Applesauce Nut Bread

Directions

1. 1
   No need to preheat the oven, just lightly grease an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch baking pan (not a 9x5).
2. 2
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
3. 3
   Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the applesauce.
4. 4
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt and spices.
5. 5
   By hand, or with a mixer on low speed, beat flour mixture into applesauce mixture.
6. 6
   Stir in toasted nuts and pour into prepared pan.
7. 7
   Top with coarse sugar, if desired.
8. 8
   Place pan in a cold oven and turn oven on to 350F.
9. 9
   Bake for 80-90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top of the loaf is browned.
10. 10
    Cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.