Description

This Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch is a moist and flavorful quick bread that combines fresh, finely chopped apples with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Topped with a crunchy cinnamon pecan crumble, this bread offers a delightful balance of soft texture and nutty crunch, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Add-ins and Topping

2 cups finely chopped peeled apples
1 cup chopped toasted pecans
1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for sprinkling)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder to ensure even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until the flour is incorporated; do not overmix to keep the bread tender.
Fold in Apples and Pecans: Fold in the finely chopped peeled apples and half of the chopped toasted pecans, ensuring an even distribution without overworking the batter.
Prepare Topping and Assemble: In a small bowl, combine the remaining pecans with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter in the loaf pan.
Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use finely chopped peeled apples for the best texture and moisture balance in the bread.
To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until fragrant and lightly golden.
Ensure eggs are at room temperature to help the batter mix more evenly.
Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense bread.
Storage: Keep the bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple bread, cinnamon pecan bread, quick bread, spiced apple bread, nutty bread