If you’re looking for a cozy, mouthwatering treat that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, this Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, moist bread bursting with warm cinnamon, sweet chunks of apple, and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans in every bite. It’s a perfect little loaf that feels like a hug on a plate, ideal for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. Once you try this Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple that you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe are delightfully simple and each one plays a special role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the spices that add warmth to the apples that bring moisture and freshness, these are pantry staples that come together to craft something truly comforting.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and base for the bread, ensuring a tender crumb.
- Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that pairs wonderfully with apples and pecans.
- Nutmeg: A subtle hint that deepens the spice profile without overpowering.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Baking powder: Helps the bread rise for a light and fluffy texture.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness; room temperature eggs blend better.
- Sugar: Sweetens the bread and contributes to browning.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- Applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and extra moisture that keeps the bread soft.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts the flavors with a lovely, fragrant note.
- Chopped peeled apples: Fresh, finely chopped apples provide juicy pockets of flavor and texture.
- Chopped toasted pecans: Bring crunch and a nutty depth that contrasts the soft bread.
- Sugar and cinnamon (for topping): A delightful sprinkle on top that caramelizes slightly in the oven for extra texture and flavor.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan thoroughly to make sure your bread comes out effortlessly once baked. This simple prep step ensures a smooth baking experience.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder. This mixture blends the foundation of flavors and ensures even distribution throughout the bread.
Step 3: Beat the Wet Ingredients
Take a large bowl and beat the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates the rich and flavorful base that will keep your bread moist.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring gently until just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix here because you want your loaf to be tender and soft with a delicate crumb.
Step 5: Fold in Apples and Pecans
Gently fold the finely chopped peeled apples and half of the toasted pecans into the batter. These additions give the bread its distinctive texture and burst of flavor that make this Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe so special.
Step 6: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the remaining pecans with the tablespoon of sugar and a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this flavorful topping evenly over the batter once it’s in the loaf pan for that amazing caramelized crunch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, then bake for 55 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. This step brings all the ingredients together into a golden, fragrant loaf.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice with a serrated knife and get ready to enjoy the delightful flavors of your Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe!
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light spread of softened butter or a drizzle of honey on warm slices beautifully highlights the sweet and spicy notes of the bread. For a cozy breakfast twist, a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone complements the pecans perfectly.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot apple cider. Consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or a bowl of yogurt for a balanced breakfast or snack that satisfies both sweet and wholesome cravings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try toasting slices and topping them with almond butter and thin apple slices for an elegant treat. You can also cut the bread into cubes for a festive bread pudding or serve alongside your favorite soup for a comforting meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining its softness and delicious flavors.
Freezing
If you want to save the bread for later, slice it first and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This method keeps your bread fresh for up to 3 months and makes thawing quick and easy.
Reheating
To revive the bread’s tender texture and flavors, warm slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes. You can also microwave slices for about 15 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but be careful not to overheat.
FAQs
Can I substitute other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work beautifully in this recipe and add their own unique crunch and flavor. Just toast them beforehand to bring out the best taste.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for the smoothest texture and to avoid any tough bits, but if you prefer the extra fiber or rustic feel, leaving the peel on is fine as long as you wash the apples thoroughly.
Can I use a gluten-free flour blend?
Yes, using a gluten-free all-purpose blend is possible, but since gluten affects texture and rise, results may vary slightly. Adding a binding agent like xanthan gum might help achieve a better crumb.
Is it okay to use fresh cinnamon or ground cinnamon?
Ground cinnamon is preferred for this recipe because it blends evenly and gives consistent flavor. Freshly ground cinnamon sticks could work but may vary in potency, so adjust accordingly.
Can this bread be made vegan?
You can make this Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe vegan by substituting eggs with flax eggs and using a plant-based oil and sugar. Additionally, replacing applesauce with another fruit puree like mashed banana can work well.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe is a delicious celebration of comforting flavors and textures that you’ll love sharing with family and friends. Baking this loaf fills your home with warmth and happiness, and every bite delivers that perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and nutty goodness. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy a classic autumn treat all year round!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. It combines tender apples and warm cinnamon spices with crunchy toasted pecans, topped with a sweet cinnamon-sugar pecan crust. Easy to prepare and baked to perfection, this bread is an inviting treat that fills your kitchen with comforting aromas.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins and Toppings
- 2 cups finely chopped peeled apples
- 1 cup chopped toasted pecans (divided)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling the top)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for sprinkling the top)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan well to ensure the bread releases easily after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder until combined evenly.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender crumb.
- Add apples and pecans: Gently fold in the finely chopped peeled apples and half of the chopped toasted pecans into the batter, distributing them throughout.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining chopped pecans with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter once it’s in the loaf pan.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Place it in the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into 12 pieces and enjoy your delicious loaf.
Notes
- Using room temperature eggs ensures better mixing and a lighter texture.
- Make sure to finely chop the apples to ensure even distribution throughout the bread and prevent large chunks.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and moist.
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans and substitute with additional apples or seeds.
- Store the bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This bread can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
