Last Updated on November 12, 2025 by Kimberly Stroh

The aroma of apple fills the kitchen when this Praline Apple Bread comes out of the oven. It’s a fall tradition in our home to make apple quick bread after a trip to the orchard. This one is extra special, with Granny Smith Apples and toasted pecans are baked into the center of the bread, then it’s finished with a sweet praline topping and more pecans. It takes apple bread to the next level!

Why We Love Praline Apple Bread

People love apple bread because it combines the comforting warmth of homemade baked goods with the natural sweetness and aroma of fresh apples. The soft, moist texture makes every bite satisfying, while the cinnamon and spices often used add a cozy, nostalgic flavor.

Apple bread strikes a perfect balance between dessert and breakfast, making it a versatile treat that feels indulgent. Adding the praline topping just elevates the apple bread. It glazes over the top to add a sweet layer along with unexpected crunch.

Do you love baking in the fall as much as I do? Try my Apple Maple Whiskey Blondies or my Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake too. They’re delicious additions to your fall baking list.

Praline Apple Bread Ingredients:

• All-Purpose Flour: I purchase bleached all-purpose flour
• Baking Powder
• Baking Soda
• Salt
• Granulated Sugar
• Sour Cream: This adds some tang to the bread and the slight tart to complement the sweet
• Eggs: Large size
• Vanilla Extract
• Granny Smith Apples: This variety is best for baking and most-often recommended
• Chopped Pecans: Or pecan pieces if you want to go smaller
• Butter: Sweet Salted Cream Butter is what I use
• Light Brown Sugar

Tips For Making Apple Bread

• Pick firm Granny Smith Apples and stick with that variety for baking purposes.
• Chopped apples add texture but ensure that your chopped apples are smaller in size.
• Stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bread.
• Use parchment paper or grease the loaf pan well (Baker’s Joy) to prevent sticking and make for easy removal.
• Apple bread continues to set as it cools. Slicing too early can cause it to crumble or seem underbaked.

How To Keep Your Bread Fresh

Once your bread has cooled and the praline has set, it’s ready to slice. I prefer to slice as I serve it and keeping it in its original loaf form. Cover the apple bread with plastic wrap and store it at room temperature, keeping it away from direct heat. For the best freshness, enjoy your Praline Apple Bread within 3-4 days.

Praline Apple Bread is also great for freezing! Some years, I’ll bake some loaves in September and freeze one for our Thanksgiving bread basket. Freeze the apple bread for up to three months. Store it in the back of the freezer where temperatures are more stable. Let it thaw on the countertop, overnight, before serving again.

How To Make Praline Apple Bread Step-by-Step Directions

In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

In another bowl, beat the granulated sugar, sour cream, eggs and vanilla until well blended.

Stir into flour mixture just until moistened. Fold in apples and 1 cup of pecans.

Transfer to a greased 9-inch x 5-inch loaf pan. Bake at 350ºF for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the praline topping: In a small saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly to dissolve sugar; boil for 1 minute.

Spoon over bread. Sprinkle with the remaining pecans. Let the bread stand until set.