Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F and preparing a loaf pan by greasing it with non-stick spray or lining it with parchment paper. Set it aside while you prepare the batter.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until it is softened. Then, slowly add in the maple syrup, continuing to beat until well combined. Add the applesauce and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and stir until evenly distributed.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, baking powder, apple pie spice, and flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over mix. Carefully fold in the chopped apples.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.