Imagine the warm aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, a comforting blend of sweet apple and crunchy pecans that beckons you to indulge. Our Apple Butter Pecan Quick Bread is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a delightful journey into the heart of American baking. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a heavenly 50 minutes in the oven, you can create a loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will have your friends and family begging for seconds. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup apple butter
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well blended and free of any lumps.
- In a separate medium bowl, mix the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and apple butter. Whisk these wet ingredients until they are completely smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula, mixing just until the batter is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
- Fold in the chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the bread - it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and serve. The bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Tips
- Measure Accurately: Ensure your ingredients are measured accurately for the best results. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf instead of a light and fluffy one.
- Chop Pecans Evenly: For a consistent texture, chop your pecans into similar-sized pieces. This ensures even distribution throughout the bread and an ideal crunch in every bite.
- Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on your bread during the last few minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from becoming soggy and helps maintain its shape.
- Storage Tips: To keep your bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last for 3-4 days, but we doubt it will last that long!
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your bread! Consider adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg
