Preheat the oven to 350°.
In a large mixing bowl, mix sugar, oil, and applesauce.
1 1/2 c. sugar, 1 c. vegetable or canola oil, 1/2 c. applesauce
Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well.
3 eggs, 2 tsp. vanilla
In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients. Add this mixture to the wet ingredients and mix only until combined.
3 c. all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 1/2 tsp. salt, 2 tsp. cinnamon
Stir in the shredded apples and nuts.
3 c. shredded apples (3 - 4 tart, crisp apples - peeled, cored, and shredded), 1 c. chopped pecans or walnuts
Grease two standard-sized bread pans and sprinkle the bottoms with flour or line with parchment paper.
Divide the batter between the two loaf pans and bake for 55 - 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few crumbs.
Remove from the oven and allow the loaves to rest for about 10 minutes before removing them from the pans.
Partially cool and place into airtight bags or containers.
Because of its high moisture content, this bread will need to be refrigerated if stored for longer than two or three days.
This bread also freezes well, so you could freeze one loaf to keep it fresh.
Allow it to come back to room temperature before serving.