Easy Applesauce Bread Recipe (with Oatmeal)
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Our homemade applesauce bread recipe is moist, tender, and bursting with the essence of apples. This easy quick bread will fill your kitchen with the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread with warm spices.
I adore baking quick bread recipes whether it’s a loaf, muffins, sweet, or savory. If you’re a quick bread lover like me, try this Banana Bread recipe that also uses the benefits of applesauce. Other quick bread that we can’t get enough of is our gluten-free Cherry Bread, our popular Basic Muffins, and sweet, tart, and crunchy Strawberry Rhubarb Bread.

Today, I’m excited to share a simple and mouthwatering recipe for Applesauce Quick Bread. This delightful treat combines the goodness of applesauce with the warm fall flavors of cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Get your aprons on, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the world of baking!
Why you’ll love Applesauce Bread
Quick bread recipe. There’s no dealing with yeast and rising times, and you can have a loaf of homemade bread in no time.
Gifting – Nothing says love like gifting a loaf of homemade bread. It fills me with joy when I share home-baked goods. So whether you’re baking for the holidays or just to let someone know you’re thinking about them, your own homemade Spiced Applesauce Bread will be appreciated.
Easy recipe. There’s nothing difficult about putting this bread together. The technique is simple and ingredients are probably already in your pantry.

Why use Applesauce in homemade baked goods?
Unsweetened applesauce is a versatile ingredient that brings numerous benefits to baked goods. Let me share with you why incorporating unsweetened applesauce in your recipes is a great choice!
- Natural Sweetness: Unsweetened applesauce adds natural sweetness to your baked goods without the need for excessive amounts of refined sugar. The sweetness comes from the natural sugars present in apples, offering a healthier alternative while still satisfying your sweet tooth. It also adds the essence of apple flavor.
- Moisture and Tenderness: One of the remarkable qualities of unsweetened applesauce is its ability to keep baked goods moist and tender. When used in recipes like cakes, muffins, or bread, it helps retain moisture, resulting in a delightful texture that’s soft and moist with every bite.
- Fat Reduction: Applesauce can be used as a substitute for butter or oil in certain recipes, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to reduce fat content. By replacing a portion or even the entirety of the fat in a recipe with unsweetened applesauce, you can enjoy lighter and healthier treats without sacrificing taste or texture.
Easy Applesauce Bread Ingredients and Variations
Please note, that the printable recipe card has the full list of ingredients, quantities, complete instructions, and nutritional information. The following is a quick overview of the recipe.
Unsweetened Applesauce. I use store-bought applesauce. You can make your own homemade applesauce as well.
Eggs. Grade A large eggs were used in this recipe.
Vegetable oil. Canola, or another neutral-flavored cooking oil.
Sugar. White granulated sugar. You can also use half brown sugar and half white sugar for a hint of molasses flavor or coconut sugar.
Vanilla. Pure vanilla extract is what we prefer. Use what you have.
Flour. This recipe uses a flour blend of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour. You can use just the all-purpose flour but, I haven’t t tested this recipe using just wheat flour.
Baking powder and baking soda. Make sure these ingredients are replaced every six months to ensure that they’re active.
Spices. Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice give this bread a warm and aromatic flavor. You can substitute with equal amounts of apple pie spice.
Salt. I prefer using fine sea salt in my baking. It distributes and dissolves better eliminating pockets of salt in the batter.
Rolled Oats. The nutty flavor works in this Oatmeal Applesauce Bread and gives the benefit of more fiber.

Variations – Make it your own!
It’s so easy to make this into whole different bread. Add chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, raisins, and chopped pecans.
Add a crumb topping (streusel) like we did with our Pumpkin Apple bread. It adds a delicious crunch and great flavor.
Make applesauce muffins. This delicious muffin making it an easy breakfast or snack.
How to make Applesauce Oatmeal Bread
Step 1: Preparing the Bread Batter: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with a little bit of oil or butter or even just a spritz of non-stick cooking spray. Now, let’s start making the batter!
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine (dry ingredients) the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Give it a gentle whisk to ensure all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Next, in a separate larger bowl, add (wet mixture) the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, egg, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it forms a smooth mixture.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can result in a dense loaf of bread.
Step 2: Baking the Bread: Now that our batter is ready, pour it into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to even out the top and make sure it spreads evenly.
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50-60 minutes. To check if the bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready!
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Tips
Here’s the best way to store this mouthwatering treat, ensuring it stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
- Completely Cooled Loaf: Once you’ve taken the applesauce bread out of the oven, allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. This step prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which could make the bread soggy.
- Airtight Container: To maintain the bread’s moisture and prevent it from drying out, store it in an airtight container. A resealable plastic bag or a tightly sealed food storage container would work perfectly for this.
- Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the bread within 1–2 days, storing it at room temperature is ideal. Just make sure the room is relatively cool and dry. Placing it in the pantry or on the kitchen counter away from direct sunlight should do the trick.
- Refrigeration (for longer storage): If you think it will take longer to finish the bread or if the weather is particularly warm and humid, consider refrigerating it. Wrap the bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the fridge. This helps retain its moisture and flavor while also preventing it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
- Freezing (for extended storage): For longer-term storage (up to 3 months), freezing is the way to go. Ensure the bread is completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag. You can also slice the bread before freezing to make it easier to thaw individual portions.
- Thawing Frozen Bread: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen applesauce bread, simply take out the desired number of slices and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for a warm after-school snack.

There you have it. I hope you enjoy this simple recipe for Applesauce Bread I think you’ll like our Banana Bread with Applesauce, Banana Blueberry Muffins Recipe, or this amazing Apple Pull-Apart bread. They’re a wonderful way to enjoy the flavor and spice in a homemade treat. Here are a few more recipes you may enjoy:
My husband and I ate the whole darned thing. We ate it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It was moist and just sweet enough.
I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe as much as we do. Drop me a comment below, and don’t forget to give it a star rating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Your comments and ratings help others decide if this recipe is for them too.
This Oatmeal Applesauce Bread Recipe was originally shared on July 14, 2014 so it was due for an update. I’ve included tips to help you make this beautiful aromatic bread.
This recipe was originally made as a part of a challenge for the “Bread Bakers” group hosted by Kids and Chic, and our challenge was to create a bread using “oats”.
If you are a food blogger and would like to join us, just send Stacy an email with your blog URL to [email protected].
Oatmeal Bread Recipes
- Applesauce Oatmeal Bread from Hostess at Heart
- Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Bread from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Honey Oatmeal Bread from Recipes, Food and Cooking
- Honey Oatmeal Bread from A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Honey-Oatmeal Muffins from A Baker’s House
- Honey Oats Bread Loaf from Gayathri’s Cook Spot
- Honey Nut Oatmeal Waffles from Magnolia Days
- Honey Wheat Oat Bread from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Lemon Blueberry Oat Bread from Kids & Chic
- Multigrain Twist Bread from What Smells So Good?
- Oat Breadsticks from Passion Kneaded
- Oatmeal Stout Loaf from Food Lust People Love
- Oat & Honey Bread from La Cocina de Aisha
- Oats and Millet Idli from Spice Roots
- Oats Garlic Kulcha from SimplyVeggies
- Triple Seeded Oat Bread from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
I would like to dedicate this post to Selma who lost her battle to cancer on July 4th, 2015. Selma also loved baking bread and was a talented baker, friend, mother and so much more. She had a sourdough starter that she called “Twinkle”. Selma sent me some of this starter that I cherish and it began my love affair with sourdough that I’ve shared with so many of you.
Julie I love your loaf of Applesauce Oatmeal bread. Your mum’s time sounds like the same as my dad’s and mum’s time. I remember my dad’s sis sharing a similar situation when I was there this time for Mum’s funeral and 40th day. Makes us want to enjoy every moment of life! Thanks for sharing the recipe and your beautiful family history.
Thank you Georgina! This bread was very good. Did you mean your mum passed at 40 years old? That is horrible and so sad. I am so grateful for everything that I have. There are still so many with so little. I appreciate such a great comment!
What a beautiful bread with applesauce.
Thank you! Easy and yummy!
I love your bread with apple sauce and the story of your mom u shared with us……….
Thank you so much! The bread is very good and would be great with nuts and fruit baked in. Isn’t it true that our childhood often forms are actions for life? Enjoy your day and thank you for stopping by.
That is a handsome loaf of bread, Julie. Can you call a loaf of bread handsome? ๐ Thanks for dedicating this to Selma. She would have loved how easily it came together, yet delicious and with that toothsome crumb. Can you call crumb toothsome? ๐
Ha thank you Angie! I am always calling bread beautiful so yes we can say what ever we want. Selma would have given me way to much credit than what this bread deserved. She was so supportive and gave us newbies confidence to begin the scary world of blogging.
Woweeee what a crumptious looking bread this is… feel like grabbing a slice from my screen… yumm:)
Ha! Thank you Chitra! You are sweeter than what this bread was, and wish I could share a piece with you!
What a wholesome snack! I love this ๐
Thank you Amy! It was delicious and would be great adding nuts or fruit too!
Thank you so much for joining us with this delicious sounding and looking bread! Selma would have loved it, no doubt.
Thank you Sue. I think she would have too. She was so gracious and supportive that she would have stopped by and given me a heck of a lot more kudos than the recipe is worth.
What a gorgeous loaf! Love the cracked top and the perfect crumb!
Thank you Anna! It was delicious and easy to make. I appreciate your stopping by!
Your bread looks amazing and I love your memories about your mother. ๐
Thank you Ana! I am sure your stories would be very interesting as well. We will have to talk about it when we get together! ๐
I would love to! ๐
Me too!
I love oatmeal bread! It has such a hearty and delicious texture!
I agree Liz! It’s something that I’ve always loved so really enjoyed this challenge. Thank you for stopping by!
Such a delicious looking quick bread.. Will try this one with some mixed nuts, would be great with a cup of tea or coffee..
Thank you Sona! You are so right. This bread would be delicious with some nuts or fruit combined. It was a quick and easy bread to put together.
Your bread and accompanying story are beautiful. I participate in just about every bread challenge I can too.
Thank you Karen! Bread Bakers are just the best people aren’t they?
Your bread looks really good! I can bake a no knead bread without a recipe. Does that count? I still need to weigh everything but I know the ratio that I like.
Thank you! That totally counts! Baking anything without a recipe is impressive in my book!
A perfect bread to enjoy with your coffee in the morning. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Wendy! It would be perfect with a cup of coffee!
Love the addition of applesauce in this bread, very yummy.
Thank you Kathia! You could load this bread up with anything you like!
I love the addition of apple sauce in this hearty bread.
Thank you Veronica! Next time I will add chunks of apples too.
My mom was one of 15, French Canadian Catholic family and grew up with very little too. She became a hreat cook out of necessity. When she misses her sisters(13 girls, 2 boys), she eats a slice of white bread with mustard to remind herself of childhood. We hosted a Fresh Air boy one summer and he was always hoarding food because of going without so ften. I found him eating crackers with mustard and told my mom about it. She said feed that boy all he wants. He knows what it’s liek to starve. Regardless of this, my mom has always been a glass half full person, an optimist, a survivor who inspires me. I am typing this as I sit waiting for a connecting flight to visit her!
Love that story Johanne! 15 with 13 being girls? Lots of help in that kitchen. My mother has an eating disorder like that. Every conversation she has is about food. I understand it, but am so glad that I never had to live through these times or worry about where my next meal was coming from. I never have heard the reference “Fresh Air” boy. That couldn’t have been easy. It was great that you have the advice of your mother to deal with it.
From Seville I can smell this delicious bread. Mothers and grandmothers make wonderful breads without a recipe ahead. Thank Cali for bake with us
Thank you so much! I think these skills were passed from one generation to another. That is one of the best gifts to be given. Thank you so much for hosting #breadbakers this month! I loved our theme.
My goodness, that surely points things in perspective for so many of us. To be appreciative of the luxuries we have to make and share meals from our kitchen without worrying to the penny about the grocery list is a tremendous gift. Thanks for sharing your family’s history and this bread too.
Thank you Holly! I am definitely spoiled, and am very grateful for it!
In those times, it took a lot of effort to put that bread on the table for the bread earner and the bread maker. Makes us feel thankful for what we have.
Love the flavors in your bread.
Thank you! You are so right, and they never whined about it. Humbles me!
Something wonderful to make with the apples this fall. Yum!
Thanks Debbie! This bread can just be loaded up with anything you like and it will be a fall favorite of mine too!
Each fall we go apple picking and end up making lots of applesauce. Going to save this recipe to use then!
I love apple anything! Especially in the fall. Thank you for stopping by!
Very nice loaf! I imagine that applesauce gives a very nice flavor as well as an interesting texture.
Thank you Cali! This was a very moist loaf of bread and so easy to put together.
Very nice and delicious looking bread. My mother also grew up in a family where they would not sit in the presence of the father. I think it was those times where the man of the house was the sole bread winner and disciplinarian kind. Now times have really changed. My generation fathers are the doting kinds and the present generation fathers are friends and confidantes of their young ones.
Easy yummy bread skd! You are correct, fathers weren’t hands on and bared the burden of providing in tough times. I’m so glad that the men in my life were loving care givers and played a role in raising their children. I think, especially as girls, we are smarter when it comes to our own relationships.
Nice quick bread! Wish I could bake bread without a recipe.
Thank you Renee! There are just so many that I want to try that I don’t think I will ever settle on just one so my memory isn’t going to help at all! I see all of the breads that all of our bread bakers bring and I just want to try them all!