This soft strawberry applesauce bread is a simple, lightly sweet dessert made with only three main ingredients. It is moist, fruity, and easy to prepare, making it a great option when you want something homemade without a long ingredient list.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, simple, and beginner-friendly. It uses applesauce to add natural moisture, strawberries for fresh fruit flavor, and self-rising flour to create a tender bread-like texture without needing extra baking ingredients.
It is also a nice dessert for anyone looking for a lighter sweet treat. The flavor is gentle, fruity, and comforting, and the loaf can be served as dessert, breakfast, or a snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
2 cups self-rising flour
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8×4-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, add the unsweetened applesauce. Stir in the chopped strawberries until evenly combined.
Add the self-rising flour gradually, mixing gently after each addition. Stir only until the flour disappears and a thick batter forms. Do not overmix, or the bread may become dense.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool before slicing for the best texture.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 slices.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 45 to 55 minutes
Cooling time: 20 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
For a softer fruit flavor, mash half of the strawberries before adding them to the batter.
For a warmer taste, add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.
For a slightly brighter flavor, add 1 teaspoon lemon zest.
For mini loaves, divide the batter into smaller pans and reduce the baking time.
Storage/Reheating
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Keep slices separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, warm a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or let it come to room temperature naturally.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Thaw them first and drain extra liquid before adding them to the batter.
Can I use sweetened applesauce?
You can, but unsweetened applesauce keeps the dessert lighter and less sweet.
Can I use regular flour?
Regular flour will not rise the same way. Use self-rising flour for best results.
Is this bread very sweet?
No. It has a mild natural sweetness from the applesauce and strawberries.
Can I add a sugar substitute?
Yes, you may add a small amount of your preferred baking-safe sweetener if desired.
Why is my bread dense?
It may have been overmixed, or the strawberries may have released too much liquid.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free self-rising flour blend.
Can I make muffins instead?
Yes. Bake in a muffin tin at 350°F for about 18 to 24 minutes.
Should I serve it warm or cold?
Both work well. Cooling helps the slices hold together better.
Can I add nuts?
Yes, chopped almonds or walnuts can be added for texture.
Conclusion
This three-ingredient strawberry applesauce bread is a simple, fruity dessert that feels homemade without requiring much effort. It is moist, light, and easy to customize, making it a practical recipe for everyday baking.
This low-calorie diabetic strawberry applesauce bread dessert is soft, moist, and naturally fruity with a gentle sweetness from strawberries and unsweetened applesauce. Made with only a few simple ingredients, it is an easy lighter dessert perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a wholesome sweet treat.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
2 cups self-rising flour
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×4-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce and finely chopped strawberries until evenly mixed.
Gradually add the self-rising flour, stirring gently after each addition until a thick batter forms. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Mash half of the strawberries for a softer fruit flavor throughout the bread.
Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for a warmer flavor.
Mix in 1 teaspoon lemon zest for extra brightness.
Frozen strawberries may be used if thawed and drained well.
Use gluten-free self-rising flour for a gluten-free version.
Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.
Warm slices slightly before serving for a softer texture.
