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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Organize all ingredients and equipment before commencing the apple bread preparation to ensure a smooth baking process.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer the completed batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it uniformly to guarantee consistent baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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