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)
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
