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
Scale
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.
