Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe

The Best Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe for Fall Baking

Warm apple cinnamon pecan bread whispers comfort from the first aromatic slice.

Sweet memories of home-baked goodness drift through kitchens with delightful promise.

Rustic ingredients blend into a symphony of seasonal flavors that dance across taste buds.

Soft, moist textures promise a delectable experience that refines ordinary moments into extraordinary sensations.

Fragrant spices weave magic through each golden-brown crumb, inviting pure indulgence.

Baking this bread represents more than just mixing ingredients—it’s crafting connection and nurturing love.

Generations of bakers understand the profound joy hidden within simple, wholesome recipes.

You’ll want to gather loved ones and savor every delicious, memory-making bite.

How to Mix and Bake This Autumn-Inspired Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Coat a loaf pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, blend:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Salt
  • Baking powder

Whisk these ingredients until evenly combined.

Step 3: Create Wet Ingredient Base

In a large bowl, whip together:
  • Eggs
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vegetable oil
  • Applesauce
  • Vanilla extract

Beat until the mixture looks smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Stir gently until just mixed. Softly fold in:
  • Chopped fresh apples
  • Half of the chopped pecans

Step 5: Prepare Topping Crunch

In a small bowl, mix:
  • Remaining pecans
  • Sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Sprinkle this crunchy topping across the bread batter.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 55-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow bread to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing.

Tips for Keeping the Bread Moist and Flavorful

  • Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use exact measurements to ensure the perfect balance of flavors and texture in your apple cinnamon pecan bread.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Stir the batter gently until just combined to prevent a tough, dense loaf and maintain a light, tender crumb.
  • Choose Fresh Apples: Select crisp, firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture in your bread.
  • Toast Pecans First: Lightly toast pecans before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and bring out their natural oils.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick near the center and look for moist crumbs, not wet batter, to guarantee a perfectly baked loaf.

How to Store and Serve Apple Pecan Bread Later

  • Refrigerate: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Slice the bread, place parchment paper between slices, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave.
  • Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven to restore moisture and enhance the cinnamon-apple flavor.

Tasty Add-Ons That Match the Warm Spices

  • Brew Warm Chai Tea: Complement the bread's cinnamon and apple notes with a spicy, creamy chai that elevates the cozy flavors and adds a luxurious warming touch.
  • Pair with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Create a delightful dessert experience by serving a slice of bread with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, balancing the warm spices and adding rich, cold contrast.
  • Enhance with Maple Butter Spread: Prepare a simple maple butter by mixing softened butter with pure maple syrup, spreading it on a warm slice to intensify the bread's sweetness and autumnal character.
  • Match with Caramel Latte: The coffee's deep, rich flavor and sweet caramel notes will beautifully highlight the apple and pecan elements, creating a harmonious and indulgent pairing.

Easy Variations to Add Your Own Twist

  • Autumn Harvest Bread: Swap out apples for a mix of pumpkin puree and grated carrots, adding warm spices like ginger and cloves for a cozy fall-inspired quick bread.
  • Maple Walnut Edition: Replace pecans with chopped walnuts and use maple syrup instead of sugar, drizzling extra maple glaze on top for rich, deep flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Berry Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, fold in fresh blueberries or raspberries, and use almond flour for extra nutty undertones.
  • Vegan Banana Adaptation: Use mashed ripe bananas in place of eggs, coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and add dairy-free chocolate chips for a plant-based treat that's moist and indulgent.

Why Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Is Full of Fall Flavor

  • Savor Seasonal Comfort: This apple cinnamon pecan bread delivers warm, cozy flavors that wrap you in nostalgic autumn memories with every delightful slice.
  • Unlock Effortless Baking: Minimal ingredients and simple mixing technique make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring a foolproof and delicious result every time.
  • Celebrate Texture Harmony: Enjoy a beautiful balance of soft, moist bread studded with tender apple chunks and crunchy toasted pecans, creating a delightful sensory experience in each bite.

What You Need for This Spiced Apple Quick Bread

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the bread, choose unbleached flour for best texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps bread rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and classic autumn flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture to the bread.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps with browning.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps bread moist and tender.
  • Applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and additional moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides rich, complex flavor background.
Fruit and Nut Ingredients:
  • Apples, Pecans: Fresh apples add moisture and texture, while pecans provide crunch and nutty flavor. Choose firm, sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Gala for best results.
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Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Warm, spiced apple cinnamon pecan bread delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Golden-brown slices packed with juicy apples and crunchy pecans invite you to savor each delightful, homemade bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups finely chopped peeled apples
  • 1 cup chopped toasted pecans
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling the top)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by warming it to 350°F and thoroughly coating a loaf pan with grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by whisking flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder in a medium mixing vessel until perfectly blended.
  3. Develop a liquid mixture in a spacious bowl by vigorously beating eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until the texture becomes uniform and silky.
  4. Carefully integrate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to maintain a tender bread texture.
  5. Gently incorporate chopped apples and half of the pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  6. Craft a crunchy topping by combining remaining pecans with a sprinkle of sugar and a dash of ground cinnamon.
  7. Delicately spread the pecan topping across the surface of the batter, ensuring an even distribution for maximum flavor and crunch.
  8. Transfer the prepared loaf to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 55-60 minutes, monitoring for a golden brown exterior and checking doneness with a toothpick test.
  9. Allow the bread to rest inside the pan for 10-15 minutes, enabling it to set and cool slightly.
  10. Carefully invert the bread onto a wire rack, letting it cool completely before slicing to preserve its delicate structure.

Notes

  • Unlock the perfect balance of sweet apples and crunchy pecans in this moist, spice-infused bread that’s ideal for breakfast or afternoon snacking.
  • Swap vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor profile if you prefer a more indulgent taste.
  • Ensure apples are diced small to distribute evenly and prevent soggy spots in the bread’s texture.
  • Store bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation without losing moisture.
  • Use room temperature eggs and applesauce to help ingredients blend smoothly and create a more consistent batter.
  • Toast pecans briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide an extra layer of complexity to the bread’s taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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