Description
Delight in the warm, comforting flavors of this Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread, a moist and tender loaf packed with finely chopped apples and toasted pecans, gently spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack, this bread combines a luscious crumb with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar pecan topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins and Topping
- 2 cups finely chopped peeled apples
- 1 cup chopped toasted pecans
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling the top)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan to ensure the bread releases easily after baking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder until evenly combined to create the dry mixture.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together, then add the vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in the Apples and Pecans: Carefully fold in the finely chopped peeled apples and half of the chopped toasted pecans to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining chopped toasted pecans with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. This will be sprinkled on top of the batter for a crunchy, sweet finish.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, smooth the top, and evenly sprinkle the pecan topping mixture. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and enjoying.
Notes
- Use peeled apples to ensure the bread has a smooth texture without tough skin bits.
- To toast pecans, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant and lightly browned.
- Room temperature eggs blend better with other ingredients and help create a tender crumb.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer preservation.
- For added moisture and flavor, consider substituting half the vegetable oil with melted butter.
