Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe
There is nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma and taste of a freshly baked Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe to brighten up any morning or cozy up an afternoon. This delightful bread brings together tender chunks of tart apples, the perfect hint of cinnamon and nutmeg spices, and crunchy toasted pecans that create an irresistible texture and flavor combination. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a homemade treat that feels like a big hug from the inside, this bread is a true crowd-pleaser that turns simple ingredients into a memorable delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe plays an essential role, making sure you get the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture. From the creamy butter to the crunchy pecans, every component comes together with ease and purpose.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The sturdy base that gives the bread its wonderful structure and crumb.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Adds that classic warm, fragrant spice you love with apples.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle spice that enhances depth without overwhelming the flavor.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise beautifully and develop a tender texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Brings moisture and richness for a melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides classic sweetness that blends well with the brown sugar.
- Light brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Adds a subtle caramel note and moisture for perfect crumb.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and contribute to the bread’s light texture.
- Sour cream (1/3 cup): Infuses moisture and tenderness, keeping the bread wonderfully soft.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates the sweetness with a rich, aromatic touch.
- Chopped peeled apples (1 1/2 cups): The star ingredient; tart apples like Granny Smith add freshness and juicy bursts.
- Chopped pecans (3/4 cup): Offer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the tender bread.
- Flour for coating apples (1 tablespoon): Prevents apple pieces from sinking to the bottom during baking.
- Turbinado sugar (optional, for topping): Adds a delightful crunchy, sparkling finish on top.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure easy removal later. Then, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl—this mixture will evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents throughout the bread.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until you get a light, fluffy, and creamy mixture. This step is key for incorporating air that makes the bread tender and helps the sugars dissolve, which adds to the lovely crumb structure.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Then mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until your batter feels smooth and luscious. The sour cream keeps the bread moist while vanilla rounds out the sweetness with its warm aroma.
Step 4: Prepare the Apples and Combine Everything
To keep your chopped apples from sinking to the bottom, toss them with one tablespoon of flour. Gently fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients without over-mixing to avoid tough bread. Finally, fold in the floured apples and chopped pecans so they’re evenly spread throughout your batter.
Step 5: Bake Your Bread
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. For a beautiful shimmering finish, sprinkle turbinado sugar on top if you like added crunch. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread is spectacular on its own, but topping slices with a pat of butter or a light drizzle of honey warms it up even more. For a special touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon sugar or a few extra chopped pecans right before serving.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a cozy cup of coffee, chai tea, or a steaming latte for the ultimate fall-inspired snack. It also pairs beautifully with creamy yogurt or a smear of cream cheese for added richness and tang.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this bread into a dessert by layering warm slices with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce, or use it as a base for a decadent bread pudding where those apples and pecans really shine. Wrapped in parchment and tied with a ribbon, it makes a thoughtful homemade gift that anyone would love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe keeps wonderfully at room temperature when tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container for up to three days, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for busy mornings.
Freezing
To enjoy later, wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. The bread freezes well for up to two months without losing that fresh-baked flavor and texture.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or toast them lightly for a crispy crust while keeping the inside tender. Reheating really brings back that freshly baked feeling and enhances the apple aroma.
FAQs
Can I use other types of nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts can be great substitutes. Just toast them lightly first to bring out their flavor and keep the texture delightful.
What kind of apples work best in this recipe?
Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice balance with the sweetness, but you can also experiment with Fuji or Honeycrisp for a slightly sweeter, juicier result.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binder to help maintain texture.
Can I add dried fruit or other mix-ins?
Yes! Dried cranberries or raisins complement the apples beautifully, and a handful of chocolate chips can turn it into a fun twist for chocoholics.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked. Avoid opening the oven too early to keep it from sinking.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe is one of those timeless treats that fills your home with a cozy embrace and your palate with pure joy. I encourage you to try it soon, knowing it will become a beloved favorite for breakfast, tea time, or whenever you need a little sweet comfort in your day.
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Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. It combines the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with chopped apples and crunchy pecans, creating a deliciously spiced loaf topped with a sprinkle of turbinado sugar for extra texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon flour (for coating apples)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 2 medium)
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
- Turbinado sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, indicating proper aeration.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Prepare Apples: In a small bowl, toss the finely chopped apples with 1 tablespoon of flour. This coats the apples and prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the bread during baking.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Stir the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the bread tough.
- Fold in Apples and Pecans: Fold the coated apples and chopped pecans into the batter evenly.
- Fill Pan and Add Topping: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top if you desire a sweet, crunchy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a bright, balanced flavor that complements the sweetness of the bread.
- This bread keeps well wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Toasted pecans add an extra depth of flavor and a pleasant crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
