Cinnamon Applesauce Bread Recipe Tastes Better From Scratch

A Sweet Start

I love the smell of cinnamon in my kitchen. It makes the whole house feel cozy. This applesauce bread is one of my favorite things to bake. It is simple and always turns out so moist.

I first made this for my grandson when he was small. He called it “apple cake.” I still laugh at that. Now, he asks for it every time he visits. It feels good to make something that becomes a happy memory.

Why This Bread is Special

The applesauce does a secret job. It makes the bread soft and lets us use less oil. That is a good little trick. The Greek yogurt adds a nice tang. It keeps everything tender.

Using both white and whole wheat flour is my favorite way. It gives the bread a stronger, nutty taste. I think it makes it more interesting. It is a small change that matters a lot.

Mixing it All Together

Remember, do not over-mix the batter. A few lumps are just fine. Over-mixing can make the bread tough. We want it to be soft and light.

When you add the cinnamon and nutmeg, the smell is amazing. It smells like a warm hug. That is the signal that something wonderful is coming. What is your favorite smell from the kitchen? Tell me if you have one.

A Little Story for You

One time, I was out of regular yogurt. I had to use a vanilla yogurt instead. I was a bit worried. But you know what? It turned out just fine, and a little sweeter.

This taught me not to worry so much. Cooking is like a fun experiment. Have you ever had to change an ingredient? How did it work out for you?

The Waiting is the Hardest Part

While the bread bakes, the waiting is hard. But that golden smell filling your house is part of the joy. It builds excitement. Let the bread cool a bit before you slice it.

It will be tempting to cut it right away. I know it is! But waiting helps it set. This makes for a much nicer slice. It is a small act of patience that pays off.

A Fun Fact to Share

Fun fact: Nutmeg comes from the seed of a tropical evergreen tree. It has a warmer, deeper taste than cinnamon. I think they are the best of friends in this bread.

Sharing little facts makes cooking more fun. It connects us to where our food comes from. That connection matters. It turns a simple recipe into a small adventure.

Your Turn to Bake

Now it is your turn. This recipe is very forgiving. Do not be afraid to make it your own. That is how family recipes are born.

Will you try it with nuts or maybe some raisins? Let me know what you add. I would love to hear about your baking adventure. Sharing our kitchen stories is the best part.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Oil	1/2 cup	vegetable oil, canola oil, melted coconut oil, or melted butter
Granulated sugar	3/4 cup
Light brown sugar	1/4 cup	packed
Eggs	2 large
Unsweetened applesauce	1 cup
Greek yogurt	1/4 cup
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
All-purpose flour	1 cup
Whole wheat flour	3/4 cup
Baking soda	1 teaspoon
Baking powder	1/2 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon	1 Tablespoon
Ground nutmeg	1 teaspoon
Salt	pinch	optional and to taste

A Slice of Autumn Comfort

I think some recipes just feel like a hug. This cinnamon applesauce bread is one of them. The smell fills your whole kitchen with warmth. It reminds me of crisp fall days and my own grandma’s apron.

She always said the secret was in the applesauce. It makes the bread so wonderfully moist. And the Greek yogurt? That was my little addition. It gives the bread a nice, tender crumb. I still laugh at my first try. I forgot the baking soda! The loaf was so flat. We called it a cinnamon pancake.

Let’s make a loaf together. It’s simpler than you think. Just follow these steps.

Step 1: First, get your oven ready at 350 degrees. This is like warming up its little bed. Line your loaf pan with parchment paper. A quick spray of oil keeps everything from sticking. (My hard-learned tip: cut the parchment to fit just the bottom. It makes life easier.)

Step 2: Grab a big bowl. Whisk your oil and both sugars together. They will become a sweet, gritty paste. This is the base of all the flavor. Doesn’t that smell amazing already?

Step 3: Crack in the eggs, one at a time. Whisk them in until the mixture is smooth. No yellow streaks should be left. It’s like giving the batter a good stir to wake it up.

Step 4: Now for the good stuff. Pour in the applesauce, vanilla, and yogurt. Stir it all up. The batter will look a bit lumpy and creamy. That is perfectly fine, I promise.

Step 5: Time for the dry team. Add all the flours, spices, and leaveners. Just stir until the flour disappears. A few small lumps are okay! Over-mixing makes tough bread. What spice makes this bread smell like autumn? Share below!

Step 6: Pour your batter into the waiting pan. Spread it into a nice, even layer. I always tap the pan on the counter. It gets rid of any big air bubbles.

Step 7: Bake for about 45 to 55 minutes. Your kitchen will smell incredible. The bread is done when a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. If it has wet batter, it needs more time.

Step 8: Carefully take the pan from the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes. Then, run a knife around the edge. This helps the bread let go. Turn it out onto a rack to cool completely.

Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
Category: Baking, Bread

Three Tasty Twists to Try

This recipe is like a good friend. It’s happy to change things up. Here are a few fun ideas if you’re feeling creative. They are all so delicious.

Apple Crunch: Stir in one chopped apple at the very end. You get a lovely little crunch in every single bite.

Nutty Buddy: Add a half-cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. It gives the soft bread a wonderful, toasty texture.

Chocolate Chip Surprise: Mix in a handful of chocolate chips. The melty chocolate with cinnamon is a dream come true.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

The Perfect Plate and Pairing

A warm slice of this bread is a treat all by itself. But you can make it extra special. I love toasting a slice the next day. I spread a little salted butter on top. It melts right into all the little holes.

For a real dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold is heavenly. A dollop of whipped cream works beautifully, too. It feels so fancy but is so easy.

What should you drink with it? A cold glass of milk is the classic choice. It is always a winner. For the grown-ups, a hot cup of coffee with cream is just right. The bitter coffee loves the sweet, spiced bread. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Cinnamon Applesauce Bread Fresh

This bread stays wonderfully moist. Let it cool completely first. Then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

It will last on your counter for about three days. For longer storage, the freezer is your friend. I slice the loaf first before freezing.

This way I can take out one slice at a time. I remember my first loaf. I left it out uncovered and it dried out so fast.

Batch cooking saves you time later. Making two loaves is just as easy as one. You can enjoy one now and save one for later.

This matters because a ready-made treat makes any day feel special. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Baking Problems

Sometimes the middle of the bread sinks. This often means you over-mixed the batter. Just mix until you see no more dry flour.

I once mixed my batter for five minutes. My bread came out heavy and dense. Now I stir gently and my bread is perfect.

If the top browns too fast, tent it with foil. This stops the top from burning. The inside will keep cooking nicely.

If your bread is too dry, check your oven temperature. An oven that runs hot can ruin a good loaf. An oven thermometer helps a lot.

Fixing these small issues builds your confidence. It also makes your food taste so much better. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Baking Questions Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes. Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Use it in place of both flours.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to mingle.

Q: What can I use instead of yogurt? A: Sour cream works just fine. So does plain yogurt. The goal is to add moisture.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: You can. Just use two loaf pans. Do not put all the batter in one pan.

Q: Is the salt optional? A: I always add it. A pinch of salt makes the sweet spices pop. *Fun fact: Nutmeg is actually a seed!* Which tip will you try first?

Bake With Love and Share the Joy

I hope this recipe brings warmth to your kitchen. The smell of cinnamon baking is pure happiness. It reminds me of my own grandmother.

I love seeing your kitchen creations. It makes my day to see your photos. Sharing food is a way of sharing love.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! I would be so delighted to see your beautiful bread. Happy cooking!

—Grace Ellington.