Delicious & Easy Chocolate Chip Applesauce Bread: Your Perfect Fall Comfort Recipe
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly easy and utterly delicious Applesauce Bread with Chocolate Chips. Hailed as a 5-star recipe by many, this moist and sweet bread boasts an irresistible aroma of warm cinnamon, fragrant cloves, and subtle allspice. It’s the quintessential treat for cozy autumn days, holiday gatherings, or whenever you crave a taste of home. Get ready to bake a loaf that’s unbelievably soft, flavorful, and guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Homemade Goodness: Sweet Chocolate Chip Spice Bread
As a passionate collector of vintage cookbooks, I always delight in sharing timeless recipes that bring joy and warmth to any kitchen. This particular Chocolate Chip Applesauce Bread recipe is a true gem, offering a delightful blend that sits perfectly between a rich cake and a hearty quick bread. The addition of cinnamon applesauce not only enhances its characteristic softness but also infuses it with those iconic, comforting flavors of autumn that we all cherish. While the pairing of sweet chocolate and warm cinnamon spices might initially seem unconventional, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try – the combination is surprisingly harmonious and utterly addictive!
If chocolate isn’t quite your preference, feel free to customize this recipe by omitting the chocolate chips entirely. Alternatively, for an added layer of texture and nutty flavor, consider stirring in some of your favorite chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. This adaptability makes it a versatile recipe suitable for everyone’s taste buds.
The heartwarming origin of this crowd-pleasing recipe traces back to a small town called Earling, Iowa, which holds a special place in my heart as it’s where my husband grew up. There’s an undeniable truth about small-town communities: if a recipe makes it into their local cookbook, it’s guaranteed to be nothing short of delicious. In these close-knit communities, news—especially about amazing food—travels swiftly, ensuring that only the very best recipes earn their place in cherished collections. This heritage-rich recipe truly embodies that spirit of quality and tradition.
I have developed a deep fondness for baking with applesauce, and for good reason! In my experience, incorporating applesauce into bread or cake recipes doesn’t just add moisture; it elevates the overall flavor profile, creating baked goods that are exceptionally moist, tender, and possess just the right amount of natural sweetness. Applesauce is a fantastic secret ingredient, contributing a delicate fruitiness without overpowering other flavors. When available, I absolutely love using my own homemade cinnamon applesauce. Preparing it in my beloved Crockpot fills the entire house with an incredible, welcoming aroma, making the baking experience even more delightful from start to finish. Using homemade applesauce adds an extra layer of freshness and flavor that truly shines through in this bread.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Chocolate Chip Applesauce Bread Recipe
This Chocolate Chip Applesauce Bread isn’t just another recipe; it’s a culinary experience designed to bring joy and ease to your kitchen. Here are the top reasons why this delightful quick bread will quickly become a cherished favorite:
- Effortlessly Easy: One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its incredible simplicity. You won’t find yourself navigating complicated techniques or a lengthy list of steps. The process is straightforward: preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, mix everything together, and in surprisingly little time, you’ll have a wonderfully aromatic and perfectly baked loaf of applesauce quick bread. If you’re searching for a sweet bread recipe that’s guaranteed to impress your family or guests without demanding hours of your time, then the basic, easy-to-follow steps of this recipe are exactly what you need. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, offering delicious results every single time.
- Ideal for Any Season, Especially Holidays: While the warm spices make this bread an instant favorite for fall occasions and autumnal gatherings, its comforting sweetness truly shines throughout the year. It’s an absolute must-have during the holiday season, from Thanksgiving feasts to Christmas brunches and winter celebrations. People will naturally crave desserts and cozy treats, and this applesauce bread fits the bill perfectly. It also makes a wonderful homemade gift, spreading cheer and deliciousness to friends, neighbors, and teachers during festive times.
- Unforgettably Delicious: Out of all the quick breads and sweet treats I’ve ever tasted, this one consistently ranks among my absolute favorites. The combination of creamy butter, robust warm spices (cinnamon, cloves, and allspice), and just the right amount of sugar creates a flavor profile that is truly extraordinary. The applesauce ensures a moist, tender crumb, while the chocolate chips melt into pockets of pure bliss. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and rich notes that will leave you wanting more. It’s a treat that feels both decadent and wholesome, making it incredibly satisfying.
Essential Ingredients for This Applesauce Bread Recipe
Crafting the perfect Chocolate Chip Applesauce Bread requires a thoughtful selection of both wet and dry ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving its signature moist texture and rich flavor.
Wet Ingredients: The Foundation of Moisture and Flavor
Butter: Using softened, unsalted butter is key to this applesauce bread’s exceptional moisture and tender crumb. It cream’s beautifully with the sugar, incorporating air and creating a light, fluffy base that other ingredients can build upon. The butter also contributes a rich, comforting flavor that complements the spices and applesauce perfectly.
Eggs: For the best results, I highly recommend using either farm-fresh or high-quality organic eggs. Fresh eggs not only bind the ingredients together but also contribute to the bread’s structure, richness, and golden color. They add essential moisture and help the bread rise beautifully, ensuring a tender and consistent texture throughout.
Applesauce: Cinnamon applesauce is the star ingredient, providing natural sweetness, incredible moisture, and an additional layer of aromatic spice. It’s a fantastic, healthier alternative to oil or butter in many baking recipes, naturally sweetening the bread while keeping it wonderfully moist without adding excessive fat. If you have homemade applesauce, that will truly elevate the flavor, but store-bought works wonderfully too.
Dry Ingredients: The Flavor & Structure Builders
Sugar: For this recipe, simple white granulated sugar is used to provide the perfect balance of sweetness. Its fine granules dissolve easily, ensuring a smooth batter and a consistently sweet loaf. It also aids in browning and helps create that desirable crisp crust.
Flour: Any good quality all-purpose flour will work splendidly for this recipe. It provides the essential structure for the bread, ensuring it holds its shape while remaining tender. Measuring it correctly (fluffing first, then spooning into a measuring cup and leveling) is crucial for a perfectly moist, not dry, loaf.
Baking Soda: This leavening agent is absolutely vital for quick breads, creating a chemical reaction that helps the bread rise and achieve its light, airy texture. Without it, your bread would be dense and flat. Ensure your baking soda is fresh for optimal results.
Spices: A delightful blend of ground cinnamon, allspice, and cloves gives this bread its signature warm, inviting “spiciness” and incredible aroma. Cinnamon offers classic warmth, allspice brings a complex blend of clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon notes, and cloves add a deep, pungent sweetness. This trio truly encapsulates the flavors of autumn and winter.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a fantastic choice for their balanced sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the spices. Dark chocolate chips also work wonderfully if you prefer a richer, slightly less sweet bread. As mentioned earlier, feel free to omit them entirely if chocolate isn’t your preference, or substitute them with nuts or dried fruit for a different twist.
How to Make Applesauce Bread with Chocolate Chips: Step-by-Step Guide
Baking this delicious Applesauce Bread with Chocolate Chips is a simple process, following just a few easy steps. Refer to the pictures below, moving from left to right and top to bottom, for a visual guide.
First Step – Prepare and Cream the Base
Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature when the bread is ready to bake, preventing uneven cooking. Next, thoroughly grease a 9″x5″ loaf pan. You can use butter, baking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Set the prepared pan aside.
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric beater on medium speed, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and eggs until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This step incorporates air, contributing to the bread’s tender texture.
Second Step – Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Into the creamed mixture, gradually sift in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Sifting helps prevent lumps and ensures an even distribution of ingredients. As you add the dry ingredients, alternate with the cinnamon applesauce, mixing slowly on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough bread.
Third Step – Add Chocolate Chips and Bake
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your preferred addition). Use a spatula to incorporate them evenly without deflating the batter. Once mixed, pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for approximately one hour, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the loaf pan for at least 10-15 minutes before attempting to transfer it. This crucial cooling time allows the bread to set and firm up; otherwise, it could break apart. After this initial cooling, carefully invert the loaf onto a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Chip Applesauce Bread!
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
Don’t let this delightful recipe slip away! Be sure to save this extra indulgent, flavor-packed Chocolate Chip Applesauce Bread recipe so it’s always ready when you need a comforting treat or a sweet chocolate fix. Pin this easy applesauce bread recipe to your favorite Pinterest board today, and share the joy with your friends and family!
Expert Tips for the Best Applesauce Bread
To ensure your Chocolate Chip Applesauce Bread turns out perfectly moist, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Customize with Extra Flavors and Protein: For an added crunch and a boost of flavor, consider folding in your favorite chopped nuts. Pecans, walnuts, or almonds are fantastic choices that complement the warm spices and chocolate chips beautifully. A half cup of nuts can transform the texture and add a delightful richness.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Precision is key in baking! Improperly measured flour is a common culprit for dry, dense bread. Always fluff your flour first, then spoon it gently into your measuring cup, and level it off with a straight edge. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this compacts the flour and results in too much being used.
- Proper Storage for Freshness: To keep your delicious applesauce bread fresh and moist, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay wonderfully soft and flavorful for up to five days. You can also wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in the container for even longer freshness.
- Serving Temperature Matters: This versatile bread is equally delightful whether served warm from the oven or at room temperature. Enjoying it warm enhances the melted chocolate chips and aromatic spices, while at room temperature, the flavors meld beautifully, offering a slightly denser, comforting bite. Experiment to find your favorite!
- Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Have extra bread or want to prepare ahead? This applesauce bread freezes exceptionally well. Allow the loaf to cool completely, then slice it into individual portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will maintain its deliciousness for up to three to four months, ready for a quick thaw and enjoyment.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Applesauce Bread
This versatile Chocolate Chip Applesauce Bread isn’t just a dessert; it’s a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways throughout the day. It pairs wonderfully alongside any main dishes, making it a fantastic addition to brunch or even a light dinner. For more seasonal inspiration, explore my other Fall recipes.
We absolutely adore serving this bread simply with a dollop of softened butter, which melts into its tender crumb. For a protein boost, spread on some creamy nut butter, such as almond or peanut butter. It’s also heavenly paired with fresh fruit, like sliced apples or berries, for a balanced breakfast. And, of course, nothing beats a slice of this warm bread with a refreshing glass of cold milk, or alongside a comforting cup of hot coffee or tea. Each pairing highlights a different aspect of its delightful flavor profile. Yum!
More Quick Bread Recipes You Will Love to Bake
If you’re a fan of the ease and deliciousness of quick breads, you’re in for a treat! My family and I can’t get enough of them. Here are a few more of our favorite quick bread recipes that I’m sure you’ll adore:
- The Last Banana Bread Recipe You’ll Ever Need (pictured above): This recipe lives up to its name, promising the most moist and flavorful banana bread you’ll ever make.
- Chocolate Orange Banana Bread: A delightful twist on a classic, combining rich chocolate, zesty orange, and sweet banana for an exotic flavor.
- Grandma’s Zucchini Bread: A comforting, old-fashioned recipe that’s incredibly moist and a delicious way to use up garden zucchini.
- Cranberry Apple Streusel Bread: A perfect blend of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and a crunchy streusel topping.
- The Best Pumpkin Bread: Embrace autumn with this spiced pumpkin bread, perfect for chilly evenings and holiday gatherings.
- Cherry Cheese Bread: A unique and sweet bread featuring bursts of cherry and creamy cheese, ideal for breakfast or dessert.
- Pear Bread: A wonderfully moist and tender bread highlighting the subtle sweetness of fresh pears.
Now, it’s your turn to experience the warmth and deliciousness! Gather your ingredients and let’s bake some incredible Chocolate Chip Applesauce Bread. Happy baking! 
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Print Recipe
Applesauce Bread with Chocolate Chips
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 1 stick butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 3/4 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup cinnamon applesauce
- 1 cup semi -sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 9″x5″ loaf pan, set aside.
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In your mixing bowl with an electric mixer, cream together butter, sugar and eggs.
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Sift in four, baking soda and spices, alternating with applesauce, mixing slowly until it’s all combined.
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Fold in chocolate chips.
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Pour into prepared loaf pan.
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Bake for one hour, or until bread is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted inside comes out clean. Cool for a bit in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool the rest of the way.