Dessert

Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread Recipe

ByElla Hart November 17, 2025November 17, 2025

Introduction

This apple bread is a delightful treat that combines warm spices, tender apples, and crunchy pecans for a comforting snack or breakfast. Moist and flavorful, it’s perfect for cozy mornings or sharing with friends.

The image shows three slices of nutty bread stacked on a white plate, each slice thick and textured with visible chopped nuts embedded throughout. The top slice has a crunchy, golden-brown crust covered with more nuts, creating a rough, uneven surface, while the inside is soft, speckled with small holes and nut pieces. Around the bread slices, there are fresh apple wedges with red and yellow skin adding a fresh contrast. The plate rests on a white marbled surface that brightens the scene, giving a clean and fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
2 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups finely chopped peeled apples
1 cup chopped toasted pecans
1 tablespoon sugar for sprinkling the top
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices and leavening.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
Step 4: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Step 5: Fold in the chopped apples and half of the toasted pecans carefully to distribute them evenly.
Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the remaining pecans with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter in the loaf pan.
Step 7: Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
Swap pecans for walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
For a sweeter topping, drizzle with a simple cinnamon glaze after baking.

Storage

Store the apple bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze wrapped well for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows three slices of nut bread stacked on a white plate with pieces of red apple on the side. The bread has a rough, crumbly texture with visible chopped nuts inside and a golden-brown crust on the top sprinkled with more crushed nuts. The apple slices are fresh with a smooth, shiny surface and light yellow flesh. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may result in a denser texture. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a lighter bread.

Can I make this apple bread vegan?

To make it vegan, replace the eggs with flaxseed or chia egg substitutes, use a plant-based oil, and make sure your applesauce and other ingredients are vegan-friendly.