Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread is the epitome of comfort baking—soft, tender, and packed with juicy apple chunks, warm cinnamon spice, and the nutty crunch of pecans. This bread is perfect for cool mornings, as an afternoon snack, or served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. With every bite, you get the natural sweetness of apples, complemented by the fragrant warmth of cinnamon and the richness of toasted pecans. What makes this bread truly special is its balance of flavors and textures—moist and tender, yet with a delightful crunch in every slice. This recipe is simple enough to make any day of the week, and the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen will bring everyone running for a slice. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread is sure to become a household favorite. Let’s bake!
2. Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
- 1 1/2 cups peeled, chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for sprinkling on top)
3. Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in Apples and Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped apples and pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Transfer to Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top for an extra sweet crunch. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. How to Prepare
Preparing this Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread starts with mixing up a simple batter filled with aromatic spices. Creaming the butter and sugars ensures a tender crumb, while alternating the dry ingredients with buttermilk keeps the bread perfectly moist. The addition of chopped apples adds natural sweetness and makes every slice tender and juicy, while the chopped pecans provide an irresistible crunch. Pour the batter into a loaf pan, sprinkle the top with cinnamon-sugar, and bake until golden brown and fragrant. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool before you slice into it—this bread is worth the wait!
5. Preparation Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 55-60 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
6. Servings
This recipe yields 1 loaf, which serves about 8-10 slices.
7. FAQs
Q1: Can I substitute the pecans for another nut?
A: Yes, you can use walnuts or almonds if you prefer. They work just as well and add a great crunch.
Q2: Can I use a different type of apple?
A: Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are great for a slightly tart flavor, but Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples also work well if you prefer a sweeter taste.
Q3: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
A: Yes, this bread can be made ahead and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just keep it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Q5: Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
A: Yes! You can turn this recipe into muffins by dividing the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper liners. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Conclusion
Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread is the ultimate cozy treat, with all the best flavors of fall wrapped into one easy recipe. The soft, moist bread is studded with juicy chunks of apple, warm with a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped off with a delightful crunch of toasted pecans. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and spiced, and it’s ideal for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. Whether served warm with a pat of butter or as is, this bread will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s also a wonderful gift to share during the holiday season—nothing says love quite like homemade baked goods. Gather your ingredients, warm up the oven, and enjoy the comforting aroma of this delicious Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread filling your kitchen. Enjoy!