Applesauce Walnut Bread

Autumn on the East Coast is one of those rare seasons that makes me immensely happy to live here. The crisp, cool air, lack of humidity, pumpkin and apple picking, hayrides, baked goods, cider drinking—I love it all. And if you, like me (and everyone else with children), went apple picking this past weekend and have since found yourself with pounds and pounds of apples as a result, I have the perfect solution. 

When we arrived home with our six-plus pounds of apples (I’m not exaggerating. SIX-PLUS POUNDS), the first thing I did was make a big batch of applesauce. I was able to use eight apples immediately and after 45 minutes of simmering on the stovetop, it was done! Homemade applesauce is so easy to do, my toddler loves it, and—bonus!—there’s no added sugar. I like to keep some in the refrigerator for eating, freeze some for another time, and use some for baking.

Which brings me to the point of this post: Applesauce Walnut Bread. It’s quick to assemble and makes the whole house smell divine as it bakes. Also, to quote Ina Garten, “store-bought is fine” when it comes to the applesauce! I just made my own because…apple picking. 

The bread is tender and spongy, it’s light enough that it won’t weigh you down, and it tastes like the very essence of fall with its batter of apples, spice, and walnuts. Personally, I like to slather it with a dab of salted butter and basically inhale it as I drink my morning coffee. But you could eat this on the run, as an afternoon snack, or even as dessert. Whatever your preferred method of eating apple bread, just be sure to bake this one. It’s delicious and perfect for fall!

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Applesauce Walnut Bread

slightly adapted from American Profile

• Serves: 4-6

• Prep Time: 8 minutes (add 1 hour if you’re making your applesauce)

• Cook Time: 45 minutes (if you’re not using the convection bake setting on your oven, it may take 1 hour)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour

• ¼ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 1/8 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 egg

• ½ cup applesauce (if you go the homemade route,  make this one!)

• ½ cup granulated sugar, plus 1 tablespoon set aside

• ¼ cup canola oil

• 1 ½ tablespoons milk

• ¾ cup chopped walnuts

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, set aside

Directions:

Preheat oven to “convection bake” 350°. Grease a loaf pan with baking spray.

In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. 

In a small bowl, whisk egg, applesauce, sugar, oil, and milk. 

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing until well incorporated. Stir in the walnuts. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. 

Combine the remaining granulated sugar and brown sugar, then sprinkle over the top. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.