The Ultimate Vegan Applesauce Gingerbread Loaf Recipe

Cozy up with this Vegan Applesauce Gingerbread Loaf that’s moist, warmly spiced, and naturally sweetened with a maple cream cheese frosting.

The weather is getting colder, and I have officially traded in my ice cream for warm, comforting baked goods. Ice cream will always be one of my favorite desserts, and I typically enjoy it all year round. However, with cooler temperatures, nothing beats a slice of warm baked bread.

If you can enjoy cold treats and still stay cozy, I commend you! I, on the other hand, need to actively seek out ways to keep warm. Now is the time for seasonal baked goods!

If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and subtly spiced, this Vegan Applesauce Gingerbread Loaf is exactly what you need this season. It’s moist, tender, and naturally sweet and it fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and ginger as it bakes.

Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast, an afternoon snack with a cup of tea, or a comforting dessert to share with loved ones, this loaf is the perfect choice. The easy maple cream cheese frosting elevates it to the next level, adding a touch of sweetness that makes each bite feel like a treat (but not overly so!).

This recipe is easy to make, simple to adapt, and completely plant-based, meaning you can feel good about indulging in a slice (or two!) whenever you need a little comfort and warmth.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Applesauce Gingerbread Loaf

Here are just a few reasons why you and your family will adore this Applesauce Gingerbread Loaf:

It’s:

• Vegan & Gluten-Free: A blend of oat and almond flour makes this loaf accessible to those with dietary restrictions.

• Moist & Tender: Applesauce and a touch of neutral oil provide exceptional moisture and a delicate crumb.

• Naturally Sweetened: Coconut sugar, molasses, and maple syrup offer a more wholesome way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

• Warmly Spiced: Ginger and cinnamon combine to create that classic gingerbread flavor.

• Simple and Versatile: Letting the classic flavors shine. However, adding mix-ins such as nuts or chocolate chips is always an option!

What are you waiting for?

Ingredients for the Best Vegan Gingerbread Loaf

This gingerbread loaf is a breeze to create using a handful of seasonal ingredients and pantry staples.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Oat Flour
• Almond Flour
• Baking Powder
• Ground Ginger
• Ground Cinnamon
• Himalayan Sea Salt
• Unsweetened Applesauce
• Blackstrap Molasses
• Coconut Sugar
• Non-Dairy Milk
• Neutral Oil
• Vegan Cream Cheese
• Pure Maple Syrup

See? It’s not a long list at all!

Step-by-Step: Making Your Own Vegan Gingerbread Loaf

Making this Gingerbread Loaf is simple and requires just one bowl. Easy clean-up? Yes, please!

First, whisk together your wet ingredients (applesauce, molasses, coconut sugar, non-dairy milk, and neutral oil) until smooth. This ensures that everything is well combined and helps to create a uniform texture in the final loaf.

Next, add in the dry ingredients (flours, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, and salt). Gently stir until just combined, being careful not to over-mix. Over-mixing can develop the gluten in the flours, leading to a tougher loaf.

Pour the batter into a greased and parchment-lined 9×5-inch loaf pan. The parchment paper makes it easier to remove the loaf after baking. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 50–55 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the loaf is done.

While the loaf is baking, you can prepare the cream cheese frosting by hand. This ensures the frosting is ready as soon as the loaf is cool enough.

Allow the loaf to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting it. If you frost it while it’s still warm, the frosting will melt. Once cooled, spread the tangy and sweet maple vegan cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

Slice and enjoy a perfectly moist, spiced, and cozy loaf any time of day. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion!

The Magic of Eden Foods Organic Applesauce

One of the secrets to this gingerbread loaf’s incredible moistness and tender crumb is the Eden Foods Organic Applesauce.

This is not just any applesauce! It’s crafted from a special blend of organic Great Lakes apples that are gently washed, peeled, and cooked without any added sugar or preservatives.

Eden Foods has a long-standing reputation for producing clean, wholesome foods, and their applesauce is a testament to that heritage. It’s simply pure fruit that is slow-cooked to enhance its natural sweetness and flavor.

With apples as the only ingredient, this applesauce keeps the recipe wholesome while contributing its own fruity depth and natural sweetness. It allows the loaf to remain moist without relying on refined sugars or excess oils.

Using Eden Foods Organic Applesauce is a simple yet effective way to enhance the flavor and texture of your gingerbread loaf, making it taste like autumn in every bite.

Easy Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions

This gingerbread loaf is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to easily make substitutions based on what you have available.

If you’re not avoiding gluten, you can replace the oat and almond flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or traditional all-purpose flour. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.

The non-dairy milk can be substituted with any plant-based milk you prefer. Almond, oat, soy, or cashew milk all work beautifully. Just ensure it’s unsweetened to maintain the right level of sweetness in the loaf.

For a less intense sweetness, consider reducing the amount of coconut sugar or substituting it with maple syrup, date syrup, or another natural sweetener. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture, so adjust accordingly.

If you don’t have neutral oil on hand, you can substitute it with melted coconut oil or melted vegan butter. These alternatives can add a subtle flavor to the loaf, enhancing its overall taste.

If you prefer a lighter loaf, skip the maple cream cheese frosting. Alternatively, a simple powdered sugar glaze can be used for a touch of sweetness without the creaminess of the frosting.

While the recipe is great in its simplicity, feel free to personalize it by adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or crystallized ginger for added texture and festive flair. These mix-ins can take your gingerbread loaf to a whole new level.

Serving Ideas for Your Vegan Applesauce Gingerbread Loaf

This loaf has a delightful flavor that only improves with time. In fact, the flavor intensifies and deepens the longer it sits, whether on the counter or in the refrigerator. This makes it an excellent bake for preparing in advance and enjoying over several days.

The versatility of this loaf makes it ideal for slow, cozy mornings, revitalizing afternoon snacks, or for sharing with loved ones during holiday gatherings.

The spices meld together magically overnight, and each slice becomes a little richer and more comforting the next day.

You can easily dress it up for a decadent dessert or keep it simple for a satisfying breakfast. Its adaptability makes it the perfect choice for any moment when you’re craving something warm, comforting, and lightly sweet.

Creative Serving Suggestions

Here are a few ways to enjoy your Applesauce Gingerbread Loaf:

• Enjoy warm with a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or hot spiced cider. The warmth of the loaf complements the beverage perfectly, creating a comforting experience.
• Spread with almond butter or vegan butter for added richness and flavor. These spreads enhance the loaf’s texture and provide a delightful contrast.
• Top with coconut whipped cream for a more indulgent dessert experience. The light and fluffy whipped cream adds a touch of elegance to the loaf.
• Reheat leftover slices for a quick and comforting breakfast. A warm slice of gingerbread loaf is the perfect way to start your day.

Proper storage ensures your loaf stays fresh and delicious. Leftovers can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.

For longer storage, freeze slices individually. This allows you to easily grab a slice whenever you want a quick holiday treat.

Enjoy your delicious and cozy Applesauce Gingerbread Loaf!

More Delicious Vegan Holiday Breads to Try

• Cinnamon Tahini Walnut Banana Bread

• Orange Cranberry Bread

• Dark Chocolate Banana Bread

• Black Sesame Butter Banana Bread

• 1-Bowl Butternut Bread

• Vegan & Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread

• Vegan Banana Chocolate Chunk Bread

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Bread

• 1-Bowl Tahini Date Nut Bread

• Vegan Pumpkin Spice Bread

• Vegan Holiday Fruit Cake

Share Your Creation!

If you whip up this Applesauce Gingerbread Loaf, I’d love to hear about it!

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XO Lauren

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