Cinnamon Applesauce Bread is a delightful and aromatic quick bread that combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and applesauce. It’s a popular baked treat known for its moist texture and sweet, spiced taste. Now, let’s delve into the details you requested:
History:
The history of Cinnamon Applesauce Bread isn’t well-documented, but it likely evolved from traditional apple-based desserts like apple pies and cakes. The addition of cinnamon and applesauce enhances both flavor and moisture in the bread, making it a beloved classic in many households.
Components:
To make Cinnamon Applesauce Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves if using).
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Fold in Applesauce: Gently fold in the unsweetened applesauce until the batter is well-mixed. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan.
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Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
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Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Total Time:
The total time required to prepare Cinnamon Applesauce Bread, including baking and cooling, is around 1 hour and 10 minutes.
This delightful bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Its warm, spiced aroma and tender crumb make it a wonderful addition to any occasion, and it’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of cinnamon and applesauce in a new and delicious form. Enjoy!
Certainly, here are the approximate nutrition facts and some health information for Cinnamon Applesauce Bread. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
Nutrition Facts (per slice, assuming 12 slices):
- Calories: 190-220 kcal
- Total Fat: 7-9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4-5 g
- Cholesterol: 40-50 mg
- Sodium: 220-250 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30-35 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2 g
- Sugars: 15-18 g
- Protein: 3-4 g
Health Information:
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Moderate Caloric Content: Cinnamon Applesauce Bread provides a moderate amount of calories per slice, making it a reasonable option for a snack or part of a balanced meal.
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Fat Content: It contains a moderate amount of fat, with a portion of it being saturated fat from the butter. If you’re looking to reduce saturated fat, you can consider using a lower-fat substitute or reducing the butter in the recipe.
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Cholesterol: The cholesterol content comes primarily from the eggs and butter. It’s not excessively high, but individuals with specific dietary restrictions may need to adjust their intake accordingly.
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Sodium: The sodium content in this bread is generally moderate. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
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Carbohydrates: The majority of the calories in this bread come from carbohydrates, particularly sugars. This makes it a sweet treat, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation, especially if you’re managing your sugar intake.
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Fiber: While Cinnamon Applesauce Bread contains some fiber from the flour, it’s not particularly high in dietary fiber. Consider adding nuts or seeds for extra fiber and texture.
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Protein: This bread provides a small amount of protein. To boost the protein content, you can add nuts or seeds to the batter or enjoy it with a source of protein like yogurt or nut butter.
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Nutritional Benefits: The use of applesauce in the recipe contributes some vitamins and minerals, and cinnamon may have potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the overall nutritional value is primarily for enjoyment rather than significant health benefits.
Remember that the nutritional content can vary based on ingredient brands and specific recipe variations. If you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions, it’s a good idea to adjust the recipe accordingly to meet your nutritional needs.
