Chunky Applesauce Bread

Next to pumpkin, apples are one of my favorite things about fall. I love apple bread, and was excited to find a healthier recipe on Skinnytaste. This bread is loaded with apple chunks, and homemade applesauce makes it so moist. My loaf didn't rise as much as it should have. I have no idea why, but I seem to be having that problem with my baked goods lately. Any ideas?
This bread is delicious both warm and cold. Enjoy!

Chunky Applesauce Bread
from Skinnytaste
Yield: 1 loaf

What You Need
1 large, peeled apple, diced
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. agave {I used honey.}
1/8 tsp. + 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 cups applesauce
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup brown sugar, not packed
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
pinch allspice
1/4 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2 large egg whites
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 oz. chopped walnuts {or pecans}
Additional brown sugar and cinnamon, if desired


What To Do
~ Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
~ Spray loaf pan with baking spray.
~ In a medium bowl, 1/8 tsp. cinnamon, agave {or honey}, and lemon juice. Set aside.
~ In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, nutmeg, allspice, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
~ In a large bowl, mix egg whites, sugar, applesauce, and vanilla.
~ Beat at medium speed until thick. Scrape sides of bowl.
~ Add flour mixture and blend at low speed until combined. Do not over mix.
~ Fold in apples and nuts.
~ Pour batter into pan. If desired, sprinkle a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon over the top of the batter.
~ Bake about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
~ Let the pan cool at least 20 minutes.
~ Bread should be room temperature before slicing.