Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch Recipe

If you love the warm, cozy flavors of fall baked into one irresistible treat, then you are going to adore this Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch. It’s the perfect blend of tender, moist bread bursting with fresh apples and a crunchy, cinnamon-spiced pecan topping that will make your kitchen smell like heaven. Every bite brings together sweet spices, nutty textures, and juicy apples in a way that feels both comforting and delightfully special. Trust me, once you try this Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch, it’ll become your go-to recipe for gatherings, breakfasts, or any time you crave a little homemade magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the simple but essential ingredients for this Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch is part of the fun. Each element plays a key role, whether it’s the fragrant cinnamon, crisp apples, or crunchy pecans creating balance in flavor and texture throughout the bread.

• All purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Provides the structure and tender crumb that holds everything together perfectly.
• Cinnamon (2 1/2 teaspoons): Infuses the bread with a warm, spicy aroma that complements the apples beautifully.
• Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth and complexity to the spice profile.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and savory flavors in the bread.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise for a fluffy yet moist texture.
• Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind the ingredients and add richness to the loaf.
• Sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the batter just enough to highlight the apples without overpowering them.
• Vegetable oil (1/3 cup): Keeps the bread moist and tender bite after bite.
• Applesauce (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture and a subtle fruity sweetness, also helping the texture stay soft.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out and balances the flavors beautifully with its fragrant warmth.
• Finely chopped peeled apples (2 cups): The star ingredient, giving every slice juicy bursts of fresh apple goodness.
• Chopped toasted pecans (1 cup): Provide a satisfying crunch in both the batter and the topping.
• Sugar for sprinkling (1 tablespoon): Creates a slightly caramelized, sweet top crust.
• Ground cinnamon for topping (1/4 teaspoon): Adds extra spice and aroma to the crunchy pecan topping.

How to Make Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a loaf pan thoroughly. This sets the stage for baking your Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch to golden perfection and prevents any sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder. This ensures that your spices are evenly distributed for consistent flavor throughout every bite.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the room temperature eggs with sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This mixture becomes the luscious base that keeps your bread moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Bring it All Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing just until incorporated—don’t overmix, or your bread could turn out dense. Then fold in the chopped peeled apples and half of the toasted pecans, distributing these delicious bits evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Pecan Crunch Topping

In a small bowl, combine the remaining toasted pecans with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the batter in the loaf pan, creating that signature crunchy topping that makes this bread special.

Step 6: Bake Until Perfect

Bake your Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before gently inverting onto a rack to cool further. This cooling step helps the bread set and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, consider dusting the apple bread with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a thin glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider. This adds a touch of elegance and hints of sweetness that complement the cinnamon and pecans beautifully.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a cozy cup of coffee, chai tea, or warm apple cider. For a more indulgent brunch, serve it alongside creamy mascarpone or a smear of honey butter to enhance the comforting flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread thick and topping it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh apple slices for a fresh, breakfast twist. You can also cube it for bread pudding, where the cinnamon pecan crunch adds delightful texture contrasts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for quick snacks or breakfast on the go.

Freezing

If you want to keep this delicious bread longer, wrap it tightly and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm slices in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth. Reheating revives the crunch on top and softens the bread for a truly comforting bite.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple in this recipe?

Absolutely! Crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully, but feel free to mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for varied flavor and texture. Just make sure they are finely chopped for even distribution.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the all purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures like regular flour. Ensure it contains xanthan gum or similar to maintain structure. The bread will still be moist and flavorful.

Can I substitute nuts in the Cinnamon Pecan Crunch topping?

Yes, walnuts or almonds are great alternatives if you want to change things up or accommodate dietary preferences. Just toast them lightly to enhance their flavor before adding to the topping.

How can I make this Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch less sweet?

Simply reduce the sugar in the batter and topping slightly, or opt for less sweet apple varieties. The spices and natural sweetness of the apples will still shine through beautifully.

What is the best way to peel and chop the apples for this recipe?

Peel the apples first to prevent a tough skin texture in the bread, then chop them finely into small, uniform pieces to ensure moisture and flavor are evenly dispersed throughout each slice.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch really is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. The combination of tender apple-studded bread and its crunchy, cinnamon-laced topping is truly hard to beat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, I encourage you to try this recipe and savor every cozy bite. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.

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