Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread

Introduction

When the weather starts to turn cooler, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked loaf of Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread filling the house. I decided to make this bread for the first time during the fall, and it quickly became a family favorite. The combination of warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and crunchy toasted pecans creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. My family couldn’t get enough of it – each slice is moist, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert. I love how easy this recipe is to make, and the ingredients are simple yet create such a comforting, flavorful loaf. If you’re looking for a fall-inspired bread that’s sure to impress, this Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread is the perfect recipe to try.

Ingredients

To make this delicious bread, you’ll need the following 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
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups finely chopped peeled apples
• 1 cup chopped toasted pecans
• 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling the top)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a moist and flavorful loaf of bread. The cinnamon and nutmeg bring a warm, comforting taste, while the apples and pecans add a delightful texture and sweetness to each bite.

Instructions

Here’s how to make Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread:

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan to ensure easy release. You can also line it with parchment paper for extra convenience.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder. This will evenly distribute the dry ingredients and ensure your bread rises evenly.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should be well combined and have a light texture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense loaf.
5. Fold in the Apples and Pecans:
   Gently fold in the finely chopped apples and half of the chopped toasted pecans. This adds both flavor and texture to the bread, ensuring every bite is packed with a burst of apple and a crunch from the pecans.
6. Prepare the Topping:
   In a small bowl, mix the remaining pecans, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter to create a lovely, sweet topping with added crunch.
7. Bake:
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes – you may need to cover the top loosely with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.
8. Cool and Serve:
   Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy! The bread is perfect served on its own, with a cup of tea, or as a side to breakfast.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Servings: 12 slices
• Calories per Serving: 220 kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Calcium: 30mg

These nutritional values are approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but each slice of bread is a satisfying treat with a nice balance of sweetness and wholesome ingredients.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55–60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 15 minutes

This recipe comes together quickly, and the bake time ensures that you can have a delicious loaf of bread in about an hour. It’s perfect when you need a comforting homemade treat without too much effort.

How to Serve

Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread can be served in many different ways:

• As a breakfast bread: Serve a slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect start to your day.
• For dessert: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
• As a snack: Pair it with a glass of milk or a warm beverage for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Toast it up: For extra warmth and flavor, lightly toast slices of the bread and spread with a bit of butter or cream cheese.

Additional Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps the batter come together more easily and ensures the bread bakes evenly.
2. Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans brings out their natural flavor and adds a crunchy texture to the bread.
3. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until the ingredients are combined to ensure a tender loaf.
4. Test for Doneness: If the bread starts to brown too much on top, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
5. Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for longer storage.

Recipe Variations

• Add Dried Fruit: If you want to enhance the flavor further, consider adding dried cranberries, raisins, or even chopped dates to the batter for a little extra sweetness and chew.
• Use Different Nuts: If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds work equally well in this bread, adding a slightly different texture and flavor.
• Spiced Apple Variation: For a more pronounced apple flavor, you could add finely grated apple into the batter, which would enhance the moistness and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring that your bread remains light and airy.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Hot Beverage: Pair slices of this bread with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or apple cider for the perfect fall-inspired treat.
• Spread on Butter or Jam: A thin spread of butter or your favorite fruit jam adds a lovely touch to each slice.
• As a Brunch Item: Serve alongside scrambled eggs or a vegetable frittata for a well-rounded brunch.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This bread freezes well. Once it’s completely cooled, slice the bread and wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or toast it directly from the freezer.
• Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftover bread, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can store it in the fridge for up to a week, but make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of flour?
   Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour for a different texture and flavor.
2. Can I use a different type of nut?
   Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even cashews would work well in this recipe.
3. How can I make the bread sweeter?
   You can increase the sugar slightly or add a bit of honey to the batter for extra sweetness.
4. Can I use frozen apples?
   Fresh apples are best for this recipe, but if you have frozen apples, make sure to thaw and drain them before using them to avoid extra moisture in the batter.
5. Can I skip toasting the pecans?
   Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
6. Can I add chocolate to the bread?
   Yes! Adding a handful of mini chocolate chips would be a delicious twist on this recipe.
7. How can I make this bread vegan?
   You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a non-dairy oil or applesauce to make this bread vegan.
8. What’s the best way to slice the bread?
   Use a serrated knife to slice the bread, as this will ensure clean, even slices without squishing the loaf.
9. Can I use different fruits?
   Yes, pears or peaches would also work well in place of the apples for a different fruity flavor.
10. Can I add spices other than cinnamon and nutmeg?
    You can experiment with other spices like ginger or cardamom for additional warmth and complexity.

Conclusion

This Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread is the perfect combination of comforting flavors and textures. The warm spices, juicy apples, and crunchy pecans come together in a moist, tender loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for a fall brunch, a cozy afternoon snack, or to share with friends and family, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Enjoy every slice, and let the delicious aroma fill your home!

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