There’s something magical about freshly baked apple bread, especially when it’s packed with warm cinnamon, crunchy pecans, and juicy apples in every bite. This Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread is soft, moist, and bursting with fall flavors, perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert!
The first time I made this, my husband walked into the kitchen and said, “It smells like an autumn candle in here!” That’s how cozy and inviting this bread is. The combination of apples, toasted pecans, and cinnamon makes it a must-bake recipe for fall (or any time you need a little comfort in loaf form).
What makes this bread extra special?
- Super moist & tender with grated apples and a hint of brown sugar.
- Crunchy pecans add a nutty, buttery bite.
- Cinnamon & nutmeg give it that warm, cozy spice.
- No yeast needed! Just mix, bake, and enjoy.
So, if you’re ready for the most comforting apple bread ever, let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread
- Super Moist & Soft: Thanks to grated apples and brown sugar.
- Loaded with Warm Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg give it the perfect fall flavor.
- Crunchy & Buttery Pecans: A nutty contrast in every bite.
- Quick & Easy: No yeast or complicated steps—just mix and bake!
- Great for Meal Prep: Keeps well for days and freezes beautifully.
What You Need for Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (for moisture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups grated apples (peeled and shredded)
Mix-ins & Topping:
- ¾ cup chopped pecans (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar + ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread
Step 1: Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and vanilla extract, whisking until combined.
- Stir in the grated apples (they’ll keep the bread extra moist!).
Step 4: Combine & Fold in Pecans
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined (don’t overmix!).
- Fold in chopped pecans for that delicious crunch.
Step 5: Bake & Top with Cinnamon Sugar
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle with extra pecans and cinnamon-sugar topping for a crunchy, caramelized finish.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy warm with butter, honey, or a drizzle of maple syrup!
Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread
- Use freshly grated apples—they add moisture and flavor!
- Don’t overmix the batter—stir until just combined for a tender loaf.
- Let the bread cool before slicing—this helps it set properly.
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans before adding them to the batter.
- For an extra indulgence, drizzle with a maple glaze (powdered sugar + maple syrup).
Substitutions and Variations
- Make it dairy-free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free yogurt.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Swap pecans for walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Make muffins! Divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for 18-22 minutes.
Make a Healthier Version
- Swap ½ of the flour for whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
- Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a natural sweetener.
- Reduce butter and add ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce for moisture.
Closing Thoughts
And there you have it—Warm & Nutty Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread that’s moist, spiced, and absolutely irresistible! Whether you’re making it for fall mornings, a cozy afternoon treat, or a Thanksgiving brunch, this bread will fill your kitchen with the coziest aroma and make everyone crave a second slice.
Try it out and let me know how it turns out! And if you love easy, comforting bakes, be sure to check out more of our autumn-inspired recipes! 🍏🍞🍂
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld. Store at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
2. Can I freeze this bread?
Absolutely! Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
3. Can I use different apples?
Yes! Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji apples work best for flavor and moisture.
4. Can I add a glaze?
Of course! Try a maple glaze (powdered sugar + maple syrup) or a simple vanilla glaze.
5. How do I keep my bread from being dry?
Make sure to measure flour correctly (spoon & level, don’t scoop!) and don’t overbake.
6. What’s the best way to serve this bread?
Warm with butter, honey, or cream cheese, or toasted with a drizzle of maple syrup.
7. Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Yes! Bake muffins at 350°F for 18-22 minutes until golden brown.
8. How do I know when the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready!