There is nothing quite as comforting and soul-warming as baking something that fills your kitchen with the scent of cozy spices and sweet apples. This Apple Spiced Applesauce Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe brings together soft, moist applesauce bread infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, topped with a luscious maple glaze that adds the perfect touch of sweetness and shine. It’s ideal for a weekend brunch, a festive dessert, or simply whenever you need a hug in food form. Get ready to create a loaf that tastes like autumn and feels like home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A silver rectangular baking pan filled with a smooth, light brown batter that has a slightly uneven, bubbly surface, sitting on a white marbled texture. Around it, on the top left, there is a carton holding two brown eggs, to the top right, a round bowl filled with white flour, and near it a small clear glass bowl containing a dark amber liquid. The overall setting shows a simple preparation stage of a baked item, viewed from above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to achieving this amazing bread’s irresistible flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the airy flour base to the warm spices and the rich glaze that ties everything together.

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure while keeping the bread tender.
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the loaf rise and stay light.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidity in applesauce to give a perfect crumb.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and classic spice sweetness.
1 teaspoon nutmeg: Introduces a cozy, nutty depth to the flavor.
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Enhances the spice profile with subtle, aromatic notes.
1 cup unsweetened applesauce: The star ingredient bringing moisture and natural sweetness.
3/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender; feel free to use olive or coconut oil for a twist.
1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and balanced texture.
1/3 cup light brown sugar: Adds an extra hint of caramel flavor and moisture.
1 teaspoon salt: Elevates the flavors by balancing sweetness and spices.
3 large eggs: Bind everything together and enrich the batter.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a lovely sweetness and rounds out the spice notes.
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze): The base of the maple glaze, providing sweetness and smooth texture.
2 tablespoons real maple syrup: Gives the glaze an earthy sweetness and beautiful shine.
2 tablespoons milk: Thins the glaze to a perfect drizzle consistency.

How to Make Apple Spiced Applesauce Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This step ensures your bread will bake evenly and release effortlessly when it’s done. Setting up early makes the baking process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This blend of spices mixed with the leavening agents creates the warm, inviting flavor and proper rise for your bread. Make sure everything is well combined to distribute these flavors evenly.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, stir the applesauce, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and salt until fully combined. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time and add the vanilla extract. This wet mixture brings moisture, sweetness, and body to the bread that will complement the spices beautifully.

Step 4: Bring it All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix with a spatula. The batter will have a few small lumps, and that’s perfect — don’t overmix. Overworking the flour can make the bread tough instead of tender, so fold just enough to combine everything.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and pop it in the oven for 60 to 65 minutes. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the incredible aroma of spiced apples. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; when it comes out clean, your bread is ready to be cooled.

Step 6: Cool Before Glazing

Allow the bread to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 20 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto the rack and let it cool fully right side up. This cooling step is crucial before glazing, so the warm bread doesn’t melt the glaze.

Step 7: Make and Drizzle the Maple Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding milk or more powdered sugar a teaspoon at a time until it’s just right for drizzling. Place parchment paper under the rack, then pour the glaze over the cooled loaf. Let it set for about 30 minutes, and your beautiful Apple Spiced Applesauce Bread is ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Apple Spiced Applesauce Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe

A white plate holds three thick slices of brown cake arranged in a slightly overlapping row at the top. Each slice reveals a dense texture with small holes throughout, and a thin layer of smooth, pale cream-colored icing on the top edge. Below the slices, the remaining part of the cake is visible, covered fully with the same creamy icing that has a soft, glossy texture and covers the sides gently. To the right side of the plate, thin pale yellow apple slices with hints of red skin edge the cake. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top of the glaze before it sets. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few thin apple slices scripted across the top complements the flavors and adds a lovely visual appeal that will have guests oohing before the first bite.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread on the side, making breakfast or afternoon tea even more indulgent. Fresh fruit salad or a hot cup of chai tea or coffee elevates the experience by balancing the bread’s sweetness with freshness or spice.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this Apple Spiced Applesauce Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe into a gift by wrapping slices in parchment paper tied with twine. It’s also fantastic toasted lightly and served alongside vanilla ice cream or dollops of whipped cream for a simple but elegant dessert that impresses without any extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your leftover bread fresh by covering it tightly and storing at room temperature for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to extend its life, refrigeration can keep it good for about a week, just be sure to bring slices back to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully, making it perfect for making ahead. Wrap the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for several hours.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat slices gently in the toaster oven or microwave for just seconds. This simple step helps restore moistness and lets the maple glaze melt slightly for an irresistible treat.

FAQs

Can I substitute the applesauce with something else?

Applesauce is essential for both moisture and flavor in this recipe. However, you can swap it with mashed banana or pumpkin puree, but expect a slight shift in taste and texture.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the bread will be denser and have a nuttier flavor. Mixing half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour is a good way to maintain tenderness while adding wholesome goodness.

Is it necessary to add all three spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves?

While cinnamon is the star, nutmeg and cloves add beautiful layers of warmth and complexity, making the bread truly special. You can reduce cloves if you prefer a milder spice.

What’s the best way to get a shiny, even glaze?

Make sure your bread is fully cooled before glazing, and use a whisk to get the glaze smooth and lump-free. Drizzle in a consistent pattern and allow the glaze to set undisturbed for the best finish.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based milk for the glaze. Also, ensure the maple syrup you use is pure and vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so wonderfully comforting about this Apple Spiced Applesauce Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe. It’s simple to make, packed with warm flavors, and topped in a way that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this bread promises to become a cherished favorite. So don your apron, preheat that oven, and enjoy every cozy, spiced, maple-kissed moment!