Heavenly Apple Bread With Cinnamon Pecan Crunch Recipe

Sweet memories of autumn afternoons dance through this delectable apple bread with a crunchy pecan twist.

Crisp orchard fruits mingle perfectly with warm spices in every slice.

Cinnamon whispers comfort from the kitchen, drawing you closer to the oven.

Fragrant and inviting, this recipe promises a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug.

Pecans add a magical crunch that elevates each bite beyond ordinary expectations.

Baking brings magic to simple ingredients, transforming them into something extraordinary.

Let’s create a slice of pure happiness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch So Special

Savor Homemade Comfort: Reasons to Love This Apple Bread

• Bake with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal culinary expertise and basic kitchen tools, making it accessible to everyone from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Burst of Seasonal Flavors: Packed with warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and crunchy pecans, this bread captures the essence of cozy autumn moments and delivers a delightful sensory experience in every slice.
• Family-Friendly Treat: Versatile enough for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, this apple bread appeals to all ages and can be enjoyed together, creating delicious memories around the kitchen table.
• No-Fuss Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe minimizes kitchen stress while maximizing flavor, allowing you to create a spectacular homemade treat without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch

• Flour: A soft, powdery base for the bread's structure.
• Cinnamon: A warm, sweet spice with rich flavor.
• Nutmeg: A subtle, aromatic ground spice.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor balance.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.

• Eggs: Binding agent that adds richness.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps with browning.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
• Applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a classic, warm flavor.

• Apples, Pecans: Fresh chopped apples with crunchy toasted pecans for texture and flavor.

• Pecans, Sugar, Cinnamon: A sweet and crunchy sprinkle for the bread's surface.

Steps to Bake Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F.

Grab a loaf pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Dry Base

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder.

Make sure all the dry ingredients are well combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Mixture

In a separate large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until the mixture looks smooth and has a consistent golden color.

Step 4: Merge Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until everything just comes together.

Remember to be gentle – overmixing can make your bread tough.

Step 5: Add Fruity Goodness

Carefully fold in the chopped apples and half of the toasted pecans.

Spread them evenly throughout the batter so every slice gets a taste of deliciousness.

Step 6: Create the Crunchy Topping

Mix the remaining pecans with a sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon.

This will create a delightful crunch on top of your bread.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.

Sprinkle the pecan topping across the surface.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 55-60 minutes.

Step 8: Test and Cool

Check if the bread is done by inserting a toothpick into the center.

If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready!

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Apple Bread Tips for the Perfect Crunch

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apple varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for complex, robust flavor profiles in your bread.
• Toss chopped apples in a light dusting of flour before adding to the batter to help them stay evenly distributed and prevent sinking to the bottom.
• Replace some vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce to maintain bread's softness while reducing overall fat content without compromising texture.
• Toast pecans before chopping to intensify their nutty flavor and create a more aromatic, crispy topping that elevates the bread's overall taste experience.
• Wrap cooled apple bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

Keep Apple Bread with Pecan Crunch Fresh

• Store leftover apple bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Slice the bread and wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven until heated through. Add a pat of butter for extra richness.
• Remove frozen slices from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Alternatively, warm gently in the microwave or toaster oven until completely thawed and warm.

Best Pairings for Apple Cinnamon Bread

• Brew Perfect Coffee Companion: Match the bread with a medium-roast Colombian coffee featuring caramel and nutty undertones that echo the bread's warm cinnamon and pecan notes.
• Create Creamy Dairy Delight: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or whipped mascarpone cream to balance the bread's spicy warmth and add luxurious richness.
• Enhance Beverage Experience: Enjoy with a crisp apple cider or a light amber ale that complements the bread's fruity apple and toasted pecan flavors, creating a harmonious taste profile.

Creative Takes on Apple Bread with Pecan Crunch

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the mix contains xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and swap regular sugar with coconut sugar for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar quantity and use stevia or monk fruit sweetener, add extra spices like nutmeg and ginger to enhance natural sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Eliminate butter completely, use neutral vegetable oil or coconut oil, and select dairy-free applesauce to create a allergen-friendly bread option.

FAQs

• Why should I toast the pecans before adding them to the bread?

Toasting pecans enhances their natural nutty flavor and adds a deeper, richer taste to the bread. The process also creates a crunchier texture that improves the overall eating experience.

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or Fuji for a balanced flavor. Just make sure to choose firm apples that will hold their shape during baking.

• What's the best way to prevent the bread from becoming too dense?

Avoid overmixing the batter, which can develop gluten and make the bread tough. Stir the wet and dry ingredients just until combined, and gently fold in the apples and pecans to keep the bread light and tender.

• How do I know when the apple bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, continue baking and check every 5 minutes until it’s fully cooked.

Apple Bread With Cinnamon Pecan Crunch Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade apple bread with cinnamon pecan crunch brings sweet autumn memories straight to your kitchen. Moist apple-packed slices topped with crispy pecan streusel create irresistible comfort perfect for weekend mornings and cozy gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups finely chopped, peeled apples
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup chopped, toasted pecans (divided)

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar (for topping)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Organize all ingredients and equipment before commencing the apple bread preparation to ensure a smooth baking process.
2. Position the oven rack in the center and heat to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by coating with non-stick spray or lining with parchment paper.
3. Create the dry ingredient foundation by whisking flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder in a medium mixing bowl until thoroughly combined and free of lumps.
4. Construct the wet ingredient mixture in a separate large bowl by vigorously beating eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until the texture becomes smooth and uniform.
5. Merge the dry and wet ingredients by gradually incorporating the flour mixture into the liquid base, using gentle folding motions to maintain the batter’s delicate structure. Stop mixing immediately once no visible flour streaks remain.
6. Integrate chopped apples and half of the toasted pecans into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture to guarantee consistent flavor in every slice.
7. Craft the crunchy topping by combining remaining pecans, additional sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly across the batter’s surface.
8. Transfer the completed batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it uniformly to guarantee consistent baking.
9. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 55-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge with minimal moist crumbs.
10. Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to rest inside the pan for 10-15 minutes, enabling the structure to stabilize and prevent crumbling.
11. Carefully release the bread from the pan and position it on a wire cooling rack. Allow complete cooling before slicing to maintain optimal texture and prevent crumbling.

Notes

• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a deeper, richer crunch in the bread.
• Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and balanced sweetness.
• Check bread doneness early to prevent over-baking, which can lead to dry results; start testing at 50 minutes.
• Adjust moisture by replacing some oil with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version of the bread.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg