Name: Easy Maple Pecan Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 2 large eggs; ½ cup pure maple syrup; ½ cup milk or buttermilk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup chopped pecans

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you are looking for a cozy, flavorful treat that brings the comforting taste of fall right into your kitchen, this Easy Maple Pecan Bread Recipe will be your new favorite. Imagine soft, moist bread bursting with rich maple syrup sweetness paired with toasty, crunchy pecans in every bite. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this quick bread feels like a warm hug on a plate and is incredibly simple to make with straightforward ingredients. Trust me, once you try this Easy Maple Pecan Bread Recipe, it will become a go-to in your recipe box for seasons to come.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven clear glass bowls on a white marbled surface with a blue and white cloth underneath. Each bowl contains different ingredients: one has white flour with a brown spice on top, another has a white powder, a third holds crushed nuts with a wooden scoop, the fourth contains light beige sugar, the fifth is dark brown syrup, the sixth has a small amount of golden liquid, and the seventh bowl has two cracked eggs. Two silver spoons rest near the bowls. The overall look is neat and organized, with the bowls arranged in an irregular circle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are humble yet essential, each playing a key role in delivering the perfect texture, moistness, and flavor profile that this bread boasts. From the cinnamon-spiced warmth to the nutty crunch of pecans, everything combines beautifully in this recipe.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread providing structure and tenderness.
Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture for a soft crumb.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure a light, fluffy texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses the bread with a gentle warmth that complements the maple syrup.
Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Contributes richness and helps keep the bread tender.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add a velvety consistency.
Pure maple syrup: The star ingredient that delivers that irresistible maple flavor.
Milk or buttermilk: Adds moisture and tenderness; buttermilk also enhances the bread’s softness.
Vanilla extract: Provides a subtle fragrant note that layers beautifully with maple.
Chopped pecans: Toasted for a crispy texture and nutty flavor that contrast perfectly with the soft bread.

How to Make Easy Maple Pecan Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure the bread doesn’t stick and comes out cleanly after baking. This simple prep step sets the stage for a perfectly shaped loaf.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This blend packs the dry flavor base your bread needs, ensuring even distribution of sweetness and spice.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the melted and cooled butter, eggs, pure maple syrup, milk or buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Whisk them thoroughly to create a smooth, unified mixture. These liquids will come together to make the bread incredibly tender and moist.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Stir gently and just until combined—this is key to keeping the bread soft and avoids overworking the batter, which could make it tough.

Step 5: Add the Chopped Pecans

Fold in the chopped pecans carefully to evenly distribute throughout the batter. For extra flavor, consider toasting the pecans beforehand to release those rich oils and deepen their nuttiness.

Step 6: Bake Your Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. If you notice the top browning too quickly, feel free to tent it loosely with foil partway through baking.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This resting time helps the bread set beautifully for clean slices and maximum flavor.

How to Serve Easy Maple Pecan Bread Recipe

The image shows a loaf cake with two thick slices cut at the front, revealing a moist yellow crumb filled with small pieces of nuts inside. The top of the whole loaf is covered with a smooth, light brown glaze sprinkled with chopped pecans. The cake rests on crumpled white parchment paper over a white marbled surface, with scattered nut pieces and a silver spoon on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Topping your slices with a light drizzle of pure maple syrup or a smear of softened butter can elevate the natural maple and pecan flavors even more. For a special touch, sprinkle chopped pecans or a dash of cinnamon on top to impress your guests visually and palate-wise.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a bowl of creamy yogurt for a balanced breakfast or brunch. If serving as dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements the bread’s warm spices and sweet maple notes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice and toast the bread lightly for a crunchy exterior contrast or cut into cubes and serve as French toast bites with some maple syrup for dunking. You can even transform slices into mini sandwiches with cream cheese and fruit preserves for a delightful snack or tea-time treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Easy Maple Pecan Bread Recipe fresh by storing leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer keeping, refrigerate the bread where it will stay moist and flavorful for about five days.

Freezing

This bread freezes remarkably well, making it a fantastic recipe to make ahead. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag, and store it in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or let it come to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To refresh your bread, warm slices in a toaster or oven at a low temperature until heated through. This will revive its soft texture and enhance the maple aroma for that just-baked feeling every time.

FAQs

Can I substitute the pecans for another nut?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds make great alternatives if pecans are not your preference or unavailable. Just toast them lightly for the best flavor.

Is it necessary to use real maple syrup?

Yes, using pure maple syrup is important for authentic flavor. Pancake syrups generally contain additives and won’t give you the same rich, natural taste definitely needed for this recipe.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond milk or another dairy-free milk in place of regular milk or buttermilk. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.

How can I avoid the bread top from browning too fast?

If you notice the bread browning before it’s fully cooked, tent it loosely with foil halfway through baking. This shields it from direct heat while allowing the inside to bake through evenly.

Can I add extra spices to the recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to add nutmeg or cardamom for a more complex spice profile. Just a pinch of each goes a long way without overpowering the lovely maple and pecan flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Maple Pecan Bread Recipe is truly a little slice of happiness that you can whip up with ease anytime you crave warmth, sweetness, and crunch. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring solo with a cup of coffee, this bread fills your kitchen with comforting aromas and your heart with joy. Give it a try soon — I promise it will become a treasured classic in your home.