Applesauce Pecan Bread
Applesauce Pecan Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread that combines the sweetness of applesauce with the crunch of pecans. The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg add a comforting touch, making it a perfect treat for breakfast or as a snack. Ideal for those who love homemade baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat eggs until foamy, then stir in applesauce, sugar, vegetable oil, and milk.
- Gradually add dry ingredients and stir in chopped pecans and mixed candied fruit, if desired.
- Spread the mixture in a greased 9 x 5 x 3 inch pan.
- Sprinkle cinnamon, brown sugar, and chopped pecans on top, pressing lightly with hand.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
- If the top gets too brown, sprinkle confectioners' sugar to cover during the last 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Applesauce Pecan Bread, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or substituting half of the sugar with brown sugar for a deeper sweetness. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds. Ensure you don’t overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and moist.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful bread pairs beautifully with a dollop of cream cheese or a spread of butter. For a special touch, serve it alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. You can also enjoy it as a sweet breakfast option or a comforting snack. Consider serving slices with a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Applesauce Pecan Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in a toaster oven or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Pecan Bread contains roughly 352 calories, with 4g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 623mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade applesauce in this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade applesauce can add a fresher flavor to your bread. Just ensure it has a similar consistency to store-bought applesauce. If it’s unsweetened, you may want to adjust the sugar in the recipe to maintain the intended sweetness.
What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?
You can replace each egg with a flaxseed meal mixture, using 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This works well in maintaining the bread’s texture without compromising flavor.
How can I make the bread more flavorful?
To boost the flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of orange zest to the batter. You might also consider experimenting with spices like ginger or allspice to complement the cinnamon and nutmeg already included in the recipe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).