Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe

The Perfect Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe for Fall Baking

Baking this delightful apple cinnamon pecan bread fills my kitchen with warmth and nostalgia.

Fragrant spices dance through the air, promising comfort in every slice.

Sweet apples nestle between layers of tender crumb, creating a magical texture.

Crunchy pecans add unexpected depth and richness to each mouthful.

My grandmother’s love for simple, hearty recipes inspired this delectable treat.

She knew that great baking connects people through shared moments of joy.

You’ll want to slice this bread while it’s still slightly warm, letting the flavors mingle and memories bloom.

Why Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Smells Like Fall

  • Simplify Baking: Master a straightforward recipe that requires minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients.
  • Versatile Treat: Enjoy a bread that works perfectly for breakfast, snack time, or dessert with its rich apple and pecan combinations.
  • Comfort in Every Slice: Savor the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon and apple that create a nostalgic and comforting eating experience.
  • Nutrient-Packed Performance: Benefit from a recipe loaded with wholesome ingredients like apples, pecans, and applesauce that offer natural sweetness and nutritional value.

What You’ll Need For Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread

For the Core Ingredients:
  • Flour: The main dry ingredient that provides structure and texture to the bread.
  • Eggs: A binding agent that helps hold the bread together and adds richness.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and softness in the bread.
For the Fruit and Nuts:
  • Apples, Pecans: Fresh diced apples and chopped pecans add natural sweetness, texture, and a delightful crunch to the bread.
For the Flavor Enhancers and Moisture:
  • Baking Powder, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Salt: Spices that create depth of flavor and warmth in the bread.
  • Milk, Vanilla Extract, Applesauce: Ingredients that contribute moisture, sweetness, and enhance the overall taste profile.

How To Bake Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Heat the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a generous layer of butter or cooking spray to help the bread slide out easily.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and sift together the following ingredients:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Nutmeg

Blend these ingredients until they create a uniform base for your delicious bread.

Step 3: Whip Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until they become slightly frothy. Then add:
  • Vegetable oil
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Applesauce

Stir everything until the mixture looks smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir carefully to keep the bread tender and avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Add Chunky Goodness

Fold in the following ingredients:
  • Diced apples
  • Chopped pecans

Distribute them evenly throughout the batter for consistent flavor and delightful crunch.

Step 6: Prepare For Baking

Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top and create an even surface.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool Down

Remove the bread from the oven. Let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Slice and Enjoy

Cut the bread into slices and savor the warm, aromatic flavors and delightful texture of your homemade apple cinnamon pecan bread.

Tips To Perfect Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread

  • Prevent Soggy Texture: Pat diced apples dry with paper towels before adding to batter to reduce excess moisture and maintain bread's ideal consistency.
  • Enhance Nutty Flavor: Toast pecans briefly in a dry skillet before chopping to intensify their rich, warm flavor and add depth to the bread.
  • Check Doneness Accurately: Use an instant-read thermometer; bread is perfectly baked when internal temperature reaches 200-205°F for optimal moisture and texture.
  • Store Like a Pro: Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
  • Boost Spice Intensity: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom alongside cinnamon to create a more complex and vibrant spice profile in the bread.

New Versions Of Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread

  • Gluten-Free Apple Pecan Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly option, maintaining similar texture and taste.
  • Vegan Apple Spice Loaf: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and swap milk with almond milk for plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Apple Nut Bread: Use sugar-free applesauce, replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and reduce overall sweetness while keeping rich flavor profile.
  • Tropical Fruit Variation: Swap apples with diced mango or pineapple, add shredded coconut, and use macadamia nuts instead of pecans for a Hawaiian-inspired bread experience.

Best Sips And Sides For Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread

  • Serve alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The cool, smooth texture of the ice cream creates a delightful contrast with the bread's warm, nutty profile, while the vanilla brings out the subtle sweetness of the apples.
  • Match with Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai – like cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon – beautifully echo the bread's own warm spice blend, creating a harmonious and comforting flavor experience.
  • Enjoy with Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The tangy, aged cheese provides a savory counterpoint to the bread's sweetness, creating an unexpected but delicious flavor combination that elevates the overall taste.

How To Keep Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Fresh

  • Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, keeping it fresh and moist.
  • Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, storing for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Keep bread at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days, ensuring it stays soft and delicious for quick snacking.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore its just-baked warmth and crispness.

Common Questions About Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread

  • What gives this bread its moist texture?

The combination of vegetable oil, milk, eggs, and applesauce ensures a soft, tender crumb that stays fresh and delicious.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have certain items?

You can replace pecans with walnuts, use almond milk instead of regular milk, or swap applesauce with mashed bananas for similar moisture.

  • How do I know when the bread is perfectly baked?

Use the toothpick test – insert it into the center of the bread, and if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.

  • Is this bread suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The recipe can be easily adapted by using gluten-free flour and dairy-free milk alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs.

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Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this apple cinnamon pecan bread, a delightful symphony of autumn flavors that whispers sweet promises of homemade warmth. Fragrant spices and tender apples nestled within a rich, nutty crumb invite you to savor each delectable slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup diced apples
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup applesauce

Dry Ingredients and Spices:

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy bread removal.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry ingredient base for the bread.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until slightly frothy, then incorporate vegetable oil, milk, vanilla extract, and applesauce, blending until smooth and well-combined.
  4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring carefully to avoid overmixing and maintain a tender bread texture.
  5. Carefully incorporate diced apples and chopped pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout for consistent flavor and crunch.
  6. Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
  8. Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Once cooled, slice and serve the apple cinnamon pecan bread, enjoying the warm, aromatic flavors and delightful texture.

Notes

  • Prevent apple browning by tossing diced pieces in lemon juice before adding to batter, maintaining fresh color and preventing oxidation.
  • Enhance nutty flavor by lightly toasting pecans in a dry skillet before chopping and incorporating into the bread mixture.
  • Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blend, ensuring equally moist and tender texture.
  • Control moisture by patting apple chunks dry with paper towels, preventing excess liquid from making bread soggy during baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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