If you’re searching for a treat that’s both comforting and irresistibly fragrant, Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread is your answer. This moist, tender loaf brings together sweet apples, crunchy pecans, and warming spices in every bite. Whether enjoyed as a cozy breakfast, a midday pick-me-up, or a sweet finale to any meal, this bread fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. Trust me, once you bake it, you’ll want to keep it in your weekly rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe brings something special to the table, creating a loaf that’s loaded with flavor and the perfect balance of texture. Don’t skip or skimp — each element plays its part in turning basic pantry staples into a show-stopping Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, giving it structure without making it dense.
- Baking soda & baking powder: These leaveners team up to help your bread rise tall and light.
- Salt: Just a touch brings out the flavor of everything else.
- Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: These spices deliver that classic fall warmth and an oh-so-inviting aroma.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and keeps the crumb tender; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
- Granulated sugar & brown sugar: The perfect sweet duo — brown sugar adds a subtle hint of caramel and extra moisture.
- Eggs: Essential for binding everything together and adding structure.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings lovely depth to the bread’s flavor profile.
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: This secret ingredient ensures every slice stays incredibly moist and tender.
- Peeled, finely chopped apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): Juicy apples provide natural sweetness and a pop of texture.
- Chopped pecans: For that delightful crunch and a subtle buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with apples and spice.
- Optional cinnamon-sugar topping: A quick sprinkle before baking creates an irresistible, crackly crust on top.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C); a hot oven ensures your bread rises beautifully. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan generously, making sure to get into the corners and up the sides. You can use butter, nonstick spray, or even a parchment paper sling for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisking helps distribute the leaveners and spices evenly, so every bite is full of balanced flavor and rise.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer (or a sturdy spoon and some elbow grease) to cream softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars. You’re aiming for a fluffy, pale mixture — this step traps air, leading to a lighter loaf.
Step 4: Add the Eggs, Vanilla, and Greek Yogurt
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract and Greek yogurt or sour cream, which will keep your Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread moist and tender.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are fine. This ensures your bread stays soft and fluffy, never tough.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped apples and pecans. The apples add juicy bursts throughout, while the pecans lend a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Make sure these goodies are evenly distributed in the batter for the best texture in every slice.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle on that cinnamon-sugar topping for a sweet, crackly finish. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling completely before slicing into your beautiful Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar over the top creates a snow-like finish that’s perfect for brunch or holiday tables. A drizzle of simple glaze (just powdered sugar and milk) or a pat of melting butter on a warm slice is pure bliss. You can even add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert vibes.
Side Dishes
Pair a thick slice of Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread with a steaming mug of coffee or chai tea for the ultimate cozy breakfast. For a more filling brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs, Greek yogurt, or a fruit salad. It also shines as a sweet addition to a cheese board — sharp cheddar loves the subtle sweetness and spice!
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread, toasting the pieces lightly, and spreading with apple butter or cream cheese. For a fun twist, cut the loaf into cubes and serve as part of a dessert fondue spread. You can even wrap individual slices in parchment and twine for adorable (and delicious) lunchbox treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread stays moist for several days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If your kitchen runs warm, stash it in the fridge to keep it fresh even longer. Just be sure it’s fully cooled before wrapping to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
This bread freezes like a dream! Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then pop into a freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.
Reheating
If you love warm, fresh-baked flavor, reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Toasting slices in a skillet with a dab of butter is another delicious option — it brings out the pecan crunch and caramelizes the edges.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast, Snack
Absolutely! Walnuts, hazelnuts, or even almonds work beautifully in this bread. Just make sure to chop them roughly the same size as the pecans so you get that perfect crunch in every bite.
What type of apples are best for Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread?
I love using a mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples for sweet-tart flavor and firm texture. Any apple that holds up to baking, like Fuji or Braeburn, will work well — avoid softer varieties that might turn mushy.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
You can! Substitute a reliable 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just be sure your other ingredients are gluten-free as well, and don’t overmix the batter.
Is it possible to make Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy yogurt or sour cream. Make sure your substitutions are unsweetened for best results and a flavor closest to the original.
Why did my bread sink in the middle?
This is often due to underbaking or overmixing the batter. Be sure to check for doneness with a toothpick, and stir the batter only until just combined. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking for even results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fill your home with cozy aromas and treat yourself to something truly special, give this Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread a try. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for every apple season (and beyond!). Happy baking!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 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. Made with fresh apples, warm cinnamon, crunchy pecans, and a hint of nutmeg, this loaf combines comfort and wholesome ingredients in every bite. The addition of Greek yogurt ensures a tender texture while the optional cinnamon-sugar topping adds a sweet, spicy crust to finish.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
Add-Ins
- 1 ½ cups peeled and finely chopped apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Optional Topping
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and Greek yogurt to enrich the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender crumb.
- Fold in Apples and Pecans: Carefully fold in the chopped apples and pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer to Pan and Add Topping: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping evenly over the surface for a sweet cinnamon crust.
- Bake: Bake the bread for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling doneness.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the bread set and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- For extra moisture and a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
- This apple cinnamon pecan bread freezes well; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
