Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat—apple praline bread! It’s this cozy blend of sweet apples and crunchy pecans, topped with a rich, buttery praline that just makes my heart sing. Every time I bake this bread, I’m transported back to chilly autumn mornings spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, the smell of cinnamon wafting through the air. The way the warm, soft bread contrasts with the crunchy topping is just divine! Trust me, once you slice into this delightful loaf, you won’t be able to resist a second piece. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or just a sweet snack any time of day. You’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped apples (I love using tart Granny Smith apples for that perfect zing!)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (feel free to toast them for an extra crunch!)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
How to Prepare Apple Praline Bread
Alright, let’s dive into this delicious journey of making apple praline bread! I promise, it’s easier than it sounds and totally worth every minute spent in the kitchen. Follow my steps, and you’ll have a scrumptious loaf that’ll make your home smell like a bakery!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bread bakes evenly and has that perfect golden crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Give it a good stir—this is where the magic begins!
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. I love using an electric mixer for this, but a whisk works just fine too—just put your back into it!
- Once that’s done, add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat them together until everything is well combined. You should see a lovely creamy texture forming.
- Now, it’s time to bring the dry and wet ingredients together! Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Don’t rush it; mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, and we want that soft, tender crumb!
- Next, gently fold in the chopped apples and pecans. I like to use a spatula for this—just be careful not to crush the apples. You want those lovely chunks to stay intact!
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Make sure to spread it evenly—this helps it bake uniformly.
- Now, here comes the decadent part! In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar and heavy cream. Stir until it’s bubbly and smooth, then pour this luscious praline mixture over the top of the batter in the pan.
- Slide the loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. I usually start checking at the 50-minute mark. Stick a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
- Once done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This step is crucial to avoid a soggy bottom, which none of us want, right? Then, slice it up and enjoy your incredible apple praline bread!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously sweet and nutty flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it easy to whip up.
- Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
- Versatile enough to impress at gatherings or cozy family dinners.
- It fills your home with the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples.
Tips for Success
To ensure your apple praline bread turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, choose the right apples—tart varieties like Granny Smith not only add flavor but also balance the sweetness of the bread. If you want a richer taste, consider browning the butter before adding it to the mixture; it adds a lovely depth! Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, so check for doneness a few minutes early. And don’t rush the cooling process—letting it rest for at least 10 minutes prevents sogginess. For serving, this bread is delightful warm, but it’s also fantastic at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this apple praline bread! For a spicier kick, try adding a teaspoon of nutmeg or ginger alongside the cinnamon—trust me, it’ll elevate the flavor profile beautifully. You can also swap out the pecans for walnuts or even almonds for a different crunch. Want to switch up the fruit? Toss in some dried cranberries or chopped pears for a unique twist. Each variation adds its own special touch, making this recipe endlessly customizable!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your apple praline bread fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its life, you can refrigerate it, but I recommend wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When it comes to reheating, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or you can warm it in a toaster oven for a few minutes. This brings back that lovely softness and makes the praline topping wonderfully gooey again!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional data for a slice of my delightful apple praline bread! Each serving contains about 220 calories, 10g of fat, 3g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Additionally, you’ll find around 15g of sugar and 1g of fiber per slice. Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can add a lovely nuttiness to your apple praline bread. Just keep in mind that it might make the loaf a bit denser, so you may want to adjust the liquid slightly or add a bit more baking soda to help it rise.
What if I don’t have pecans?
No worries! You can easily substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a different flavor and crunch. Each nut brings its own unique taste, so feel free to experiment!
How should I store leftover bread?
To keep your apple praline bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, consider wrapping it tightly and freezing it for up to two months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Definitely! This bread actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can bake it a day in advance and store it wrapped at room temperature. Just remember to let it cool completely before wrapping to prevent moisture buildup.
Apple Praline Bread: 10 Reasons You’ll Adore This Recipe
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious apple praline bread with a sweet nutty topping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped apples
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture and beat well.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
- Fold in the apples and pecans.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
- In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and heavy cream; cook until bubbly.
- Pour the praline mixture over the batter.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Use tart apple varieties for best flavor.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: apple praline bread, dessert bread, apple bread
