Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing as it can lead to a denser bread.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
6. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations & Tips

For a more textured bread, you can fold in a half cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) or dried fruits (like raisins or cranberries) into the batter. If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute vegetable oil with coconut oil or a similar alternative. For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. Lastly, feel free to experiment with different spice combinations to suit your taste preference.