• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Kitchen Divas
  • Recipes
  • Resources
    • Kitchen Divas Resources
    • Blogger Resources
  • About
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Work With Us
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Kitchen Divas Resources
  • Blogger Resources
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work With Us
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Desserts

    Apple Pecan Bread

    Published: Apr 30, 2023 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. 13 Comments

    Share114
    Pin4.1K
    Tweet
    Email
    4.3KShares
    4.3KShares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Apple Pecan Bread is super moist and so full of flavor, it's a must-try. Use your favorite apples, pecans, or walnuts, and this pecan apple bread will never disappoint! This apple pecan bread recipe is a definite keeper.

    Sideshot of two slices of pecan apple bread on a white plate.

    It's the small things in life that give us comfort, and food is one of them. Apple pecan bread makes you feel good inside. 

    My wonderful friend, Marcel, who sadly passed away earlier this year, surprised me once with this apple pecan bread recipe. Being totally geared up for banana bread, I was completely blindsided by the taste of this apple pecan bread. I was so impressed with this apple pecan loaf, I've been making it ever since. 

    Marcel knew a thing or two about baking, and I proudly serve this apple pecan loaf in her honor. Family and friends appreciate this pecan apple loaf as much as I do, and so I make it often. 

    This apple pecan walnut loaf was one of my son's all-time favorites and still is to this day. He's eaten it for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

    Perhaps not the wisest thing to do, but I understand the temptation to finish it all in one day. Seeing apple pecan loaf sitting on the counter can be very tempting. It beckons you and resistance may be futile.

    This apple pecan bread recipe has stood the test of time. It seems like I've been baking this pecan apple loaf forever! And that's a good thing, because if my family and friends weren't eating it, there wouldn't be a reason to make it.  Make sense?

    Pecan Apple Bread

    This apple pecan bread is so moist and tender. Filled with apples and pecans, it's absolutely filled to bursting with the delicious, sweet flavors of fall. 

    Biting into a slice of this bread is like biting into everything we love about autumn, especially when it's nice and warm and slathered with butter! It's a delicious bread that's perfect for afternoon snacks or even sweet breakfasts. Served with coffee or milk, it always satisfies everyone as soon as they take a bit of that first slice. 

    Why You'll Love this Apple Pecan Bread

    • Super moist texture full of flavor
    • So easy to prepare using common ingredients
    • Perfect for breakfast, brunch or dessert
    • Fills the kitchen with a delicious aroma while baking
    • Perfect balance of crunchy pecans, juicy apples, and light, fluffy bread

    Ingredients for Apple Pecan Bread Recipe

    If you're not normally a sweet eater, perhaps you should consider giving this apple pecan loaf a try. Sure, this apple pecan loaf recipe calls for sugar, but it isn't overly sweet.  It also isn't overly complicated. It's a fairly straightforward recipe that only takes a few standard baking ingredients to me. 

    The ingredients for pecan apple bread are pure and simple. 

    All ingredients needed to make apple pecan bread.
    • butter
    • sugar
    • eggs
    • milk
    • vanilla
    • apples
    • flour
    • baking powder
    • baking soda
    • salt
    • pecans or walnuts

    Put these items on your grocery list and you won't be sorry when you put them all together. The results will not disappoint.

    Substitutions and Variations

    Don't have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this apple pecan loaf.

    • Vanilla extract - Vanilla is a universal crowd-pleaser, but feel free add a half a teaspoon of your desired extract flavor to your egg mixture like almond, coconut, peppermint, lemon, banana, maple, orange, or rum extract instead prior to dipping your English muffins into it.
    • Toast the nuts - Toast nuts in oven prior to baking to alter flavor and texture somewhat.
    • Apples - Have a look at our list of the best apples for baking to make sure your favorite variety will work and work well in this recipe.
    • Pecans - Use walnuts, almonds or your favorite nut instead.
    • Add a Glaze - To give your loaf an extra touch of sweetness you can add a simple glaze made with powdered sugar, milk and vanilla extract. Simply whisk together all three ingredients in a bowl until smooth then spread over the cooled loaf before slicing and serving.
    • Add Spice - Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves to enhance the flavor of this bread.

    How to make Pecan Apple Bread

    This is an incredibly easy pecan apple bread recipe, as most quick breads are. It doesn't take much effort to pull everything together for this recipe, and when you're done, you'll have a sweet, apple-filled treat that you'll find hard to put down.

    You'll find the complete recipe with times and amounts in the recipe card below. In the meantime, take a look at this quick overview so you'll know what to expect. 

    Bowl with butter and sugar in it.
    Butter and sugar blended together.

    Using a handheld or stand mixer, in a large bowl, combine the butter and sugar and mix until smooth.

    Eggs, milk and vanilla added to batter.
    Grated apple is added and blended.

    Add eggs, milk, vanilla, grated apple and stir.

    Dry ingredients and pecans added to batter.
    Blended pecan apple bread batter.

    Mix in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pecans or walnuts until completely incorporated.

    Batter filled loaf pan ready for the oven.
    A baked loaf on a platter.

    Pour batter into loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

    Leave in the pan for 10 minutes, then place it on a wire rack to finish cooling.

    Slice, serve and enjoy every bite!

    Four slices of apple pecan loaf on a platter with the top slice being picked up.

    Best Apples for making Pecan Apple Bread

    Because of their tartness, Granny Smith apples are my apples of choice when making this apple pecan bread. Sugar and cinnamon balance out perfectly with that tart taste. For this reason, granny smiths are also my go-to in many apple other recipes.

    But when it comes to baking this apple pecan bread, any kind of apple will work well. So feel free to use your favorites.  We created a resource for you if interested in the best apples for baking. Some apples definitely work better than others and you might want to take a look.

    There are lots of apples to consider, so whichever apples you decide to use, your apple pecan bread will turn out beautifully every time.

    Apple Pecan Loaf

    I'm always game for making different kinds of loaves, but like my son, I'm a sucker for this apple pecan loaf. And my husband always puts on a happy face when I make it. Place a slice of apple pecan bread in front of them, and it can be a bit of a feeding frenzy!

    Whether it's called apple pecan loaf or apple pecan bread, the results are always the same - AMAZING!

    For added flavor, spread a little butter over a slice. I wouldn't turn down a dollop of whipped cream on top of a slice either.

    But this apple pecan loaf is exceptional without adding a thing. It's the kind of loaf that grabs a hold of you and won't let go. I'm up for that! 

    An overhead shot of two slices of pecan apple loaf on a white plate.

    Apple Walnut Loaf

    Saying that I love apples and pecans would be an understatement. And I wouldn't say no to walnuts either. They're a great alternative to pecans. 

    Walnuts are a protein source that has many benefits. Rich in antioxidants and omega-3's, studies have shown this high-fiber nut helps fight against depression and may assist in warding off Alzheimer's disease. It also plays a role in memory improvement and in cognitive development. Nutritional and tasty? Bonus!  

    My friend, Gayle, has grandkids who come to visit occasionally. She will often make them walnut apple loaf because it seems to be a huge hit.

    The first time Gayle made it for them, she announced she was making an apple walnut loaf. They gave her that ho-hum look. When she told them it was actually an apple cake, their eyes and ears perked up! Cake was the operative word. 

    Like Gayle's grandkids, if you'd prefer to think of it as an apple walnut cake, that's perfectly fine. No matter what you call it, it's going to be a delight.

    Gayle always adds extra walnuts for the nutritional factor, but she doesn't tell the grandkids that. They gobble this apple walnut loaf  like there's no tomorrow!

    And Gayle's daughter always asks her to make an extra one for her to take home. Even though Gayle would rather they have it only at her place, she can't say no. Everyone leaves happy, and that's what really counts.

    Apple Nut Loaf 

    Come to think of it, there's nothing stopping you from chopping up a blend of pecans and walnuts. Although I've never tried it, finely chopped almonds would work wonders in this apple nut loaf. Apples and almonds make a fine pair.  

    My newly-found always upbeat friend, Enzo might be up for it. Since his wife passed away, he's always on the look-out for something new to try, and this apple nut loaf may be just the ticket! 

    Storage

    If your family is anything like mine, it won't last that long and that's a promise!

    Once cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    To freeze, store in an airtight container or with slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap, inside a freezer bag or resealable container, for up to 2 months.

    What to Serve with Pecan Apple Loaf

    Serve warm or room temperature.

    Topping this pecan apple loaf with a dusting of confectioners sugar or a cinnamon-sugar mixture is something you may want to consider.

    A scoop of ice cream over a slice of this apple pecan loaf could be heaven on earth!

    Serving it with a side of fruit would be nice also.

    And its undeniably good with coffee, tea or milk. 

    Enjoy this pecan apple bread any time of day. The best time to eat it is when you feel like it. This pecan apple loaf gets a lot of traction in my house and always will.

    Tips

    Here is a list of tips that will hopefully assist you in creating the most amazing pecan apple bread as possible.

    • Use fresh apples for the best flavor and texture
    • Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin baking to ensure a creamy batter with consistent texture
    • Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can result in a denser loaf when baked
    • Grease your loaf pan generously so that it releases easily without tearing or sticking when ready to cool on a wire rack
    • Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, then bread's done. If there is batter still on the toothpick, bake 5 minutes more and check again until cooked
    • Cool completely before serving to help maintain its shape and make slicing easier too
    • Wait at least 10 minutes before transferring onto wire rack so that it can cool evenly without falling apart during transfer process

    FAQ

    Do you have questions about this apple pecan bread recipe? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about about pecan apple bread.

    How many slices does one loaf of Apple Pecan Bread yield?

    Depending on how thick you slice the bread, it usually yields between 8-9 slices per loaf.

    Should Apple Pecan Loaf be Refrigerated?

    No. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Again, if your family is anything like mine, it won't last that long and that's a promise!

    A apple pecan loaf totally sliced on a platter.

    Other Delicious Apple Recipes to Try

    Since I've been babbling on about this pecan apple bread recipe, now's the time to give it a try. It never ceases to amaze me what you can do with apples.

    From one apple lover to another, here are some other apple recipes you might be interested in.

    Again, your thoughts matter to me, so don't hesitate to leave me your comments. Thanks for visiting. We'll see you next time!

    • Caramel Apple Pecan Raisin Crisp
    • Apple and Banana Recipes
    • Old Fashioned Apple Turnover Recipe
    • Air Fryer Apple Recipes 

    Apple Pecan Bread

    Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.

    Side shot of two slices of pecan apple bread on a white plate.

    Apple Pecan Bread

    Apple Pecan Bread is super moist and full of flavor. Use your favorite apples and pecans or walnuts and you won't be disappointed with this pecan apple bread!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 hour hr
    Cooling Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Breakfast, brunch, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 342 kcal

    Equipment

    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • bread or loaf pan
    • Mixing Bowls
    • wooden spoon
    • Hand mixer
    • Rubber spatula
    • toothpicks
    • wire rack

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup butter, softened
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 2 large eggs
    • ⅓ cup milk
    • 1 tblsp vanilla extract
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¾ cup pecans, or walnuts, coarsely chopped to taste
    • cooking spray
    • 1 cup apples, grated

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    • Coat a loaf pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
    • Combine butter and sugar.
    • In a large bowl, mix until smooth, ideally with a handheld or stand mixer.
    • Add eggs, milk, vanilla and grated apple.
    • Stir until blended.
    • Mix in flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and pecans or walnuts.
    • Stir until well incorporated.
    • Pour batter and spread evenly into loaf pan.
    • Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
    • Leave in the pan for 10 minutes before placing it on a wire rack to finish cooling. Slice, serve and enjoy every bite!

    Notes

    •  
    • Use fresh apples for the best flavor and texture
    • Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin baking to ensure a creamy batter with consistent texture
    • Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can result in a denser loaf when baked
    • Grease your loaf pan generously so that it releases easily without tearing or sticking when ready to cool on a wire rack
    • Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, then bread's done. If there is batter still on the toothpick, bake 5 minutes more and check again until cooked
    • Cool completely before serving to help maintain its shape and make slicing easier too
    • Wait at least 10 minutes before transferring onto wire rack so that it can cool evenly without falling apart during transfer process

    Nutrition

    Calories: 342kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 5gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 381mgPotassium: 74mgFiber: 1gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 439IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword apple, bread, breakfast, brunch, dessert, easy apple dessert, easy recipe
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Two slices of apple pecan bread on a white plate with a fork taking a bite.
    Share114
    Pin4.1K
    Tweet
    Email
    4.3KShares
    4.3KShares

    More Desserts

    • Three chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar stacked atop one another next to more cookies
      Chocolate Chip Cookies Without Brown Sugar
    • Two red Kool-Aid Popsicles placed on top of a bowl full of ice and surrounded by fresh berries.
      Easy Kool-Aid Popsicles
    • Cinnamon rolls from pie crust on the table with cinnamon sticks.
      Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls
    • Grandma's Rhubarb Custard Bars

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Hanna

      May 01, 2023 at 5:21 pm

      5 stars
      I'm no good at stuff like this usually but I just wanted to thank you for this easy delicious recipe. The apples I think really help keep this bread fluffy and not dry at all. I really like th nuts I put a bit of pecans and walnuts and it turned it great. Will be trying this again.

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken

        May 05, 2023 at 1:37 pm

        I’m so glad you’re enjoying this recipe. We love it! Thank you for taking the time to let me know. All the best. Karin

      • Karin and Ken

        May 05, 2023 at 1:38 pm

        I’m so glad you’re enjoying this recipe. We love it! Thank you for taking the time to let me know. I’m so glad you used pecans and walnuts. Bet it tasted great! All the best. Karin

    2. Eileen Strom

      August 10, 2019 at 5:42 pm

      Are you SUPPOSED to drain the grated apple pieces at all?
      They have a lot of liquid in them.
      I am making my 1st attempt at this and I did squeeze out about half the juice, so I will see if the bread ends up dry or not.
      Eileen

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken

        August 11, 2019 at 2:44 pm

        I generally do not squeeze out the juice! How did your bread turn out? I am dying to hear what you thought of it! My fingers are crossed that you enjoy it as much as we do! Take care and enjoy your day! Karin

      • Eileen

        August 17, 2019 at 12:03 pm

        It was a tad on the dry side but it still tasted wonderful. I will be making it again today and will leave the apples be and I am sure that will solve the dry problem completely.
        Thanks.

      • Karin and Ken

        August 17, 2019 at 4:09 pm

        I hope your dry problem is solved! I can’t wait to hear how your bread turned out today! My fingers are crossed that you enjoy the result! Take care and be well. Karin

    3. Penny

      December 08, 2016 at 11:31 am

      Hi! This bread looks delicious. I'm going to try it today. I was wondering does it matter what kind of apple, red or green? Have you tried with both? I already have both kinds I may just make 2 and test it out lol.

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken

        December 09, 2016 at 5:41 pm

        We love this bread. It is definitely one of my personal favorites. The type of apple is a hard one. They both are fabulous. The sour apple, like a granny smith is good and without going through the list of apples I have to say they all taste great. For me it is a matter of mood and what apples I have in the house. Ken will always go for the sweeter apple if he is making it but doesn't complain if I make it with an apple that isn't as sweet. In other words I guess it is up to you. If you do try it with both I would be grateful if you let me know what you thought of the end result. I apologize for not being any help! Take care and I hope to talk to you soon. All the best. Karin

    4. Linda

      September 01, 2016 at 8:56 pm

      I am interested in making your apple bread, but this recipe does not say how much grated Apple.

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken

        September 01, 2016 at 9:43 pm

        I am sorry. We have had to re-enter every recipe. Thank you for letting us know about the error. The recipe should call for 1 cup grated apples. This recipe is fabulous. We hope you enjoy it! Thank you again. Take care and all the best. Karin

    5. Cheryl Loose

      August 25, 2016 at 1:22 pm

      I haven't made this yet, hopefully will today. I am wondering about 1 of the ingredients. I have never put more than 1 tsp of vanilla in any recipe I have ever made before. This recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of vanilla. Just making sure that it's the right measurement. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken

        August 25, 2016 at 1:56 pm

        You bet! We always put in 1 tablespoon! We think this bread is delicious! If you find there is too much vanilla for you you can always reduce it as well. Glad to hear you are making this loaf. Please let us know what you think after you make it! Take care and have a fabulous day! Take care and all the best. Karin

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Welcome!

    Ken and Karin

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

    Read more...

    Latest Recipes

    • Chocolate Chip Cookies Without Brown Sugar
    • Easy Kool-Aid Popsicles
    • What to Serve with Short Ribs
    • Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls

    Footer

    Join me in the kitchen for a week of our favorite Sweets and Treats!

    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    © 2023 · Kitchen Divas · All Rights Reserved · Privacy Policy