Apple Pie Pecan Bread: A Cozy, Nutty Twist on a Classic

There’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of warm, spiced apples and crunchy, buttery pecans. Add those flavors into a soft, moist bread, and you’ve got the ultimate cozy treat for fall (or anytime you’re craving something deliciously indulgent). Introducing Apple Pie Pecan Bread—a mouthwatering recipe that combines the best of both apple pie and nutty pecan bread in one irresistible loaf.

Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet afternoon snack, this bread is a perfect way to celebrate the changing seasons or simply enjoy the flavors of your favorite fall dessert in a whole new form. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and will fill your home with a delightful aroma that will have everyone asking for a slice.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Pecan Bread

1. Fall flavors in every bite – Think cinnamon-spiced apples, sweet vanilla, and buttery toasted pecans all wrapped up in a moist loaf of bread. What’s not to love?

2. Perfect texture – With a soft, tender crumb, crunchy nuts, and tender pieces of apple, this bread has the ideal balance of flavors and textures.

3. Versatile – It’s great as a breakfast treat with a cup of coffee, as an afternoon snack, or even served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet dessert.

4. Make-ahead friendly – The bread stores wonderfully for a few days, and it actually tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors have time to meld together.

Ingredients:

For the Apple Pie Pecan Bread:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

• 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 1 medium apple, preferably a firm variety like Granny Smith)

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (lightly toasted for extra flavor)

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

For the Apple Pie Filling (Optional for extra sweetness and flavor):

• 1 cup peeled and diced apples

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling (Optional, but recommended)

1. Cook the Apples: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the apples soften and caramelize into a syrupy mixture. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger).

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step, or simply do it by hand with a whisk.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Add Sour Cream and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the sour cream and the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Start with a third of the flour mixture, then half of the sour cream, and continue alternating until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Fold in Apples and Pecans: Gently fold in the diced apples (both the fresh ones and the apple pie filling if you made it) and chopped toasted pecans. The batter will be thick and chunky with bits of apple.

Step 3: Bake the Bread

1. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. If you like, you can sprinkle a few more chopped pecans on top for extra crunch and texture.

2. Bake: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the bread loosely with foil for the remaining baking time.

3. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success:

• Use Firm Apples: Choose apples that hold their shape well when baked, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These will give the bread structure without turning mushy.

• Toast the Pecans: Lightly toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter intensifies their flavor and adds an extra layer of depth to the bread.

• Add a Streusel Topping (Optional): For extra texture and sweetness, consider adding a simple streusel topping made of flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Just sprinkle it over the top of the batter before baking.

• Customize with Other Add-ins: Feel free to add a handful of raisins, dried cranberries, or even a few chocolate chips if you’re looking for something a bit different.

• Storage: This bread stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage.

How to Serve Apple Pie Pecan Bread

• For breakfast: Enjoy a warm slice with a dollop of butter and a hot cup of coffee or tea. The spiced apple aroma will make your morning extra cozy.

• As a snack: This bread is just as perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up as it is for breakfast. A slice with a cup of chai tea or apple cider? Yes, please!

• For dessert: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a simple yet decadent dessert.

Why This Apple Pie Pecan Bread Will Become Your New Favorite

Apple pie is a quintessential dessert for fall, and pecan bread is a comfort food classic—but when you combine the two into a loaf of this sweet, spiced bread, magic happens. The soft, tender crumb of the bread, the juicy pieces of apple, the buttery, toasted pecans, and the rich, warm spices come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it yourself, this Apple Pie Pecan Bread is sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Enjoy every delicious slice of fall with this apple pie-inspired bread!