Delight your taste buds with this scrumptious apple bread with cinnamon pecan crunch! Packed with applesauce and topped with a crunchy pecan crust, this recipe is perfect for cozy mornings or dessert. Whip it up in just over an hour and enjoy every warm slice! Ready to bake some deliciousness? Click through and discover the full recipe along with tips for presentation that will impress your family and friends.
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 1/2 cups peeled, diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the Cinnamon Pecan Crunch Topping:
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
![- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1 1/2 cups peeled, diced apples (about 2 medium apples) - 1/2 cup chopped pecans - 1/2 cup chopped pecans - 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted When I make this Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch, I focus on quality ingredients. The all-purpose flour gives the bread its nice structure. Baking powder and baking soda help it rise well, making it fluffy. I use both granulated sugar and brown sugar for a sweet touch and rich flavor. For flavor, I love adding diced apples and chopped pecans. They bring texture and taste. Applesauce keeps the bread moist, which is key for a great loaf. The topping is a star feature. I mix more chopped pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon for crunch. The melted butter helps it stick together. You can even add chocolate chips or dried fruit if you want to play with flavors. Finding the right mix is important. Each ingredient plays a role in making this bread delightful. For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe]. - Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This makes for easy removal later. - Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Set this bowl aside for now. - Creaming butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Use an electric mixer and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a great base for your bread. - Adding eggs and vanilla: Next, add 2 large eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then, blend in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds wonderful flavor to your bread. - Mixing dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the bread light and fluffy. - Incorporating apples and pecans: Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of peeled, diced apples and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans. This adds texture and flavor to the bread. - Pouring batter and prepping the topping: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of melted butter and mix well. Sprinkle this topping over the batter. - Baking time and checking doneness: Bake in your preheated oven for 55-65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. The top should look golden brown and crunchy. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To get the best texture, avoid overmixing your batter. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently. Mix just until you see no flour. Overmixing leads to a dense bread, which isn't what you want. Cooling is also key. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack. This helps it firm up and keeps the crust nice. You can boost flavors with spices. Besides cinnamon, try adding nutmeg or allspice. These spices add warmth and depth. You can also use extracts like almond or maple for a twist. Choosing the right apples matters, too. I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith. They add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the bread. You can also mix different apples for more flavor. If you don’t have a loaf pan, you have options. You can use a round cake pan or even a muffin tin. Just remember to adjust your baking time. For smaller pans, reduce the bake time. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. This way, you can enjoy your apple bread in many forms! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can make this apple bread even more special. Adding dried fruits or nuts brings new flavors. Try raisins or cranberries for a sweet twist. You can also mix in walnuts or almonds for extra crunch. If you like spices, consider adding nutmeg or allspice. These spices pair well with apples. They add warmth and depth to the bread. Don't be afraid to experiment! Each new flavor can create a unique treat. Some people have dietary needs. This recipe can fit those needs easily. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture. You can also adapt this recipe for vegans. Replace eggs with mashed bananas or flaxseed meal. Use plant-based butter instead of regular butter. These simple swaps keep the bread tasty and fluffy. Pair your apple bread with delicious spreads. Cream cheese or butter works well. You can also try honey or maple syrup for a sweet touch. These spreads enhance the flavor and add creaminess. Consider how you serve your apple bread. It’s great for breakfast or as a snack. For special occasions, slice it and arrange it on a wooden board. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a lovely look. This makes it perfect for gatherings or brunch. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your apple bread fresh, store it in the fridge. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also place it in an airtight container. This way, the bread stays moist for about a week. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Slice the bread first. Then, wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag. You can freeze apple bread for up to three months without losing flavor. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, reheating is simple. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This method helps keep the crust crunchy. If you are in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds. Keep an eye on it to avoid making the bread too soft. For the best taste, eat the apple bread within one week when stored in the fridge. If kept at room temperature, consume it within three days. Signs of spoilage include a dry texture, an off smell, or visible mold. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard it. For frozen bread, the quality remains good for three months. After this, the flavor may fade, but it is still safe to eat. To stop your apple bread from sinking, avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing adds too much air, which can cause the bread to rise and then fall. Make sure to fold in the apples and pecans gently. Also, check your oven temperature with a thermometer. An oven that's too cool can lead to sinking bread. Yes, you can use other fruits! Bananas, pears, or even berries work well. Just make sure the fruits are ripe and chopped into small pieces. Adjust the sugar if your chosen fruit is sweeter or more tart than apples. To check if your bread is done, stick a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready. The top should be golden brown. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes. Absolutely! To make mini loaves, divide the batter into smaller pans. Bake them for about 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them since they’ll bake faster than a large loaf. Check with a toothpick to see if they’re done. This post covered all the essential steps for making delicious apple bread. We explored ingredients like apples, pecans, and spices. I shared tips for perfecting texture and flavor. You can even make variations to meet your needs. Remember, storing leftovers correctly keeps your bread fresh longer. With the right methods, you can enjoy this treat for days. Now you have all the tools to bake an amazing loaf. Get started, and enjoy your homemade apple bread!](https://therecipehatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/449cff70-5b63-4076-8396-1b8383bacad1-300x300.webp)