If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful treat that feels like a warm hug in bread form, this Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. With its tender crumb, juicy bursts of fresh apples, a perfect hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, and crunchy pecans scattered throughout, it’s an irresistible mix of textures and tastes. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or even a comforting dessert, this recipe fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma and delivers pure deliciousness with every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but vital to creating that perfect Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread. Each one brings something unique to the table—like spices for warmth, apples for moisture, and pecans for crunch—making every bite a delight.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base that gives structure and softness to the bread.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the bread rise beautifully and keeps it light.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (1½ tsp): The star spice that adds warmth and depth.
- Ground nutmeg (½ tsp): Adds a subtle, cozy note that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup): Creates a rich, tender crumb and adds buttery flavor.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Brings sweetness and helps with browning.
- Brown sugar, packed (¼ cup): Adds moisture and a slight caramel undertone.
- Large eggs (2): Bind all the ingredients and give structure.
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (½ cup): Keeps the bread moist and tender with a slight tang.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Lifts the flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
- Chopped apples, peeled (1½ cups): The fresh chunks that add juiciness and a natural fruit burst.
- Chopped pecans (¾ cup): For crunch and a nutty richness that complements the apples perfectly.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your bread doesn’t stick, making it easier to remove once baked perfectly golden.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step evenly distributes the spices and leavening agents, which is essential for balanced flavor and a uniform rise.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process traps air, resulting in a lighter bread texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Yogurt, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time to keep the batter smooth and emulsified. Follow this by mixing in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and vanilla extract until the batter is silky and homogeneous, adding moisture and a rich depth of flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be gentle here; overmixing can lead to a tougher bread, so a few streaks of flour are better than overworked batter.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Pecans
Carefully fold in the chopped apples and pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. These add contrasting textures and bursts of flavor, making every slice exciting.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for about 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple dusting of powdered sugar atop the bread just before serving enhances its charm. For extra flair and flavor, consider spreading a pat of creamy butter or a smear of honey or maple syrup to complement the warmth of the cinnamon and sweetness of the apples.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it the perfect snack or breakfast companion. For brunch, add a side of fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait to keep things fresh and bright alongside the richness of the bread.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread thick for a rustic look and stack the slices on a wooden board with small bowls of nut butter and fruit preserves for a brilliant spread. Alternatively, toast slices lightly to enhance their crunch and serve with a dollop of ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a sophisticated twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep the leftover Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This way, the bread retains its moisture and texture perfectly, making it easy to enjoy later.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then again in foil or store in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. It’ll keep well for up to two months, so you can enjoy your favorite Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe anytime you want.
Reheating
To enjoy the bread warm, simply thaw frozen slices at room temperature and heat them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 325°F for 10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the texture slightly denser.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Greek yogurt with something else?
Yes! Sour cream is a great alternative that keeps the bread moist and tender. You can also use buttermilk, though it will slightly alter the flavor and texture.
What kind of apples work best in this recipe?
A mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith really shines here, balancing natural sweetness with a bit of tang and keeping the bread moist without becoming mushy.
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely. Walnuts or even chopped almonds make excellent substitutes and add great texture and nutty flavor to the bread.
Is this bread suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it doesn’t contain any animal-derived rennet or gelatin.
How do I make the bread more spiced?
To ramp up the spice, try adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice along with the cinnamon and nutmeg. These additional spices create a warmer, more complex flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe is one of those special delights that not only fills your kitchen with amazing aromas but also fills your heart with cozy happiness. It’s simple to make, uses everyday ingredients, and delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will keep you reaching for another slice. I really encourage you to try baking it yourself—there’s nothing quite like sharing this warm, comforting bread with your loved ones.
Print
Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread perfect for breakfast or a snack. Infused with warm spices, tender chopped apples, and crunchy pecans, it’s a delightful treat that blends sweet and tart flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the bread does not stick.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which incorporates air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Wet Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Then mix in the plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually stir the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in Apples and Pecans: Gently fold the finely chopped peeled apples and chopped pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly without deflating the batter.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for balanced flavor.
- To enhance the spice, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice.
- This bread freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months for convenient future snacking.
