Apple Bread with Toasted Pecans and Warm Spices Recipe
This moist and flavorful Apple Bread recipe combines warm spices, fresh apples, and crunchy toasted pecans to create a delightful homemade treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. With a subtle sweetness and a tender crumb, this bread is easy to prepare and bakes to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15-20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry 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
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 2 cups finely chopped peeled apples
- 1 cup chopped toasted pecans
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling the top)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for sprinkling the top)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until incorporated to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bread. Fold in the chopped apples and half of the toasted pecans carefully to distribute them throughout the batter.
- Add Topping: Mix the remaining pecans with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter in the loaf pan for a crunchy and flavorful crust.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack or plate to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure the apples are finely chopped to ensure even distribution and moisture throughout the bread.
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fragrant.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Store leftover bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This bread also freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.