Applesauce Pecan Bread

🍏🥖 Applesauce Pecan Bread: A Delicious Delight 🍞🌰

What is it?
Applesauce Pecan Bread is a delightful, moist quick bread that combines the sweet and tart flavors of applesauce with the nutty goodness of pecans. This scrumptious bread is perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert, and it’s a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of autumn.

History:
The exact origins of Applesauce Pecan Bread are a bit elusive, but it’s likely a product of American baking traditions. Applesauce has been a staple in American homes for centuries, and combining it with pecans in a bread is a natural evolution of this beloved ingredient.

Components:

• Applesauce: It’s the star of the show, providing moisture, sweetness, and a hint of apple flavor.
• Pecans: Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is typically used as the base of the bread.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the bread.
• Eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the bread rise.
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes cloves are used to add warmth and flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall taste.
• Salt: Balances the flavors.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 large eggs until they are well combined. Add 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Add Pecans: Gently fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans.

6. Bake: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Enjoy: Once it’s completely cooled, slice and enjoy your delicious Applesauce Pecan Bread!

Time Needed:

• Preparation: About 15-20 minutes
• Baking: 50-60 minutes
• Cooling: 10-15 minutes

In total, you can expect to spend around 75-95 minutes from start to finish, and your patience will be rewarded with a delightful, emoji-worthy bread that’s perfect for any occasion! 🍞🍏🌰😋

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Applesauce Pecan Bread (per serving, assuming 12 slices):

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per serving.
• Total Fat: About 10-12 grams.
• Saturated Fat: Around 1-2 grams.
• Cholesterol: Typically less than 30 milligrams.
• Sodium: Approximately 150-200 milligrams.
• Total Carbohydrates: About 35-40 grams.
• Dietary Fiber: Roughly 2-3 grams.
• Sugars: Approximately 20-25 grams.
• Protein: Around 3-4 grams.

Health Information:

1. Moderation: While Applesauce Pecan Bread can be a tasty treat, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation due to its sugar and calorie content.

2. Fiber: The dietary fiber from the applesauce and potentially whole wheat flour can help support digestive health.

3. Healthy Fats: Pecans provide healthy unsaturated fats, which can be beneficial for heart health.

4. Vitamins and Minerals: Applesauce contains vitamins like vitamin C and minerals like potassium, which are essential for overall health.

5. Added Sugar: Be mindful of the added sugar content, and consider using less sugar or natural sweeteners if you’re looking to reduce sugar intake.

6. Nut Allergies: If you or someone you’re serving has nut allergies, consider omitting the pecans or using a nut alternative.

Remember that the exact nutritional values can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes, so it’s always a good idea to check the labels on the ingredients you use and adjust the serving size accordingly to meet your dietary needs.