Cinnamon-Apple Bread

This bread machine cinnamon apple bread is about as hands-off as baking gets. Applesauce replaces both the liquid and the fat, rolled oats add a hearty chew, and whole wheat bread flour gives it real substance. Dump everything in, press start, and walk away.

Unsweetened applesauce provides all the moisture the dough needs while adding natural apple flavor and a touch of sweetness without any added sugar. Cinnamon and nutmeg make the whole kitchen smell like fall while the machine does its thing. Raisins get worked into the dough during kneading and plump up as the bread bakes.

The combination of oats and whole wheat flour creates a dense, slightly nutty loaf that’s more rustic than fluffy. It slices well for toast and holds up to spreads without crumbling.

Pro Tips

• Use unsweetened applesauce. Sweetened applesauce throws off the yeast balance and makes the bread overly sweet.
• Add ingredients in the order your bread machine manual recommends. Liquid-first or flour-first varies by machine.
• Add the raisins at the mix-in beep if your machine has one, or just add them at the start. They’ll survive the kneading.

Variations

• Add chopped dried apples along with the raisins for a more intense apple flavor.
• Swap raisins for dried cranberries for a tarter fruit accent.
• Add a tablespoon of honey to the mix for a slightly sweeter loaf.