Easy Maple Pecan Bread Recipe

Few things make a kitchen smell better than a warm loaf of quick bread coming out of the oven on a cool fall morning.

This Maple Pecan Bread is soft, buttery, and sweetened with pure maple syrup and brown sugar.

Crunchy pecans are folded through the batter, so every slice has a toasty, nutty bite.

It is the kind of loaf that makes you want to brew a pot of coffee, grab a good book, and slow down for a while.

I bake it for family breakfasts, holiday brunches, and the occasional random Tuesday when I just need something cozy.

The ingredients are simple pantry staples and the steps are easy enough for beginner bakers.

If you love cozy loaves as much as I do, browse my collection of fall bread recipes for even more baking ideas.

Quick Recipe Summary
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	50 to 60 minutes
Total Time	About 1 hour 15 minutes, plus cooling
Servings	10 slices
Difficulty Level	Easy

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Why You’ll Love This Maple Pecan Bread Recipe

This loaf pairs the deep, caramel-like sweetness of pure maple syrup with the toasty crunch of pecans.

It comes together in one bowl for the dry mix and one for the wet mix, and it fills your home with an irresistible autumn aroma.

• Easy to make: Simple steps and pantry staples make it nearly foolproof.
• Perfectly balanced: Sweet without being overpowering, with nutty undertones in every bite.
• Versatile: Delicious for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack spread with butter.
• Cozy fall flavor: Ideal for chilly mornings, holiday gatherings, and gift giving.
• Beginner friendly: No mixer and no special techniques are needed.

You might also enjoy: Banana Nut Bread Recipe

Ingredients

You only need a handful of ingredients to make this loaf, and you probably have most of them in your pantry already.

Pure maple syrup and pecans are the stars here, so buy the best quality you can.

• All-purpose flour: 1 ¾ cups
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
• Baking soda: ½ teaspoon
• Sea salt: ½ teaspoon
• Unsalted butter: ½ cup, melted (plus a little extra to grease the pan, if not using parchment)
• Pure maple syrup: ½ cup
• Brown sugar: ½ cup
• Large eggs: 2, at room temperature
• Pecan halves: ½ cup, chopped (plus a few extra chopped pecans for the top, optional)

The same pure maple syrup and pecan pairing shows up in my maple pecan blondie bites, which are great for a bake sale.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

This recipe uses basic kitchen tools that you likely already own.

A good loaf pan makes the biggest difference, since it helps the bread bake evenly with a golden crust.

• Two mixing bowls, one large and one medium
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Wire cooling rack
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons
• Cutting board and knife, for chopping the pecans
• Oven mitts

Read Also: Bourbon Pecan Bread Recipe

Recommended Products for This Recipe

These are my personal recommendations based on years of baking quick breads at home.

None of them are required, but each one makes this loaf a little easier or a little tastier.

1. Nordic Ware Naturals Loaf Pan

I reach for a light-colored aluminum loaf pan whenever I bake quick breads, because it browns the crust evenly without burning the edges.

It also resists warping, so it lasts for years of regular baking. The straight sides give you tidy, bakery-style slices.

Get it on Amazon

2. Grade A Dark Robust Pure Maple Syrup

Maple is the main flavor in this bread, so a darker, more robust syrup really shows up in the finished loaf.

It tastes rich and caramel-like, and it holds its own against the brown sugar and pecans.

Skip anything labeled pancake syrup, since it will not give you the same depth.

Get it on Amazon

3. Raw Pecan Halves

Fresh, raw pecan halves have a buttery sweetness that stale nuts just cannot match.

I like to buy them whole and chop them myself, so the pieces stay chunky and crunchy in the batter.

Store the extras in the freezer to keep them fresh.

Get it on Amazon

4. Oven Thermometer

Many home ovens run hotter or cooler than the dial says, and that is one of the most common reasons a quick bread turns out dry or gummy.

A simple oven thermometer takes the guesswork out of baking.

Hang it on the middle rack and adjust your oven until it reads 350°F.

Get it on Amazon

That same loaf pan works beautifully for my pumpkin bread too.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Maple Pecan Bread

Making this loaf is a breeze, even if you are brand new to baking.

Follow these detailed steps for a perfectly moist and flavorful bread.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

• Place an oven rack in the center position and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan well with unsalted butter, covering the bottom and all four sides.
• For easy removal, line the pan with parchment paper and let the ends hang over the long sides like handles.
• Set the prepared pan on the counter near your mixing bowls.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, add 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt.
• Whisk everything together for about 30 seconds.
• Make sure there are no clumps and that the leavening agents are evenly spread through the flour.
• Set the bowl aside.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

• In a separate medium bowl, add ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, ½ cup of pure maple syrup, and ½ cup of brown sugar.
• Crack in 2 large eggs.
• Whisk vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes, until the mixture looks smooth and the sugar is mostly dissolved.
• If your butter is very hot, let it cool for a few minutes first so it does not scramble the eggs.

4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Slowly pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients.
• Stir gently with a rubber spatula, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl.
• Stop as soon as the batter is just combined, with no visible streaks of flour.
• Be careful not to overmix, because too much stirring can make the bread dense. The batter should be thick but smooth.

5. Fold in the Pecans

• Add ½ cup of chopped pecans to the batter.
• Gently fold them in with your spatula, using a scooping motion from the bottom of the bowl.
• Keep folding just until the pecans are evenly distributed.
• This step adds that delightful crunch to every bite.

6. Pour and Smooth the Batter

• Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, scraping the bowl clean with the spatula.
• Smooth the top so it is level, which helps the loaf bake evenly.
• If you like, sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans over the top for a pretty finish.
• Tap the pan gently on the counter once to settle the batter.

7. Bake the Bread

• Place the loaf pan in the center of the preheated oven.
• Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, checking at the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
• Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean or with just a few dry crumbs.
• The top should be golden brown and slightly cracked.

8. Cool and Remove from the Pan

• Remove the pan from the oven using oven mitts.
• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, which helps it set so it does not break apart.
• If you used parchment paper, lift the bread out by the overhanging edges. Otherwise, run a knife gently around the edges to loosen it.
• Transfer the loaf to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing.

Another favorite: Gingerbread Loaf Recipe

Tips for The Best Maple Pecan Bread

A few small habits make the difference between a good loaf and a great one.

Keep these tips in mind every time you bake.

• Measure the flour accurately: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife, instead of scooping straight from the bag. Packed flour leads to a dense loaf.
• Use room-temperature eggs: They blend more smoothly into the batter than cold eggs.
• Do not skip the cooling step: Letting the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes keeps it from falling apart.
• Toast the pecans: For extra flavor, toast the pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes before chopping, then let them cool.
• Check your oven temperature: An oven thermometer helps you confirm accuracy, since ovens can vary quite a bit.

Toasted nuts also add wonderful flavor to my pear walnut bread.

Serving Suggestions

This loaf is versatile enough to shine at any meal, and its warm, nutty flavor pairs beautifully with many spreads and drinks.

Slice it thick for breakfast, or thin for an afternoon treat.

• Spread with unsalted butter for a simple, classic treat.
• Top with cream cheese for a tangy, creamy contrast.
• Drizzle with a little extra pure maple syrup for added sweetness.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for the ultimate fall moment.
• Serve it as part of a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit and yogurt.

You might also enjoy: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

Variations of Maple Pecan Bread

Once you have made the classic loaf, it is easy to switch things up.

These simple tweaks keep the recipe fresh all season long.

• Add spices: Mix ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Swap the nuts: Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different crunch.
• Add dried fruit: Fold in ¼ cup of dried cranberries or raisins along with the pecans for a chewy twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Add a glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with a splash of pure maple syrup and drizzle it over the cooled loaf.

For another cozy spiced loaf, try my chai spiced banana bread.

Storage and Reheating

This bread stays moist for days, which makes it a great make-ahead treat.

Let it cool completely before storing so it does not turn gummy.

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Reheating: Warm slices in a toaster oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes, or microwave a slice for 10 to 15 seconds.

Read Also: Date Nut Bread Recipe

Nutritional Facts

Here is the approximate nutritional breakdown per slice, based on 10 slices per loaf.

Exact numbers will vary slightly depending on the brands you use.

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 14g (Saturated: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 28g (Sugar: 14g)
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 220mg

If you want a smaller maple pecan treat, my maple pecan shortbread squares are easy to portion.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

This loaf is a treat, but the ingredients bring a few nice perks along with the flavor.

Here is what each key ingredient adds.

• Pecans: Rich in healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, pecans are a heart-friendly nut.
• Pure maple syrup: Contains antioxidants and minerals like manganese and zinc, and it is a more natural alternative to refined sweeteners.
• Eggs: Packed with protein and nutrients like choline, which supports brain health.
• All-purpose flour: Provides energy from carbohydrates, and you can swap part of it for whole wheat flour to add fiber.
• Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and contains fat-soluble vitamins like A and E when enjoyed in moderation.

Another favorite: Maple Pecan Overnight Oats Recipe

FAQs About Maple Pecan Bread

1. Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.

Just chop them to a similar size so they spread evenly through the batter.

2. Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.

Check that your baking powder and baking soda are labeled gluten-free, too.

3. How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf, and it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.

4. Can I use maple-flavored syrup instead of pure maple syrup?

For the best flavor, stick with pure maple syrup.

Maple-flavored syrups are usually corn syrup with artificial flavoring, so they will not give you the same rich taste.

5. Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can try replacing each egg with a flax egg, made from 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed and 3 tablespoons of water.

Swap the butter for vegan butter or coconut oil, though the texture may vary slightly.

If you bake gluten-free often, you might also like my 4 ingredient gluten free bread.

Conclusion

This Maple Pecan Bread is the perfect way to enjoy the cozy flavors of fall.

It has a soft, moist crumb, a nutty crunch, and just the right amount of sweetness.

It is simple enough for a busy morning and special enough for a holiday table.

Grab your mixing bowls, preheat the oven, and bake a loaf that will make your whole kitchen smell like autumn.

If you try it, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out, and share it with a friend who loves cozy baking.

Recommended:

• Apple Crumble Muffins Recipe
• Pumpkin Spice Crumble Muffins
• Cinnamon Streusel Bread Recipe
• Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread
• Apple Cider Donut Bread