Applesauce Cinnamon Quick Bread

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Oh, for the love of applesauce and cinnamon. A flavor combo that stands the test of time. Sure, we combine them in pies, cakes, crisps and muffins. But what about quick bread? I had this loaf prepped and in the oven in 10 minutes. Then I sat back, feet up, tea in hand, and let it bake away for 55 minutes on the dot. What emerged from my oven? A glorious moist applesauce loaf that I swear the neighbors could smell from their place - the aromas of sweet cinnamon wafting out the open window !

If you prefer , bake it with chunky applesauce for extra texture. But for us, we prefer the smooth kind and it works so well in this recipe. As far as cinnamon goes, this is where being cheap on adding spices won't cut it. You want to add 2 level tablespoons of cinnamon to get the right flavor in this loaf. Don't be afraid. Just go for it.

You don't need too much oil or more than 1 egg in this recipe. You don't lose the moistness factor as a result either. The applesauce takes care of that nicely.

Eat it plain or topped with butter, cream cheese... even apple butter sounds fantastic. My daughter really likes her toasted. Whichever way you slice it, this bread is a winner!

I didn't frost this loaf as I did with my chocolate loaf but it is safe to say that a caramel frosting would be the cat's meow on this !

Are you ready? Haul out that loaf pan and let's get at it.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup chunky applesauce
  • 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ........................
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts, divided
  • 1/2 cup raisins

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Spray a large loaf pan with baking spray (preferably the kind with added flour)

3. Ia a large bowl, whisk together first 4 ingredients.

4. In a medium bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients.

5. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients blending just until combined. Stir in 1/2 cup of the walnuts and all the raisins. Pour batter into 9x5-inch loaf pan sprayed with no stick cooking spray. Sprinkle top evenly with remaining 1/2 cup walnuts. Feel free to sprinkle with some turbinado sugar now if you like.

6. Bake 55-60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely on wire rack.

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