The aroma of warm spices and caramelized sugar will fill your kitchen with this irresistible Apple Praline Bread. Every slice offers a perfect balance of tender, moist crumb and crunchy praline topping. Fresh apples bring natural sweetness and a hint of tartness, while cinnamon and nutmeg add cozy, autumnal warmth. Ready in just over an hour, this treat is ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack with a steaming cup of coffee.
With its luscious buttery texture and indulgent praline glaze, this bread is a delightful blend of comfort and decadence. The combination of golden-brown crust and soft, apple-studded interior creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite. Whether shared with loved ones or savored solo, this American classic is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients for Apple Praline Bread
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended for richness)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed, light or dark works)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature for better mixing)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (pure vanilla for best flavor)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
- 1 ½ cups apples, peeled and finely chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 1 cup pecans, chopped (divided into ½ cup for batter and ½ cup for topping)
Praline Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the sour cream, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla on low speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and well blended.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until just combined (avoid overmixing).
- Fold in apples and pecans: Gently fold in the chopped apples and ½ cup of the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Prepare the pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of pecans over the top, pressing them lightly into the batter.
- Bake: Bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the bread browns too quickly, loosely tent it with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the praline topping: While the bread cools, combine the brown sugar and butter in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 minute, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Drizzle and serve: Remove the topping from heat and drizzle it over the cooled bread. Allow the topping to set before slicing and serving.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This Apple Praline Bread is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. For breakfast or brunch, serve it alongside a cup of coffee or tea. You can also toast slices lightly and spread with butter or cream cheese for an extra treat!
Storing and Reviving Your Bread
To keep your bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast them lightly in a toaster oven for a crispy edge.
Recipe Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds, or add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You can also experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger to give the bread a unique twist.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
If you’re short on time, use pre-chopped pecans and a food processor to quickly chop the apples. You can also prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate it, then bake it fresh in the morning. For the praline topping, make it ahead of time and reheat it gently before drizzling over the bread.
Essential Equipment for Success
To make this recipe easier, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to blend the ingredients smoothly. A 9 x 5-inch loaf pan is ideal for even baking, and a wire cooling rack ensures the bread cools properly without becoming soggy. Don’t forget a toothpick to test for doneness!
Apple Praline Bread
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 ½ cup apples, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Praline topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup butter
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350℉. Grease and flour a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl beat the sour cream, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla on low speed for about 2 minutes until well blended.
- Add in flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix until well combined. Then fold in the chopped apples and 1/2 cup of the chopped pecans.
- Spoon batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining pecans. Pressing them lightly into the batter.
- Bake for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. If the bread is browning too fast, tent foil loosely over the top of bread to prevent it from burning. Cool in the pan for about 15 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
- While the bread is cooling make the praline topping.
- In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat stirring constantly. Lower the heat and simmer lightly for about one minute, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and drizzle over the bread. Cool and then slice and serve.