If you’re looking to cozy up your kitchen with a comforting, flavorful treat, this Apple Bread with Cinnamon and Pecans Recipe is exactly the bakery-style indulgence you need. Imagine tender, moist bread loaded with warm spices, juicy chunks of apples, and crunchy toasted pecans—each bite feels like a warm hug. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even a sweet ending to your day, this bread is incredibly satisfying and truly showcases the magic of simple ingredients coming together in harmony.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Apple Bread with Cinnamon and Pecans Recipe. Every item brings its own charm, from the fragrant cinnamon that defines the flavor to the pecans adding delightful texture and depth. Here’s what you’ll need to make this bread shine in your kitchen.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the bread, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and classic spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Nutmeg: A pinch of this gives a subtle, aromatic depth that enhances the overall flavor.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out all the flavors beautifully.
- Baking powder: Helps your bread rise to a light and fluffy texture.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness.
- Sugar: Sweetens the bread to perfection and aids in browning.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist without weighing it down.
- Applesauce: Adds moisture and complements the apple chunks for uniform flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a luscious aroma and rounds out the spices beautifully.
- Finely chopped peeled apples: The star ingredient adding juicy bursts of flavor and texture.
- Chopped toasted pecans: Adds crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor throughout.
- Sugar for sprinkling: Creates a sweet, slightly crunchy topping.
- Ground cinnamon for topping: Enhances the aroma and paints that perfect spiced finish on top.
How to Make Apple Bread with Cinnamon and Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Greasing your loaf pan well ensures that your apple bread will come out cleanly without sticking. This simple prep step sets the stage for a smooth baking process.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl. This mix of dry ingredients blends the essential spices and leavening agents that will give your bread its signature flavor and rise. Whisk them together until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Add the sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well incorporated. This wet mixture brings moisture and sweetness, forming the perfect base to balance your dry ingredients and apples.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so stop when you don’t see flour anymore. Then fold in the finely chopped apples and half the toasted pecans for delicious bursts of fruit and crunch throughout the bread.
Step 5: Add the Topping and Bake
Mix the remaining pecans with the tablespoon of sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of your loaf, creating a sweet, nutty crust that bakes into a beautiful finish. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack—this cooling period helps the bread set perfectly.
How to Serve Apple Bread with Cinnamon and Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the rustic charm of your apple bread, consider topping slices with a pat of salted butter or a drizzle of honey. A dusting of powdered sugar or a light spread of cream cheese also pairs wonderfully for those craving a creamy contrast to the spicy, nutty loaf.
Side Dishes
This apple bread shines alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up. Serve it with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt to balance the sweetness and add a fresh, tangy note.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special brunch, slice the apple bread thickly and toast it lightly before serving. You can also turn it into French toast or use it as a base for a decadent bread pudding. That’s the fantastic thing about this Apple Bread with Cinnamon and Pecans Recipe — it’s versatile and lends itself to delicious creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover apple bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the bread moist and flavorful without drying out. For extra freshness, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container.
Freezing
This bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
To reheat, you can warm individual slices in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds until soft and warm. For a freshly baked texture, warm the entire loaf in a 300-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes, wrapped in foil to avoid drying.
FAQs
Can I substitute the vegetable oil in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use melted butter or coconut oil as a substitute, which will give slightly different flavors and textures but still keep the bread moist and tender.
What kind of apples work best for this bread?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal because they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweet and spicy flavors.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture, but be sure to check the blend’s baking guidelines.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet with batter, the bread needs more time in the oven.
Can I add other nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! Walnuts, almonds, or even dried cranberries make lovely additions. Just adjust quantities to your liking, keeping the total mix-ins similar to maintain texture.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Bread with Cinnamon and Pecans Recipe is one of those comforting classics that feels like a warm invitation to slow down and savor every bite. It’s effortlessly delightful, making it a go-to for sharing with friends or treating yourself. Trust me, once you try it, this spiced, nutty bread will earn its place as a favorite in your recipe collection.
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Apple Bread with Cinnamon and Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist and flavorful Apple Bread is a delightful treat that combines the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with fresh chopped apples and toasted pecans. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this easy-to-make bread features a tender crumb with a crunchy, sweet pecan topping.
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
- 2 cups finely chopped peeled apples
- 1 cup chopped toasted pecans
Topping
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a loaf pan thoroughly to ensure the bread does not stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the room temperature eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract together until smooth and well incorporated.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until all the flour is incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Add Apples and Pecans: Fold in the chopped apples and half of the toasted pecans gently into the batter to evenly distribute them.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the remaining pecans with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the batter in the loaf pan.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Then carefully invert it out of the pan to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, you can toast the pecans yourself by spreading them on a baking sheet and baking at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Make sure the apples are finely chopped to help the bread hold together well and distribute moisture evenly.
- Use room temperature eggs to ensure better mixing and a lighter texture.
- The bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
