Rustic Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe

Homemade Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe for Fall Joy

Warm, golden loaves fresh from the oven tell delicious stories of comfort and tradition.

Spices dance through this apple cinnamon pecan bread recipe, weaving aromatic memories of cozy kitchens and autumn afternoons.

Sweet apples nestle between layers of tender crumb, creating a symphony of flavors that beckon you closer.

Pecans add a delightful crunch, transforming each slice into a rustic masterpiece.

cinnamon swirls bring depth and warmth, promising a sensory experience that goes beyond mere baking.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to your kitchen, eager to savor this irresistible treat.

One bite promises to transport you to a world of pure, comforting deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55-60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 13

Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread: What Goes Inside

For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the bread, providing structure and texture with a soft, tender crumb.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic sweetness that complements the apples and creates a cozy flavor profile.
  • Ground Nutmeg: Adds subtle depth and complexity with its slightly sweet, woody undertone.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the bread.
  • Baking Powder: Ensures the bread rises beautifully and maintains a light, airy texture.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide richness and structure to the bread.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps create a golden, caramelized exterior.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender, preventing dryness.
  • Unsweetened Applesauce: Adds natural apple flavor and moisture without extra fat.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces a subtle, warm flavor that enhances the overall taste.
For Mix-Ins and Topping:
  • Fresh Apples: Provide bursts of juicy freshness and natural sweetness throughout the bread.
  • Pecans: Contribute a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, adding texture and depth to each slice.

Tools That Help with Nutty Apple Bread

  • Loaf pan: Essential for baking the bread in the correct shape and size.
  • Mixing bowls: One medium and one large bowl for combining dry and wet ingredients.
  • Whisk: Helps blend dry ingredients smoothly and break up flour lumps.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure perfect recipe results.
  • Spatula: Great for folding in apples and pecans and scraping batter into pan.
  • Toothpick: Checks bread doneness by testing center for moist crumbs.
  • Wire rack: Allows bread to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottom.
  • Knife: Useful for chopping apples and pecans into proper sizes.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Easily

Cozy Apple Comfort Bread

  • Warm Kitchen Setup

Prepare your kitchen for a delightful baking adventure by setting up your oven and workspace. The gentle warmth will soon fill your home with incredible aromas.

  • Dry Ingredient Blend

Mix flour, warming spices, and rising agents in a bowl, creating a soft, fragrant foundation for your bread. Each ingredient whispers promises of deliciousness.

  • Wet Ingredient Harmony

Combine eggs, sweetness, and moisturizing elements in a separate container. Whisk until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth landscape of flavors.

  • Fruity Nutty Fusion

Gently marry your wet and dry ingredients, folding in crisp apple chunks and crunchy pecans. The texture will become a beautiful canvas of rustic goodness.

  • Topping Magic

Sprinkle a delicate crown of reserved pecans and a whisper of sweet spice across the bread’s surface, creating a tempting golden crust.

  • Baking Transformation

Slide your creation into the oven, allowing heat to work its enchantment. Watch as your kitchen fills with comforting scents and the bread rises to golden perfection.

  • Cooling Ritual

After baking, let your bread rest and settle, then transfer to a cooling rack. Slice when completely cooled for the most incredible texture and flavor experience.

Flavor Twists to Boost the Apple and Spice Combo

  • Gently toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes to release their rich, nutty aroma and deepen their crunch, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  • Replace apples with pears, fresh or frozen blueberries, or diced peaches to create unique seasonal twists that complement the warm cinnamon spice.
  • Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the bread remains moist and tender for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the wet ingredients for an extra tender, soft bread that stays fresh longer and develops a richer texture.
  • Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy a delicious treat anytime.

Best Ways to Serve This Sweet and Nutty Bread

  • Breakfast Bliss: Slice this warm bread and serve alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a perfect morning treat.
  • Holiday Hostess Gift: Wrap the cooled bread in parchment paper and tie with a rustic ribbon for a charming homemade present that friends and family will adore.
  • Dessert Transformation: Top a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent after-dinner dessert that elevates the classic quick bread.
  • Brunch Companion: Pair with a light cream cheese spread or honey butter to add an extra layer of richness and create a delightful brunch centerpiece.

Tips for Storing Apple Pecan Bread

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store your apple cinnamon pecan bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil inside the refrigerator. This method keeps the bread fresh for 4-5 days, maintaining its delightful moisture and preventing unnecessary drying.
  • Counter Storage Magic: When enjoying the bread within 2 days, leave it covered with a clean kitchen towel at room temperature. Room temperature storage helps retain the bread's soft texture and allows easy access for quick snacking.
  • Freezing Treasure Technique: Slice the bread before freezing to enable convenient individual servings. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag. Frozen bread remains delicious for up to 3 months, perfect for future breakfast or afternoon treats.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Bring frozen or refrigerated bread slices to room temperature naturally. For a warm experience, gently toast slices in a toaster oven or warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Added bonus: reheating enhances the cinnamon and apple aromas, making each bite feel freshly baked.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Rustic Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe

Rustic Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade apple cinnamon pecan bread delivers classic fall comfort with rich, warm spices and tender fruit chunks. Nutty pecans and sweet apple pieces create a delightful quick bread perfect for morning enjoyment or afternoon tea.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) finely chopped peeled apples
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chopped toasted pecans
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 ½ tsps cinnamon
  • 2 tbsps applesauce
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar (for sprinkling the top)
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Warm the oven to 350°F and generously grease a loaf pan to ensure easy release.
  2. Blend Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
  3. Mix Wet Components: In a large bowl, blend eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogeneous.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain a tender crumb, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Incorporate Fruits and Nuts: Fold chopped apples and half the pecans into the batter, distributing evenly to ensure consistent flavor in each slice.
  6. Prepare Topping: Create a crunchy garnish by mixing remaining pecans with sugar and ground cinnamon, sprinkling evenly across the batter’s surface.
  7. Bake and Verify: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, checking for a golden-brown exterior and inserting a toothpick to confirm doneness.
  8. Cool and Serve: Rest the bread in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing, preserving its delicate texture and moisture.

Notes

  • Pecan Placement Strategy: Reserve half the pecans for the batter and half for the crunchy topping to ensure balanced nut distribution and textural contrast.
  • Minimal Mixing Technique: Stir wet and dry ingredients just until combined to prevent tough, dense bread and maintain a tender crumb.
  • Moisture Management: Use applesauce as a secret ingredient to keep the bread incredibly moist without adding extra fat.
  • Doneness Detection: Rely on the toothpick test and golden-brown color as reliable indicators of perfect baking, inserting a toothpick into the center and checking for clean removal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star