Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread with Crumb Topping: Your Ultimate Homemade Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home, especially when it’s infused with the sweet and spicy notes of apple and cinnamon. This delightful apple cinnamon bread, generously studded with crunchy pecans and topped with a buttery crumb, is the perfect treat to bake on a lazy weekend morning. Imagine enjoying a warm slice with a steaming cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate – it’s pure bliss! Today, we’re going to dive into the surprisingly easy process of creating this incredibly moist and flavorful apple bread.

The Magic of Homemade Apple Cinnamon Bread

Apples are a versatile fruit, available in numerous varieties almost all year round, which means endless possibilities for delicious recipes. This particular apple cinnamon bread is a foolproof recipe that promises amazing results every time, even for novice bakers. Its simple preparation belies its incredibly rich flavor and tender texture, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to bake something special without a lot of fuss.

This apple pecan bread isn’t just a breakfast staple; it doubles as an exquisite dessert or a delightful snack any time of day. Its ease of preparation and relatively short baking time make it a go-to recipe for busy individuals. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of tender apple pieces, warm cinnamon, and nutty pecans, all encased in a super moist loaf crowned with a irresistible crumb topping. It’s a truly versatile bake that can be enjoyed plain, toasted, or dressed up with extra toppings.

More Apple Recipes You Will Love

If you’re a fan of apple desserts, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few more apple-centric recipes that are sure to become new favorites:

Easy Apple Tiramisu Cake
Apple Pull Apart Bread
Apple Danish in Puff Pastry
Apple Roses Pastry
Moist Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake

Can You Freeze Apple Cinnamon Bread?

One of the best features of this apple pecan bread is its freezer-friendly nature, allowing you to enjoy a slice of homemade goodness whenever a craving strikes. This bread freezes beautifully and can be stored for up to 3 months. To freeze, ensure the loaf has completely cooled to room temperature. Then, wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic foil, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or place it in a heavy-duty zipper freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. You can freeze the entire loaf or slice it first and freeze individual portions for quick thawing.

When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the loaf in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, unwrap it and let it come to room temperature on your counter for an hour or two. For that freshly baked taste and texture, you can also reheat the entire loaf in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Reheating gently will revive its soft crumb and fragrant aroma.

We absolutely love hearing from you! Please share your thoughts about this recipe in the comments section below. Tell us how you enjoy this delicious apple bread or any creative variations you’ve tried to make it even more unique and special!

Mastering the Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

What Do You Need to Make This Delicious Apple Cinnamon Bread?

Don’t be daunted by what might seem like a long list of ingredients. Most of these are common pantry staples, making this recipe accessible and easy to whip up anytime!

Apples

While many bakers instinctively reach for Granny Smith apples due to their balance of sweet and tart flavors and their ability to hold their shape during baking, a wide range of apple varieties actually work wonderfully in this bread. The key is to choose firm apples that won’t turn mushy when baked. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or even Braeburn offer different nuances in sweetness and texture that can elevate your bread. Feel free to experiment based on your personal preference for sweetness or tartness. Always inspect apples for bruises, softness, or discoloration to ensure the best quality. For an exciting flavor twist and an added tartness, consider substituting half of the diced apples with fresh or frozen cranberries.

Nuts

Our recipe prominently features the buttery crunch of pecan nuts, which complement the apples and cinnamon perfectly. However, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can easily substitute pecans with other nuts you enjoy, or use a combination. Walnuts are a fantastic alternative, bringing a slightly more robust, earthy flavor that pairs incredibly well with baked apples. Almonds, whether slivered or chopped, would also add a delightful texture and taste. For an even deeper flavor, lightly toast your chosen nuts before adding them to the batter; this enhances their natural oils and aroma.

Spices

The marriage of cinnamon and apples is a classic for a reason. Cinnamon provides that signature warmth and sweetness that makes this bread so comforting. Nutmeg is another spice that harmonizes beautifully with apples and roasted pecans, adding a subtle, earthy undertone. While these spices greatly enhance the flavor profile of the apple pecan bread, it’s important to use them to your taste. You can adjust the quantities, adding more for a bolder spice flavor or less for a milder bread. For this particular recipe, we’ve focused on the vibrant notes of cinnamon, but feel free to incorporate a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or even a touch of ground cloves for a more complex spice blend.

Flour

Our recipe uses standard all-purpose flour, which provides a tender and consistent crumb. For those looking for dietary alternatives, this recipe can be adapted. For a dairy-free version, simply substitute regular milk with almond milk or another plant-based milk. For a gluten-free option, you can experiment with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (often containing a mix of rice flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum) or even oat flour. While the texture might vary slightly with different flours, the core deliciousness of this apple bread will remain intact.

Toppings

The crumb topping is a delightful addition to this bread, offering a buttery, sweet, and slightly crunchy contrast to the soft loaf. It’s often more than enough to satisfy. However, for those who love extra indulgence, there are many ways to elevate your apple pecan bread. A simple drizzle of vanilla glaze, made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or vanilla extract, adds a touch of elegance and sweetness. For an truly decadent experience, consider a warm caramel topping. Apples and caramel are a match made in heaven, and this addition can make your bread feel even more festive, perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

How to Make Apple Crumble Bread: Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this irresistible apple crumble bread is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a perfect loaf every time:

Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a standard loaf pan, or for even easier removal, line it with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang on the sides. This creates “handles” for lifting the finished bread out effortlessly.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a separate small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter. Use a fork or your fingertips to mix these ingredients until a crumbly mixture forms. Ensure there are no large lumps of butter. This will be sprinkled over the top of your bread before baking.
Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer (or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Continue mixing until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved.
Incorporate Liquids: Gently mix in the milk and vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or fold gently with a spatula until just combined. A few streaks of flour are acceptable; overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
Add Apples and Pecans: Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped pecans using a spatula. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
Transfer and Top: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Generously sprinkle the prepared crumb topping over the surface of the batter.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can lightly tent the loaf with aluminum foil.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before attempting to remove it. This allows the bread to set and prevents it from crumbling. Once slightly cooled, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and let it cool completely on the wire rack before slicing.

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Apple Cinnamon Bread

petro

The apple cinnamon bread with pecans and crumbs is great to bake on a weekend morning and enjoy with a delicious cup of coffee or hot chocolate!

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Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

50 minutes

Total Time

1 hour

Course
Dessert

Cuisine
American

Servings

1
loaf

Calories

4014
kcal

Equipment

mixing bowl
spatula
hand mixer
12 x 5 loaf pan
baking paper

Ingredients

For the apple bread

1/2
cup
unsalted butter
softened
3/4
cup
granulated sugar
3
eggs
1/2
cup
milk
1
teaspoon
vanilla extract
2
cups
all-purpose flour
1/2
teaspoon
salt
1
teaspoon
baking powder
1
teaspoon
ground cinnamon
1 1/2
cups
diced red apples
1/2
cup
pecans
chopped

For the crumb topping

4
tablespoons
butter
melted
2/3
cup
flour plus more for less moist crumbs
1/3
cup
brown sugar
1
teaspoon
ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper so it overhangs on the size for easy bread removal.
Mix dry ingredients: flour, salt, baking powder and cinnamon
Mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and melted butter to make crumbs.
Using a hand mixer, mix butter, sugar and eggs in a large mixing bowl until sugar has melted.
Add in milk and vanilla and whisk to combine.
Mix in flour mix.
Fold in apples and pecans.
Transfer to a loaf pan and top with crumbs. Bake for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan before removing.

Video

Nutrition

Serving:
1
loaf

Calories:
4014
kcal

Carbohydrates:
521
g

Protein:
62
g

Fat:
193
g

Saturated Fat:
97
g

Trans Fat:
6
g

Cholesterol:
868
mg

Sodium:
2270
mg

Potassium:
1269
mg

Fiber:
20
g

Sugar:
251
g

Vitamin A:
5287
IU

Vitamin C:
9
mg

Calcium:
687
mg

Iron:
21
mg

Keyword
apple cinnamon bread, apple crumble bread, apple pecan bread, pull apart apple bread

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