Easy Apricot Pecan Quick Bread Recipe: Fruity Breakfast Magic

Baking this delightful apricot pecan quick bread transports you to a cozy kitchen filled with warmth and comfort.

Sweet chunks of fruit peek through a golden-brown crumb, promising delectable bites.

Nuts add a delightful crunch that makes each slice memorable.

Pantry staples come together effortlessly in this simple recipe that feels like a culinary hug.

Fragrant aromas will drift through your home, inviting everyone to the table.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this rustic, homemade treat.

Tips For Soft And Flavorful Apricot Bread

• Soak chopped apricots in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to the batter to plump them up and intensify their sweetness.
• Toss pecans in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter to keep them evenly distributed throughout the bread.
• Replace milk with buttermilk or yogurt for a more tender and rich texture that stays fresh longer.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F for perfectly baked quick bread.

Fun Add-Ins For Quick Bread Variety

• Gluten-Free Apricot Almond Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend, swap pecans for sliced almonds, and use dairy-free milk for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Dried Fruit Loaf: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based milk to create a completely plant-based quick bread.
• Low-Sugar Apricot Bread: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reduce overall sweetness, and add extra spices like cinnamon for depth of flavor.
• Tropical Mango Coconut Variation: Replace apricots with diced dried mango, add shredded coconut, and use coconut milk for a Hawaiian-inspired quick bread experience.

Serving Apricot Bread With Morning Coffee

• Breakfast Bliss: Slice this bread and serve warm with a dollop of honey butter for a delightful morning treat.
• Dessert Companion: Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an elegant after-dinner indulgence that highlights the bread's rich apricot and pecan flavors.
• Tea Time Delight: Serve thin slices alongside your favorite afternoon tea or coffee, creating a perfect mid-day snack that complements hot beverages beautifully.
• Brunch Star: Arrange on a platter with fresh berries and a light cream cheese spread for a stunning brunch centerpiece that will impress guests.

Keeping Apricot Bread Soft For Days

• Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep the bread in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap completely cooled bread in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for easy single-serving grab-and-go options lasting up to 2 months.

FAQs

• Why do I need to mix apricots with lemon juice?

Lemon juice prevents the apricots from browning and adds a bright, tangy flavor that enhances the bread’s overall taste.

• Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds work great as substitutes and will provide a similar crunchy texture to the bread.

• What makes this quick bread different from a regular cake?

Quick breads use baking powder instead of yeast, allowing for faster preparation and a more dense, moist texture compared to traditional cakes.

• How do I know if the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the bread is fully baked and ready to be removed from the oven.

Apricot Pecan Quick Bread With Cozy Flavor

• Craft Gourmet Comfort: Simple, rustic quick bread packed with delightful texture and flavor.
• Nutrient-Rich Delight: Combines protein-packed pecans with sweet, tangy apricots for a balanced treat.
• Stress-Free Baking: Straightforward recipe requiring basic mixing techniques perfect for beginner bakers.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Excellent for breakfast, brunch, afternoon snack, or casual dessert with minimal preparation effort.

All The Ingredients For Nutty Apricot Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure and texture to the quick bread.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, soft crumb.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender, moist bread.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread's structure.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the bread.

• Dried Apricots, Lemon Juice: Apricots add a sweet, tangy flavor, while lemon juice helps prevent browning and brightens the fruit's taste.
• Pecans: Introduce a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the bread.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with caramelization during baking.

• Salt, Nutmeg, Ginger: Add depth and complexity to the bread's flavor.

• Oats: Offers a rustic, crunchy topping that adds visual appeal and texture.

Quick Steps To Apricot Pecan Bread Bliss

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C).

Take a loaf pan and generously coat the inside with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prep Apricots

Toss chopped apricots with fresh lemon juice to brighten their flavor and prevent browning.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a spacious mixing bowl, beat together butter and sugars until the mixture becomes light, airy, and looks almost like fluffy clouds.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor profile.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger

Whisk these ingredients together to ensure even distribution.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with milk.

Mix gently to create a smooth, consistent batter.

Step 7: Fold in Fruit and Nuts

Carefully fold the prepared apricots and chopped pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 8: Transfer to Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Optional: Sprinkle rolled oats on top for a rustic, crunchy texture.

Step 9: Bake the Bread

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and enjoying your homemade treat.

Apricot Pecan Quick Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful Apricot Pecan Quick Bread brings sweet Mediterranean charm to classic American baking, blending juicy fruit with nutty crunch. Homemade comfort awaits when you slice into this golden, fragrant loaf perfect for morning coffee or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

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Fruits and Nuts:

• 2 1/4 cups finely diced fresh apricots
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup rolled oats (optional)

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Dry Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a standard loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Toss chopped apricots with lemon juice in a small mixing bowl to prevent browning and add a bright citrus note.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream softened butter with sugars until the mixture becomes pale and airy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next, then mix in vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
5. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and ground ginger in a separate bowl to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
6. Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and milk to the creamed butter, mixing gently until just combined to maintain a tender bread texture.
7. Gently fold chopped apricots and toasted pecans into the batter, distributing evenly throughout.
8. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula and optionally sprinkle rolled oats on the surface for added texture.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs.
10. Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

• Swap out butter for coconut oil to make the bread dairy-free and add a subtle tropical flavor.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty richness and create deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising texture or taste.
• Add a light glaze with powdered sugar and apricot preserves to elevate the bread’s sweetness and moisture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg