Introduction

This Cinnamon Spice Applesauce Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon tea. Infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, it pairs beautifully with a dollop of sweet honey butter for an irresistible treat.

The image shows two thick slices of brown spiced cake stacked on a white plate with a few crumbs scattered around. The top slice has a melted, creamy white spread applied unevenly across its surface, creating a soft texture contrast. The cake has a moist, crumbly texture with tiny air bubbles and a rich, warm brown color. In the blurred background, part of a red apple and a wooden object can be seen on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 large eggs
1 cup cinnamon applesauce (plain may be substituted; consider adding more cinnamon)
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup melted coconut oil (canola or vegetable oil, or melted butter may be substituted)
¼ cup light brown sugar (packed)
¼ cup sour cream (lite okay; Greek yogurt may be substituted)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt (optional and to taste)
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder

Honey Butter

½ cup unsalted butter (extremely soft)
¼ cup honey (or to taste)
Pinch of cinnamon (optional and to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan by spraying it with floured cooking spray or greasing and flouring the pan. Avoid using an 8-by-4-inch pan as it’s too small.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cinnamon applesauce, granulated sugar, melted coconut oil, light brown sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional salt until well combined.
Step 3: Add the flour, baking soda, and baking powder to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; the batter will be thick with a few lumps. Do not overmix or try to remove all lumps.
Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface lightly with a spatula.
Step 5: Bake for 56 to 63 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the bread begins to brown too quickly in the last 15 minutes, tent it loosely with foil.
Step 6: Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before removing to cool completely.
Step 7: For the honey butter, combine the very soft butter, honey, and optional cinnamon in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously until smooth and fluffy.
Step 8: Serve slices of the bread spread with honey butter. Store any extra honey butter airtight in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Tips & Variations

Substitute plain applesauce for cinnamon-flavored if desired, and add extra cinnamon to maintain the spice flavor.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a slightly tangier taste and added protein.
Adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans can add a pleasant crunch to the bread.
Ensure the butter for the honey butter is extremely soft to achieve a fluffy texture.

Storage

Store the bread airtight at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 6 months. To reheat, warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave until just heated through. Honey butter can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for at least one month.

How to Serve

Two slices of brown cake stacked on a white plate with a white marbled texture in the background. The top slice has melted butter spread unevenly showing some shine and creaminess, with a rough, crumbly texture on the edges. The slices have a dense, moist interior in a uniform brown color, with a slightly darker crust around them. There are a few small crumbs scattered on the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour in this recipe?

All-purpose flour works best for texture and rise, but you can substitute whole wheat flour for half the amount if you prefer a heartier bread. Adjust moisture as needed since whole wheat can absorb more liquid.

Is it necessary to use both baking soda and baking powder?

Yes, the combination helps the bread rise properly and achieve a tender crumb. Baking soda reacts with the acidic sour cream, while baking powder provides additional leavening.