Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch

The aroma of warm Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch wafting through your kitchen is simply irresistible. This moist, tender bread bursting with chunks of fresh apples and topped with a crunchy, cinnamon-spiced pecan streusel creates the perfect balance of soft and crispy textures. Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch is the ultimate fall comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. You’ll learn how to create bakery-quality apple bread with a perfectly crunchy topping that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch is a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of autumn in every slice. The bread itself is incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the natural juices from fresh apples that infuse the batter. Each bite offers a perfect contrast between the soft, apple-studded bread and the irresistibly crunchy pecan topping that caramelizes slightly during baking.

What makes this cinnamon apple bread truly special is its versatility. It’s elegant enough for holiday gatherings yet simple enough for everyday breakfast or afternoon snacks. The heavenly aroma that fills your home while it bakes is reason enough to make this recipe!

No complicated techniques are required—just mix, fold, and bake. The streusel topping comes together in minutes but creates a bakery-worthy finish that elevates this homemade bread to something truly special. Plus, it stays fresh for days, making it perfect for busy households or make-ahead entertaining.

Ingredients

For the Apple Bread:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (about 2 medium) apples, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best)

For the Cinnamon Pecan Crunch Topping:

  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) cold butter, cubed
  • 3/4 cup (85g) chopped pecans

Pro Tips

Choose the Right Apples: For the best Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch, select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties hold their shape during baking and provide the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious, which can turn mushy and disappear into the batter.

Proper Measuring Technique: For the most accurate results, measure flour by spooning it into measuring cups and leveling with a knife rather than scooping directly from the container. This prevents compacting, which can lead to using too much flour and creating a dense, dry bread instead of the moist, tender texture that makes this apple bread special.

Perfect Streusel Texture: For the best cinnamon pecan crunch topping, start with cold butter and use your fingertips to work it into the dry ingredients just until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. Don’t overwork the streusel, as those varying sizes create the perfect crunchy texture when baked. If the mixture becomes too warm or paste-like, refrigerate it for 10 minutes before adding to the bread.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Equipment
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. This preparation ensures your Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch won’t stick to the pan and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Pecan Crunch Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingertips to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining. Gently fold in the chopped pecans and set aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the bread batter.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. This thorough mixing ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout your apple bread.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract, and mix until well incorporated. The applesauce is your secret weapon for extra moisture without additional fat!

Step 5: Create the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined – overmixing will develop the gluten and make your bread tough. Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Remove the crumb topping from the refrigerator and sprinkle it generously over the batter, gently pressing it down slightly so it adheres. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This patience is rewarded with perfect slices that don’t fall apart!

Variations

Caramel Apple Bread: Transform your Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch into an even more decadent treat by drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the cooled bread. For an extra touch, mix 1/4 cup of caramel bits into the apple bread batter before baking, creating pockets of gooey caramel throughout each slice.

Gluten-Free Apple Bread: This delicious recipe can easily be adapted for gluten-free diets by substituting the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture may be slightly different, but the apple-cinnamon flavor will remain just as wonderful. Be sure to check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.

Maple Walnut Variation: For a different flavor profile, replace the pecans with walnuts and add 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup to the bread batter. You can also substitute 1/4 cup of the brown sugar with maple sugar in the streusel topping for an enhanced maple flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples and cinnamon in this delicious bread.

Storage and Serving

Storage Instructions: Your Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices or the entire loaf (well-wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

Serving Suggestions: For breakfast, serve a slice of this cinnamon apple bread lightly toasted with a spread of cream cheese or butter. For a delightful dessert, warm a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. This bread also pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or apple cider for an afternoon treat.

Presentation Tip: For special occasions, dust the top of your Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finishing touch that highlights the texture of the crunchy pecan topping.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?
Yes! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their firmness and flavor, you can use any apple variety you prefer. For a sweeter bread, try Gala or Fuji apples. You can even mix different types for complex flavor.

Why did my apple bread sink in the middle?
This usually happens when the bread is underbaked or when the oven door is opened too early in the baking process. Make sure to test for doneness with a toothpick and avoid opening the oven during the first 40 minutes of baking.

Can I make this recipe without nuts?
Absolutely! If you have nut allergies or preferences, you can omit the pecans entirely or substitute with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch. The cinnamon crumb topping will still be delicious without nuts.

How do I know when the apple bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), the bread is done. Due to the moisture from the apples, this bread may take longer to bake than other quick breads.

Can I make this recipe into muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes! The Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch batter works wonderfully as muffins. Fill lined muffin cups about 3/4 full, top with the streusel, and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. This yields approximately 12-14 muffins.

Conclusion

This Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch is comfort food at its finest — a perfect balance of tender, spiced bread studded with juicy apple pieces and crowned with a buttery, crunchy pecan topping. It’s the kind of dish that makes your home smell like a cozy bakery and brings everyone to the kitchen wondering what delicious treat awaits them. Whether enjoyed as a special breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert, this apple bread recipe is bound to become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection.

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Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch

Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch


Description

Fall baking perfection in every slice! This Apple Bread with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch will make your kitchen smell like heaven and your taste buds dance with joy.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (about 2 medium) apples, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar (for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) cold butter, cubed (for topping)
  • 3/4 cup (85g) chopped pecans (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
  2. Make the topping: Combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Work in cold butter with fingertips until crumbly. Fold in chopped pecans and refrigerate.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
  6. Fold in diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
  8. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter, gently pressing it down slightly.
  9. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

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