Applesauce Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe

Name: Applesauce Pumpkin Spice Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 85 min
Ingredients: cooking spray; 3.5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 1.5 tablespoons ground nutmeg; 2 teaspoons ground cloves; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon baking powder; 2 cups dark brown sugar; 1 cup white sugar; 1 cup unsweetened applesauce; 4 eggs, lightly beaten; 1 (15 ounce) can solid-pack pumpkin; 0.5 cup water

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients

Cooking spray
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoons ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
teaspoon baking powder
2 cups dark brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 (15-ounce) can solid-pack pumpkin
cup water

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grease two loaf pans with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, baking soda, salt, and baking powder.
In another large bowl, combine the brown sugar, white sugar, applesauce, and eggs. Stir in the pumpkin and mix until smooth.
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the water. Be sure to mix well between additions.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, invert the loaves onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Cook's Note

Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste! You can also try adding chopped apples or nuts for a different texture.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	197
Total Fat	1g (2% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat	1g (3% Daily Value)
Cholesterol	31mg (10% Daily Value)
Sodium	220mg (10% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate	44g (16% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber	2g (6% Daily Value)
Total Sugars	28g
Protein	3g (7% Daily Value)
Vitamin C	1mg (1% Daily Value)
Calcium	44mg (3% Daily Value)
Iron	2mg (8% Daily Value)
Potassium	108mg (2% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

Applesauce Pumpkin Spice Bread is a seasonal favorite that blends the warmth of autumn spices with the rich flavor of pumpkin. This bread is known for its moist texture, warm spices, and aromatic scent that fills the kitchen during baking. It has become a beloved treat, especially during the fall and holiday season. But what makes this bread so special? Let's dive into its history, regional variations, and unique features that set it apart from other similar desserts.

History and Origins

The tradition of baking pumpkin bread can be traced back to the early American settlers who utilized pumpkins, a native crop, in many dishes. However, Applesauce Pumpkin Spice Bread, as we know it today, likely evolved in the 20th century as a creative twist on the classic pumpkin bread recipes. The use of applesauce adds moisture and sweetness without the need for excessive fats, making it a healthier alternative. Pumpkin bread itself was influenced by European recipes for quick breads that featured ingredients like spices, nuts, and fruit, blending them into an easy-to-make loaf.

Regional Variations

While Applesauce Pumpkin Spice Bread is enjoyed across the United States, certain regions have their own take on the recipe. In the Midwest, known for its pumpkin production, the bread may feature local ingredients like apples from the surrounding orchards or spices such as cardamom and allspice. In contrast, the Northeast, where pumpkins and apples are in abundance, often incorporates both ingredients into the recipe, emphasizing a balance of flavors. In more Southern regions, bakers may swap out some of the spices for a less intense flavor profile, sometimes opting for a more subtle cinnamon-forward bread.

What Sets It Apart from Similar Breads?

At first glance, Applesauce Pumpkin Spice Bread might appear similar to other spiced breads like banana bread or zucchini bread, but there are a few key differences that make it stand out. First, the combination of pumpkin and applesauce creates a distinctively moist texture, which is less common in other quick breads that rely solely on fruit or vegetables. The spices in this breadcinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and gingergive it a deeper warmth, making it ideal for fall. Additionally, the use of pumpkin gives the bread a unique flavor that sets it apart from other spiced breads that use fruits like bananas or apples.

Where is It Typically Served?

Applesauce Pumpkin Spice Bread is commonly served during fall gatherings, Thanksgiving celebrations, and holiday parties. Its rich, comforting flavor makes it a perfect companion for a cozy morning coffee or afternoon tea. It is also a popular item to bring to potlucks, bake sales, and other community events. Because it freezes well, this bread is often made in advance and shared with friends and family during the cooler months. Many people enjoy it as a breakfast bread, but it also works wonderfully as a dessert or snack throughout the day.

Interesting Facts

The use of applesauce in baking dates back to the early 1900s when it became popular as a substitute for fat in recipes during the World War II rationing era.
Pumpkin, a key ingredient in the bread, is not only delicious but also rich in nutrients. It's high in vitamins A and C, making it a healthy addition to your baking repertoire.
Many people like to customize their Applesauce Pumpkin Spice Bread by adding nuts such as walnuts or pecans, or even incorporating raisins for a burst of sweetness. These additions enhance the texture and flavor of the bread.
The spices used in the breadcinnamon, nutmeg, and clovesare often associated with fall, and their aromas are known to evoke memories of warm, cozy moments by the fireplace.

Conclusion

Applesauce Pumpkin Spice Bread is a flavorful, comforting treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite. With its rich history, regional variations, and distinct flavor profile, it's no wonder this recipe has become a favorite across the United States. Whether you're baking it for a special occasion or simply enjoying it with a hot beverage, this bread is sure to warm both your heart and your home.

FAQ about Applesauce Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing to prevent freezer burn.

Yes, you can make this bread a day or two ahead of time. In fact, the flavor tends to improve as it sits. Just store it properly in an airtight container and keep it at room temperature. For longer storage, consider freezing the bread.

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, gluten-free flour, or other flours of your choice. If using a gluten-free flour blend, make sure it includes a binder like xanthan gum to maintain the texture of the bread.

You can substitute the applesauce with mashed bananas or yogurt for a different flavor. However, keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly depending on the substitute.

Yes! You can add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Raisins, cranberries, or even chocolate chips can also be great additions. Just fold them into the batter before baking.

To avoid dense bread, make sure not to overmix the batter. Once the ingredients are combined, stop mixing. Also, ensure you are using the correct measurements for the baking soda and powder, as they help the bread rise.

You can adjust the sugar and spice levels to suit your taste. If you find it too sweet, reduce the sugar slightly. If the spices are too strong, cut back on them by a teaspoon or two.

Yes, you can use a muffin tin instead of loaf pans. Just reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. This will give you individual servings of pumpkin spice bread.

Yes, canned pumpkin works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure you are using solid-pack pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugars and spices.

If your bread didn't rise as expected, it could be due to expired baking soda or baking powder, or perhaps the batter was overmixed. Ensure your leavening agents are fresh and mix gently.

Yes, you can freeze this bread. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.

Comments

Virginia Martin

03/25/2024 07:06:50 AM

I've tried this recipe several times and decided to make a few changes. Firstly, I halved the recipe and used miniature loaf pans to create three smaller loaves, perfect for freezing. I also opted to skip the white sugar and instead included raisins and nuts. This has become a household favorite, with requests for the recipe coming in regularly!

Kathleen Flores

09/06/2024 05:35:09 PM

Current Version: It's in the oven now! I don't care much for people who make a recipe and then change half of it, so I tried to follow this to the tea. Skipped right over that it said 2 TABLESPOONS of nutmeg, so that worked out ok. There was only one thing I planned to change when I was reading over the recipe, and that was the water. In making cakes and breaded like this, I always replace the water with buttermilk (or milk and vinegar). It just makes a richer taste to me. By tasting the batter, I would probably use less cloves and a little less cinnamon, and I'm a cinnamon lover! I also stirred about 1/2 c pecans into one loaf, just to try. Can't wait to taste it when it's done! Revised Version: The bread is currently baking in the oven! I prefer to follow recipes without making too many alterations, so I stuck closely to this one. I accidentally overlooked the instruction for 2 tablespoons of nutmeg, but it seems to be turning out fine. The only change I made to the recipe was swapping out the water for buttermilk, as I find it adds a richer flavor. After tasting the batter, I might reduce the amount of cloves and cinnamon slightly, despite my love for cinnamon. I also decided to mix in about 1/2 cup of pecans into one of the loaves for a little extra crunch. I'm eagerly looking forward to trying it once it's ready!

Jeffrey Harris

05/14/2025 02:07:30 PM

I found the spice measurements to be significantly inaccurate. Despite my initial doubts while preparing the batter, I chose to follow the recipe closely for the first try. Regrettably, the result was 48 muffins with an overpowering taste of cloves, leading to their disposal. A disappointing outcome.

Frank Diaz

09/26/2023 11:03:13 AM

This recipe has way too much ground cloves and sugar. If you decide to give it a try, I recommend adjusting the measurements for ginger and cloves by swapping them, but using only half the amount of cloves. Additionally, it doesn't make sense to use such a large amount of sugar when trying to remove the oil. I would suggest reducing the granulated sugar by about 1/4 cup and the dark brown sugar by about 1/2 cup. Personally, I don't think I'll be making this recipe again, as I have a phenomenal one from a 1970s church cookbook that I prefer.

Aaron Mitchell

04/18/2024 04:34:32 AM

11/8/16 The house was filled with a delightful aroma while this was baking in the oven. I decided to make three mini loaves by halving the recipe instead of one regular loaf. The result was incredibly moist, packed with autumn spices, and rich in pumpkin flavor. It was a bit too sweet for our liking (a matter of personal taste), so I plan to reduce the sugar in my next attempt. I followed the recipe closely but added chopped pecans for extra texture. Overall, this quick bread is delicious and stands up admirably to other pumpkin breads I've tried!

Kenneth Mitchell

03/20/2025 11:31:20 PM

I enhanced the recipe by including 1 cup of golden raisins, 1 cup of chopped pecans, and 1/4 tsp. of ground cloves. It would also be delicious with chopped dates, walnuts, or toasted slivered almonds. I found it particularly delightful when paired with plain cream cheese, as it was the only option available. To preserve one loaf, I wrapped it first with cling wrap and then with heavy-duty foil before freezing.

Nicholas Miller

09/28/2024 05:40:35 AM

Great recipe! I definitely plan on making it again. This bread is wonderfully dense and packed with flavor. I made a couple of tweaks, swapping water for buttermilk and reducing the nutmeg to 1.5 teaspoons instead of tablespoons as called for in the recipe. Looking forward to experimenting with adding raisins and chopped apples next time!

Lisa Davis

04/30/2025 04:39:46 PM

Rewritten review: I absolutely love this bread! I replaced white sugar with stevia and threw in some chopped walnut and pecan halves. It turned out so hearty, rustic, and incredibly flavorful. For my next loaf, I'm thinking of incorporating butterscotch flavoring or maybe adding caramel. It's a hit - my husband even joked about creating candles that smell like this bread!

Mary White

08/10/2023 09:38:14 PM

Extremely moist and flavorful bread! The spices were slightly strong, overshadowing the pumpkin flavor. I decided to make another batch for a friend but reduced the sugar and trimmed down the spices, except for the cinnamon - I adore cinnamon and it came out just right! Everyone has different taste preferences, so a little adjustment is always beneficial! Despite that, the bread was a huge success! It was absolutely delicious! This recipe is going in my collection for sure.

Timothy Cruz

11/02/2022 06:03:09 PM

This was fantastic! Thank you for sharing!

Michael Lopez

08/30/2024 07:22:42 PM

This recipe is excellent - moist and flavorful. My husband absolutely loved it!

George Roberts

12/05/2023 01:47:36 PM

I was a bit apprehensive about the amount of spices in the recipe, but overall the pumpkin bread turned out to be delicious! I made it for a group of 8-11 year old girls to introduce them to my love for pumpkin bread. After it baked and I tasted it, I was won over by the flavor. However, I felt it needed a creamy and sweet touch, so I decided to add a cream cheese frosting. The girls' enthusiastic reactions made me realize that I hit a home run with my creation.

Jonathan Walker

12/18/2022 08:54:23 AM

Not bad. Reduced the amount of spices. Substituted 1 cup of whole wheat flour and added a bit of wheat germ.

Sarah Moore

06/13/2023 12:33:29 AM

Several reviews mentioned that the dish was overly sweet and spicy. Following the advice, I reduced the amount of spices and sugar by half. However, the end result was lacking in flavor. A disappointing outcome.

audio version

Applesauce Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe

Ingredients