If you’re craving a cozy treat that brings together warm spices, crisp apples, and crunchy pecans, this Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread is about to become your new baking obsession. Each bite is bursting with sweet-tart apple chunks, a heavenly swirl of cinnamon, and the irresistible richness of toasted nuts. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this recipe promises to fill your kitchen with an aroma that says “home” like nothing else. The best part? It’s easy to whip up and perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!

Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, but each one plays an important role in creating its signature flavor, texture, and golden color. Fresh fruit, warming spices, and a touch of tang make every slice truly special.

All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives this bread its perfect crumb and structure.
Baking soda: Provides lift and helps the bread rise beautifully.
Baking powder: Adds extra lightness, ensuring your loaf isn’t too dense.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice for warmth and depth—don’t skimp!
Ground nutmeg: Lends subtle, aromatic notes for a bakery-style finish.
Unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and a tender crumb to the bread.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps create a lovely crust.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure.
Vanilla extract: Adds a gentle, sweet background note.
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Keeps your bread moist and gives it a little tangy kick.
Apples (peeled and diced): Fresh apples are the juicy bursts of flavor in every bite—choose tart varieties for best results.
Pecans (chopped): Add crunch and richness; toast them for even more flavor.
Brown sugar (for topping): Creates a caramelized, slightly crunchy finish on top.
Cinnamon (for topping): Reinforces that comforting spice aroma right from the first bite.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Loaf Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan generously—this ensures your Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread releases effortlessly after baking and keeps the edges soft, not dry. If you like, line the pan with parchment for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step is key to evenly distributing the leaveners and spices, so every bite is balanced and flavorful.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light, fluffy, and pale. This incorporates air, which helps the loaf rise and gives the final bread a tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). The sour cream keeps your Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread moist and adds a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with the apples.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so stop as soon as you don’t see dry streaks of flour.

Step 6: Fold in Apples and Pecans

With a spatula, carefully fold in the diced apples and chopped pecans. Make sure they’re evenly distributed for maximum flavor and texture in every slice.

Step 7: Pour Batter and Add Topping

Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping, then sprinkle it evenly over the batter for a gorgeous, bakery-style finish.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This patience pays off with slices that hold together perfectly!

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, dust your Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk. A pat of butter or a dollop of whipped cream also elevates each slice into pure comfort food territory.

Side Dishes

This bread is delicious alongside a steaming mug of coffee or chai. For breakfast, pair it with a bowl of Greek yogurt and fresh berries, or serve warm with scrambled eggs and crisp bacon for a hearty start to your day.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the loaf and arranging it on a rustic wooden board with apple slices and extra pecans for a fall brunch. Cut thick slices into cubes and serve as part of a dessert trifle, or toast leftovers for a crunchy, satisfying snack. However you serve it, Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread is always a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors meld and deepen as it sits, making day-two slices even more delicious.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Label and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight at room temperature for a fresh-tasting treat any time.

Reheating

To enjoy that fresh-baked warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for 10 to 20 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven. This revives the texture and brings out the aroma of the apples and cinnamon all over again.

FAQs

Can I make Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread without nuts?

Absolutely! Simply leave out the pecans for a nut-free version. The bread will still be moist, flavorful, and full of apple-cinnamon goodness.

Which apples work best in this recipe?

Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal, as their firmness holds up during baking and their flavor balances the sweet, spiced batter. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples also work well if you prefer a sweeter loaf.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread is ready. If it’s still wet, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

Can I substitute the sour cream with something else?

Yes! Plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute that provides the same moisture and tang. If you’re in a pinch, regular yogurt or even buttermilk can work too—just adjust the consistency if needed.

Is it possible to double this recipe?

Definitely! Double all the ingredients and divide the batter between two loaf pans. Keep an eye on the baking time; you may need to add a few extra minutes, but the results are just as delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you love comforting, old-fashioned baking that fills your home with the scent of cinnamon and apples, you simply have to try this Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread. It’s easy, satisfying, and guaranteed to win over everyone who gets a slice. Happy baking!

Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 10 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread perfect for fall mornings or as a sweet snack. Loaded with tender apples, crunchy pecans, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, it offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Topped with a cinnamon brown sugar crust, this bread is easy to make and ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy treat any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

Mix-ins and Topping

1 1/2 cups apples, peeled and diced
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
2 tablespoons brown sugar (for topping)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to evenly combine all spices and leavening agents.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes and ensures a tender bread texture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream or Greek yogurt to add moisture and richness.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the bread tough.
Fold in Apples and Pecans: Carefully fold the diced apples and chopped pecans into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking up the fruit.
Transfer to Pan and Add Topping: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together, then evenly sprinkle this topping over the batter to create a sweet, spiced crust.
Bake the Bread: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to maintain its shape and texture.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice flavor contrast that complements the sweetness of the bread.
This bread freezes well; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
For extra indulgence, drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk after the bread has cooled.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Bread, Dessert, Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American