Hey there, baking buddies! Are you ready to dive into the warm, comforting embrace of the most delicious apple pecan bread you’ll ever taste? This isn’t just *any* apple bread; this is the apple bread. Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice – the moist, tender crumb studded with crunchy pecans and bursting with the sweet, spicy aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg. The perfect balance of sweet and subtly spiced, this bread is the epitome of fall baking, and honestly, it’s just as good in the summer!

What makes this recipe truly special? It’s the perfect blend of textures and flavors. The apples provide a delightful moisture, the pecans add a satisfying crunch, and the warm spices create a comforting aroma that will fill your kitchen with the cozy essence of autumn. It’s incredibly easy to make, too – no complicated techniques or fancy equipment required. You’ll be surprised how quickly this comes together! Perfect for a weekend baking project, a cozy night in, or a thoughtful gift for a friend, this bread is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Trust me, the taste and texture will have you reaching for another slice (and another!). Prepare for compliments galore – everyone will be asking for your secret ingredient (it’s love!).

What You’ll Need

This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create an extraordinary taste sensation. Here’s your shopping list:

Fresh Apples (2 cups): Choose your favorite variety – Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or a mix for a complex flavor profile. Peeled, cored, and diced for optimal baking results.
Large Eggs (2): These bind the ingredients and contribute to the rich texture of the bread. Room temperature eggs are best for optimal emulsification.
Applesauce (2 tbsp): Adds extra moisture and a subtle sweetness, enhancing the overall apple flavor. Unsweetened applesauce is recommended.
All-Purpose Flour (1 3/4 cups): The foundation of our bread, providing structure and texture. Make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Baking Powder (1 tsp): The leavening agent that gives our bread its lovely rise. Always check the expiration date!
Cinnamon (2 1/2 tsp): The star spice, creating a warm and comforting flavor. A blend of ground and stick cinnamon adds depth of flavor.
Ground Cinnamon (1/4 tsp): This adds a subtle layer of warmth to complement the cinnamon sticks.
Nutmeg (1/4 tsp): A touch of nutmeg adds complexity to the spice profile. Freshly grated nutmeg is preferred for its superior aroma.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. Don’t skip this – even a small amount makes a big difference!
Sugar (13/16 cup): Provides sweetness and helps brown the bread beautifully. Adjust to your preference.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): A touch of vanilla complements the warm spices and creates a more balanced flavor profile. Pure vanilla extract is best.
Vegetable Oil (1/3 cup): Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb. You can substitute with another neutral oil.
Toasted Pecans (1 cup): Chopped pecans add a delicious crunch and nutty flavor to the bread. Toasting them enhances their flavor even further.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get baking! This recipe is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a warm slice of heaven in no time.

Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal. A light coating of baking spray works well, too!
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Ensure everything is well combined for an even texture in your bread.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon (both ground and stick), nutmeg, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and spices.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread, so be careful not to overwork the batter.
Fold in Apples and Pecans: Gently fold in the diced apples and toasted pecans. Be gentle here to avoid crushing the apples.
Pour into Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after 50 minutes; oven temperatures can vary.
Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your apple pecan bread turns out perfectly every time:

Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature eggs and applesauce will emulsify better, resulting in a smoother batter.
Toast your pecans: Toasting enhances the nutty flavor of the pecans. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
Check for doneness: Insert a wooden skewer into the center of the bread after 50 minutes. If it comes out clean, it’s done. If not, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
Let the bread cool completely before slicing: This allows the bread to set properly and prevents it from crumbling.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment and customize this recipe to your liking:

Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.
Add other nuts: Walnuts, almonds, or a mix of nuts would be delicious additions.
Use different apples: Experiment with different apple varieties for varying levels of sweetness and tartness.
Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Add dried fruit: Cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates would complement the apples and pecans beautifully.

Storing and Reheating

Store your apple pecan bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. For the best texture, allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common questions about this delightful recipe:

Q: Can I use other types of oil instead of vegetable oil? A: Yes, you can substitute with another neutral-flavored oil like canola oil or grapeseed oil.
Q: How long does the bread stay fresh? A: Stored properly at room temperature, the bread will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Refrigeration extends its life to about a week. Freezing allows for longer storage (up to 3 months).
Q: Can I make this recipe without pecans? A: Absolutely! Omit the pecans or substitute with other nuts, seeds, or even chocolate chips.
Q: What if my bread is browning too quickly? A: If your bread is browning too quickly, loosely tent the top with foil during the last 20 minutes of baking.
Q: Is it okay to use frozen apples? A: While you can use frozen apples, it’s best to thaw and drain them thoroughly before incorporating them into the batter to prevent a soggy loaf.

The Final Word

This apple pecan bread recipe is a true winner, combining the simple joy of baking with a spectacular result. The comforting aroma, the perfect blend of textures, and the irresistible taste make it the perfect treat for any occasion. It’s a recipe that’s both easy and rewarding, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of homemade apple pecan bread! Don’t forget to share your baking adventures and leave a comment below – we’d love to hear about your experience. Rate the recipe and let us know what you think! Happy baking!

Apple Bread

A delicious and moist apple bread recipe with pecans.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 50

Servings 12 slices

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

9×5 inch loaf pan Grease and flour the pan before baking.
Mixing bowls

Ingredients

Fruits and Vegetables

2 cups Apples Peeled, cored, and chopped

Wet Ingredients

2 Eggs, large
2 tbsp Applesauce
1 /3 Vegetable oil
1 tsp Vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

1.75 cups All purpose flour
1 tsp Baking powder
2.5 tsp Cinnamon
0.25 tsp Nutmeg
0.25 tsp Salt
1.8125 cup Sugar

Nuts and Seeds

1 cup Pecans, toasted

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine the applesauce (ing_3), eggs (ing_2), vegetable oil (ing_4), and vanilla extract (ing_5). Mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour (ing_6), baking powder (ing_7), cinnamon (ing_8), nutmeg (ing_9), salt (ing_10), and sugar (ing_11).
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the chopped apples (ing_1) and toasted pecans (ing_12).
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

This recipe can be easily adapted to your liking. Feel free to add other spices, nuts, or dried fruits.

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