Low-calorie Applesauce Bread dessert
Of course! A low-calorie applesauce bread is a fantastic dessert that feels indulgent but is made with smart, wholesome ingredients. The applesauce naturally provides moisture and sweetness, allowing you to cut back on oil and sugar.
This recipe is packed with warm spices and has a tender, cake-like crumb.
Low-Calorie Cinnamon Applesauce Bread
This bread is sweetly spiced, incredibly moist, and perfect for a satisfying dessert or a sweet snack. Each slice is a guilt-free treat.
Yields: 1 loaf (10 slices)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45-55 minutes
Ingredients
· 1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
· ⅓ cup pure maple syrup or honey (or a zero-calorie syrup like Lakanto)
· 2 large eggs (or ½ cup liquid egg whites for even fewer calories)
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 2 tablespoons coconut oil or light olive oil (optional, but makes it more tender)
· 1 ½ cups white whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
· 1 teaspoon baking soda
· 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
· ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
· ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
· ¼ teaspoon salt
· Optional Add-ins (choose one):
· ½ cup grated apple (pear or zucchini also work well)
· ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
· 2 tablespoons raisins or chopped dates
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8×4 or 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and oil (if using) until smooth and well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Combine: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir with a spatula just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. If you are using any optional add-ins, fold them in now.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a little cinnamon on top.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important for the texture to set properly.
Why This Recipe Works (The Low-Calorie Secrets)
· Applesauce is the Star: It replaces most (or all) of the fat typically found in quick breads, while adding natural sweetness and moisture.
· Minimal Added Sugar: Pure maple syrup or honey is used in a modest amount, and you can easily substitute a sugar-free syrup for a near-zero calorie sweetener.
· Whole Grains: Using white whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients without making the bread dense.
· Spice Power: Generous spices like cinnamon provide a perception of sweetness without any calories.
Nutritional Boost & Flavor Variations
· Protein Power: Replace ¼ cup of the flour with vanilla or unflavored protein powder for a more filling dessert.
· Apple Pie Version: Add ½ cup of finely chopped apple and a tablespoon of chopped walnuts for that classic “apple pie” texture.
· Carrot Cake Twist: Add ½ cup of finely grated carrot and 2 tablespoons of crushed pineapple (well-drained) for a carrot cake-inspired bread.
· Crumb Topping (Optional Indulgence): For a more decadent dessert, mix 2 tablespoons of rolled oats, 1 tablespoon of flour, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar (or a brown sugar substitute), and a pinch of cinnamon. Sprinkle over the batter before baking.
Serving Suggestions
· As-Is: Perfectly delicious on its own with a cup of tea or coffee.
· With a Schmere: For a few extra calories, top a warm slice with a light spread of:
· Light cream cheese or Neufchâtel cheese
· A dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with a little vanilla and cinnamon
· A thin layer of powdered peanut butter (like PBfit) mixed with water
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Enjoy your wholesome and delicious dessert
