There’s truly nothing like the comforting aroma that fills your kitchen when Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread is in the oven. This easy quick bread is the perfect combination of tart, juicy apples, crunchy pecans, warm cinnamon spice, and a tender, buttery crumb. Whether you’re whipping up a breakfast treat, snacking with your afternoon coffee, or sharing a slice with friends, this loaf is pure home-baked happiness—and it just might become your new favorite way to celebrate cozy mornings and crisp fall days.

Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread is in its simplicity—each ingredient is a building block, playing a specific role in giving this bread its signature taste and texture. Every component, from the fragrant cinnamon to the rich, golden butter, helps create a slice you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy but tender backbone of the loaf, giving it structure.
Baking soda: Provides just the right rise for a soft crumb without any yeast.
Salt: Brings out all the complex flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Ground cinnamon: Lends irresistible warmth and the classic scent that everyone loves in this bread.
Ground nutmeg: A touch of nutmeg adds depth and a subtle hint of spice.
Unsalted butter (softened): Creates a rich, moist foundation for the batter and helps everything come together seamlessly.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and pairs with brown sugar for just the right texture.
Brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that deepens the flavor.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to a rich, fluffy texture.
Milk: Keeps the bread tender and helps carry the flavors throughout the loaf.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the spices and complements the apples.
Peeled and finely chopped apples (about 2 medium apples): Use tart varieties for that fresh, fruity zing in every bite.
Chopped pecans: Toasty, nutty crunch adds delightful contrast to the soft crumb.
Flour (for tossing with apples): Ensures the apple pieces stay suspended and evenly distributed in the bread.
Additional chopped pecans and cinnamon sugar (optional, for topping): Give your loaf extra texture and sparkle—highly recommended for a beautiful finish!

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper if you prefer easy removal and less cleanup. Getting your pan ready before you mix the batter sets you up for stress-free baking later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blends the leavening and spices evenly into the flour, making sure every bite of your Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread is full of flavor.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, leading to a beautifully tender loaf.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Flavorings

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract; this mixture will be creamy and fragrant, hinting at all the deliciousness to come.

Step 5: Prepare the Apples

In a separate bowl, toss the chopped apples with 1 tablespoon of flour. This simple trick prevents the apple pieces from sinking to the bottom of the bread while it bakes, guaranteeing every slice is packed with juicy apple bits.

Step 6: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined—don’t overmix, or your Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread could end up dense. Fold in the floured apples and chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 7: Pour, Top, and Bake

Scrape the thick batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. If you like, sprinkle additional chopped pecans and a dusting of cinnamon sugar over the surface for a gorgeous, bakery-style finish. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer the bread to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread

Garnishes

A loaf this beautiful deserves the spotlight! For an extra-special touch, dust your Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread with powdered sugar, drizzle it with a simple vanilla glaze, or crown each slice with a spoonful of whipped cream. These accents really make the flavors pop and add a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

Warm up a thick slice and enjoy it with a mug of cinnamon-spiced coffee, creamy chai, or hot apple cider for an ultra-cozy treat. If serving for breakfast or brunch, fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla yogurt makes a lovely, light pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take your presentation up a notch, try making mini loaves for gifting, toasting slices and spreading them with apple butter, or even cubing leftover bread for a decadent bread pudding. However you serve it, Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread always shines as the centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the cool loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or store in an airtight container. Kept at room temperature, Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread stays moist and delicious for up to 3 days—perfect for quick breakfasts and snacks through the week.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf securely in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter or gently in the microwave whenever you need a homemade treat in a hurry.

Reheating

To revive that oven-fresh warmth, microwave slices for 20 to 30 seconds, or heat in a low oven until just warmed through. A little bit of heat brings out the cinnamon aroma and makes the pecans even toastier.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Breakfast, Snack

Absolutely! Walnuts or even toasted hazelnuts would be fantastic in this recipe. Feel free to swap or even omit the nuts if you prefer a nut-free version—Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread is flexible and still delicious.

What’s the best kind of apple to use?

Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape and add a pleasant tang that offsets the sweetness of the bread. However, you can certainly use any firm baking apple you love or have on hand. Mixing varieties can make the flavor even more interesting.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in a 1:1 ratio. Make sure your baking soda and other ingredients are certified gluten-free, and check the batter’s consistency—it should look thick but scoopable.

Is this bread sweet enough for dessert?

Definitely! The rich brown sugar and tender apples make Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread a wonderful dessert option. Serve it slightly warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra-indulgent twist.

Why do I need to toss the apples in flour?

Flouring the apples keeps them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf while it bakes, ensuring that every bite has juicy apple pieces throughout. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference in the finished bread.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a go-to recipe that feels like a cozy hug, Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread is it. There’s a reason this loaf is so loved: it’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to impress every time. Grab those apples and pecans, and treat yourself to a slice—you might just find yourself baking it on repeat!

Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 10 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with this delicious Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this moist and flavorful bread is a seasonal favorite that will fill your home with a cozy aroma.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon flour (for tossing with apples)
Additional chopped pecans and cinnamon sugar for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.
Cream Butter and Sugars: Cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs, then add milk and vanilla extract.
Prepare Apples: Toss chopped apples with flour.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, then fold in apples and pecans.
Bake: Pour batter into pan, top with pecans and cinnamon sugar, and bake for 55-65 minutes.
Cool and Serve: Cool in pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness.
This bread can be wrapped and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American