Praline Apple Bread: A Decadent Fall Treat

by
    

Indulge in the flavors of autumn with this irresistible Praline Apple Bread. Combining the tartness of Granny Smith or Gala apples with the warmth of apple pie spice, this bread is the perfect blend of sweet and nutty goodness. The addition of chopped pecans and a rich praline topping elevates this bread to a whole new level of deliciousness. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, this Praline Apple Bread is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (or cinnamon)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk (preferably whole fat)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups small diced Granny Smith or Gala apples (or your favorite variety)
  • 1 1/2 cups roughly chopped pecans (divided)

For the Praline Topping:

  • 1/2 cup salted butter
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Set the Oven Temperature: Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
  2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, apple pie spice (or cinnamon), baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the buttermilk, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Fold in Apples and Pecans: Gently fold in the diced apples and 1 cup of the chopped pecans, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup of pecans for the topping.
  6. Cook the Bread: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, leveling the surface with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too fast, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the final 15 minutes.
  7. Prepare the Praline Topping: While the bread is baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the light brown sugar and stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped pecans.
  8. Top the Bread: Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the praline topping over the top of the bread, spreading it evenly.
  9. Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the bread from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. The praline topping will harden slightly as it cools, creating a deliciously sweet and crunchy crust.

Conclusion

This Praline Apple Bread is a delectable fusion of moist, tender apple bread and rich, nutty praline topping. The combination of sweet apples, warm spices, and crunchy pecans makes this bread a perfect autumn treat. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or serving it as a dessert, this bread is sure to impress with its irresistible flavor and texture. Try it out this fall and savor the comforting taste of the season!

Leave a Comment