Apple Cheddar and Pecan Bread is a savory-sweet loaf bursting with tart Granny Smith apples, sharp cheddar, and crunchy PLANTERS® Roasted Pecans.
A brush of herb butter and a touch of applesauce add aromatic richness and tender texture to every slice. Perfect for fall gatherings or holiday snacking, this comforting bake delivers bold flavor in just over an hour.
Ingredients
| Herb Butter | |
|---|---|
| ¼ | cup unsalted butter, melted |
| 1 | teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme |
| 1 | teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary |
| Bread | |
|---|---|
| 2 | cups all-purpose flour |
| 1 | teaspoon baking powder |
| ½ | teaspoon baking soda |
| ½ | teaspoon kosher salt |
| 1 | (5-ounce) package APPLEGATE ORGANICS® Mild Cheddar Cheese, roughly chopped |
| ⅓ | cup unsalted butter, softened |
| ⅔ | cup sugar |
| 2 | large eggs |
| 1 | small Granny Smith apple, cut into 1/4-inch pieces, plus 1 small Granny Smith apple, cut into 1/4-inch slices |
| ¾ | cup PLANTERS® Roasted Pecans, chopped, divided |
| ½ | cup unsweetened applesauce |
Directions
For the Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine butter, thyme and rosemary. Set aside for brushing bread.
For the Bread
Heat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together until combined. Stir in cheese until combined.
In a separate large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, until combined, about 2 minutes. Fold in apple pieces, 1/2 cup pecans, and applesauce until combined. Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Place remaining pecans and apple slices decoratively on top of batter. Brush with herb butter. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving.