memory. After all, it's more than just bread; it's a story waiting to be told.
Baking is a journey: It’s a process that invites us to slow down, to pay attention to the details, and to appreciate the beauty of simple ingredients transforming into something delicious. It's a meditative practice that connects us to our heritage, our emotions, and the people we share our creations with.
As a regular woman navigating the daily chaos of life, this bread represents solace and accomplishment. It’s a tangible representation of my ability to create something beautiful amidst the demands of my day. It’s a simple pleasure that reminds me of the importance of taking time for myself and the things that bring me joy.
