Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread is a delightful, aromatic loaf perfect for cozy mornings or as an afternoon snack. With the sweetness of apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and the crunch of toasted pecans, this homemade bread is irresistibly soft and flavorful. It’s the ideal treat for those who love the comforting flavors of fall. Enjoy a slice with a hot cup of tea or coffee for the perfect pairing.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated apples
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add Apples and Pecans: Gently fold in the grated apples and chopped pecans.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
Variations
- Add-ins: You can add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a bit of tartness.
- Spices: For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves along with the cinnamon.
- Sweetness: If you like your bread a little sweeter, increase the sugar to 1 1/4 cups.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the top of the bread for a finishing touch.
- Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use vegan butter to make the recipe dairy-free.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: This bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
- Reheating: To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes.
10 FAQs
- Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar? Yes, brown sugar will add a richer, molasses-like flavor to the bread.
- Can I use a different type of nut? Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used in place of pecans.
- Can I skip the pecans? Yes, you can leave them out entirely or substitute with other mix-ins like chocolate chips or seeds.
- Can I use store-bought applesauce instead of grated apples? Yes, you can substitute 1 1/2 cups of applesauce, but the texture may be slightly different.
- Is this bread good for breakfast? Absolutely! Its sweet and spiced flavor makes it perfect for breakfast or brunch.
- Can I make this recipe without eggs? Yes, try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg).
- How can I make the bread moister? Adding a little more applesauce or even a splash of milk can increase moisture.
- Can I make mini loaves instead of one large loaf? Yes, just adjust the baking time to 20-25 minutes for mini loaves.
- Can I add more cinnamon for a spicier flavor? Yes, feel free to adjust the cinnamon to your taste, but keep in mind that it can become overpowering if you add too much.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Conclusion
Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread is a wonderfully fragrant, moist, and flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With the perfect balance of sweetness from the apples and sugar, warmth from the cinnamon, and crunch from the pecans, it’s a loaf that everyone will love. Whether served for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a gift, this bread is sure to impress.