Streusel Topped Applesauce Bread

Indulge in cozy fall flavors with this delicious streusel-topped applesauce bread recipe. The combination of sweet, comforting applesauce and a buttery oat streusel topping creates the perfect balance of softness and crunch in every bite. The warm, earthy flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg infuse this bread with an unmistakable autumnal feel, making it a delightful treat for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack.

As you bake this streusel-topped applesauce bread, the irresistible scent of apples and cinnamon will fill your kitchen, capturing fall’s warm, inviting essence. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or save it for later, this bread is a great way to savor one of the season’s favorite flavors. Each bite brings together the sweetness of applesauce and the crunch of a buttery streusel topping, making it the perfect autumn treat.

Ingredients to Make Streusel-Topped Applesauce Bread

• SUGAR – Sugar sweetens the bread and also helps keep the crumb tender and moist.
• CANOLA OIL – Canola oil adds moisture without adding a strong flavor. It helps keep the bread soft for several days.
• EGGS – Eggs add structure, richness, and moisture while helping the batter hold together as it bakes.
• UNSWEETENED APPLESAUCE – Applesauce adds moisture and mild apple flavor without making the bread overly sweet. Using unsweetened applesauce gives you better control over the loaf’s sweetness.
• BUTTERMILK – Buttermilk adds a slight tang and helps create a tender texture. Its acidity also works with the baking soda to help the bread rise.
• FLOUR – All-purpose flour provides the bread’s main structure.
• GROUND CINNAMON – Cinnamon adds warm spice that pairs naturally with the applesauce and brown sugar.
• BAKING SODA – Baking soda helps the bread rise and works especially well with the buttermilk’s acidity.
• BAKING POWDER – Baking powder gives the loaf additional lift and helps keep the texture from becoming too dense.
• SALT – Salt balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the cinnamon, applesauce, and brown sugar.
• QUICK OATS – Quick oats are used in the streusel topping and add texture and a little chewiness. They also help give the topping a hearty, crumbly finish.
• BROWN SUGAR – Brown sugar adds sweetness and a deeper caramel-like flavor to the streusel topping.
• BUTTER – Butter binds the streusel ingredients together and adds richness. As it bakes, it helps the topping turn golden and crumbly.

How to Make Streusel-Topped Applesauce Bread

Whisk together the sugar, canola oil, and eggs in a large mixing bowl until combined, creating a smooth base for the batter. Next, add the applesauce and buttermilk, which add moisture and improve the bread’s texture. Stir until everything is fully incorporated, ensuring the batter has a creamy consistency.

Now add the dry ingredients. Gradually mix the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, folding the ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth and no dry streaks remain. Once the batter is fully combined, divide it evenly between two 9 x 5-inch prepared loaf pans. Fill each pan about halfway, leaving room for the bread to rise as it bakes.

For the finishing touch, make the streusel crumb topping. Combine quick oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a small bowl. Add the softened butter, mixing until the streusel is crumbly and all the dry ingredients are coated. Generously sprinkle the cinnamon streusel topping over the two loaves, covering the tops completely for that delightful crunch. Bake at 350°F for about one hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool slightly before slicing, and enjoy the taste of warm, spiced flavors of fall!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all or part of the all-purpose flour. However, keep in mind that using whole wheat flour may result in a denser loaf with a more earthy flavor. You can use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to lighten the texture.

Can I make this bread without the streusel topping?
Absolutely! The streusel adds a nice crunch, but the bread will still be delicious without it. You can skip the streusel topping if you prefer a simpler version.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this recipe?
Yes! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, dried cranberries, or raisins are great additions. Fold them into the batter just before pouring it into the loaf pan.

How should I store streusel-topped applesauce bread?
Store this bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. If freezing, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Yes, you can turn this recipe into muffins by dividing the batter into a lined muffin tin. Adjust the baking time to about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips and Tricks

• Don’t overmix the batter. Once you add the flour and other dry ingredients, stir just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the bread more dense instead of soft and tender.
• Use unsweetened applesauce. Since the bread already has granulated and brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce adds apple flavor and moisture without making the loaf overly sweet.
• Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Try to keep the two loaf pans filled to about the same level so they bake evenly.
• Make sure the streusel is crumbly, not pasty. The butter should be softened and only partially melted so it coats the oats and brown sugar while still leaving you with a crumbly topping.
• Check the center before removing it from the oven. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the streusel starts browning too quickly before the center is done, loosely tent the loaves with foil for the remaining bake time

FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:

• Applesauce Bars
• Applesauce Spiced Cake
• Homemade Crock Pot Applesauce
• Easy Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins

This recipe is adapted from Together as Family.