There’s something magical about baking when the air turns crisp. This article brings you everything you need to know to make moist cinnamon applesauce bread with crumb topping from scratch. You’ll learn its origins, essential ingredients, smart variations, baking tricks, and answers to top questions home bakers ask. And yes—it’s just as comforting as it sounds.
Cinnamon Applesauce Bread: A Slice of Cozy Nostalgia
When I was growing up in Minnesota, my mom had one trick for calming the chaos of a stormy weekend—baking. One rainy Saturday, I came in soaked from soccer practice to the smell of warm cinnamon filling the house. The oven door opened, and there it was: applesauce bread, with a buttery crumb topping that was still crackling from the heat.
She handed me a slice before dinner (which never happened). It was moist, cinnamon-rich, and hugged by a golden crust. That loaf became a ritual. I’ve tested and reworked this version for years to make sure it gives that same joy. And I can confidently say, this moist cinnamon applesauce bread with crumb topping recipe delivers every time.
You’ll find comfort in the tender crumb, warm spice, and that unbeatable topping. If you’ve ever tried apple crisp bars or the creamy center of cinnamon roll cheesecake, you already know how good cinnamon desserts can be. But this bread? It’s a loaf-sized hug.
Applesauce: The Unsung Hero
Unsweetened applesauce does more than add flavor—it locks in moisture and keeps this bread soft for days. It plays beautifully with cinnamon, making the spice shine without overpowering. That means you get just the right balance of sweet, spice, and softness in every bite.
And yes, you can enjoy it morning, noon, or night. It’s as satisfying as hawaiian banana bread but has its own unique charm thanks to that cinnamon-forward profile.
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Moist Cinnamon Applesauce Bread with Crumb Topping
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and warmly spiced cinnamon applesauce bread with a buttery crumb topping. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Crumb Topping: ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp cold butter, ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. In another, whisk eggs, applesauce, oil, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry. Stir gently until just mixed.
- In a small bowl, mix topping ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over batter.
- Bake 50–60 minutes. Cool 10 minutes in pan, then on rack. Slice and enjoy.
Notes
You can freeze slices individually for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: applesauce bread, cinnamon, crumb topping
Cinnamon Applesauce Bread Basics
Ingredients That Make It Special
The star lineup here includes:
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Ground cinnamon
- Brown sugar
- Flour
- Eggs and oil
- Baking powder & soda
The crumb topping needs just four: flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Mixed until crumbly, they bake into a crisp golden lid.
Keep ingredients at room temperature. That helps everything combine smoothly. Stir the batter gently—no need to overmix. The result? A soft, plush loaf.
Texture, Taste, and Timing
This bread isn’t heavy—it’s tender with just the right bite. Applesauce keeps it moist, eggs give structure, and baking soda helps it rise with a little dome.
Bake it at 350°F for 50–60 minutes. Test with a toothpick—look for moist crumbs. If the top darkens too fast, tent with foil halfway through.
Want the cinnamon flavor to shine even more? You’ll love pairing it with a chai latte or hot cocoa. Try that combo with pecan pie balls for dessert layering.
Toppings & Custom Variations
Mastering the Crumb Topping
Cold butter is the secret to a perfect crumble. Cube it, mix with flour and sugar, then sprinkle it generously over your batter before baking. When the oven works its magic, it melts just enough to form golden clumps with crispy edges.
Want more texture? Add chopped pecans to the topping for a subtle crunch. This trick works in cookies and breakfast bakes, like in almond croissant cookies, where crumbly texture meets buttery layers.
Flavor Additions Worth Trying
Customize your loaf with:
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
- Mini chocolate chips
- Diced apples for more apple flavor
- Dried cranberries or raisins
These don’t just change the taste—they add pockets of excitement to each bite. If you’re craving other cozy textures, check out the banana bread recipe—it’s a great base for experimentation too.
Baking & Serving Like a Pro
Smart Baking Tips
Preheat that oven. Line your loaf pan with parchment—it makes removal a breeze. Use a spoon to mix. A mixer can overwork the batter, making the texture tough.
After baking, let the loaf sit in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps it hold its shape and keeps the crumb tender.
Avoid slicing too soon. Letting the bread rest ensures the texture finishes setting. The difference is real.
How to Serve It Best
Serve warm with a little butter. Or toast it the next morning and smear with cream cheese. You can even slice it thick and use it as French toast.
This bread makes a thoughtful gift too. Wrap it in parchment, tie with twine, and you’ve got a homemade treat people actually want. Or do what I do—enjoy a slice while browsing what to bake next, like this strawberry earthquake cake.
FAQs & Final Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Yes, but reduce sugar in the batter by 2–3 tablespoons to keep balance.
Can I skip the crumb topping?
You can—but why would you? It’s the best part. Still, if you want a plain version, just sprinkle cinnamon sugar before baking.
Can I make this bread vegan?
Yes! Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flax + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) and replace oil with coconut oil or vegan butter.
Does it freeze well?
Absolutely. Wrap cooled slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or toast directly.
Final Thoughts
This moist cinnamon applesauce bread with crumb topping is the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a habit. It’s easy, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or reheated with a pat of butter, every bite is packed with warmth.
And if you’re ready for your next baking fix, try something with a twist—like the coffee cake with oatmeal streusel—and keep those cozy vibes going.