No butter or oil is used in the bread batter, yet this Apple Praline Bread turns out moist and flavorful. The real highlight is the praline topping—nutty, crunchy, and irresistible.
I first found this recipe in my local paper, the Holland Sentinel, where it had won the Apple Recipe Contest sponsored by Downtown Holland Magazine. I had to try it, and it did not disappoint.
This is a surprisingly low-fat loaf: the batter contains no butter or oil, yet the crumb stays tender and moist. What elevates the bread is the praline topping—buttery sauce and toasted nuts that add richness and crunch.
The topping is the only part that contains significant fat, and it’s worth every calorie. I bake this year-round because apples are easy to find, although it’s especially cozy in the fall.
Whether you use white or brown sugar in the batter, the bread is delicious. Brown sugar will darken the loaf and deepen the flavor, as shown in one of the photos. This loaf pairs beautifully with a cup of tea.
Below are clear, step-by-step instructions and photos to guide you through the process. For a printable version, see the recipe card further down the page.
Ingredients for Apple Praline Bread
For the bread batter
- 1 cup sour cream (or substitute plain yogurt)
- 1 cup sugar (brown or white; brown will darken the loaf)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups peeled, finely chopped baking apples (sweet-tart varieties like Granny Smith work well)
- 1 cup nuts (walnuts, pecans, or a mix), divided
For the praline topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
How to make Apple Praline Bread
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat the sour cream (or yogurt), sugar, eggs, and vanilla until blended. An electric mixer makes this quicker, but a whisk works fine.
3. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low speed until combined.
4. Fold in the chopped apples and 3/4 cup of the nuts. I recommend chopping the apples finely so the cooled loaf slices cleanly.
5. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the remaining nuts on top and press lightly into the batter.
6. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 20–30 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
7. For the praline sauce: in a small saucepan combine the butter and brown sugar. Over medium heat bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about one minute, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
8. Remove the sauce from the heat and drizzle it evenly over the cooled loaf. Let the loaf cool completely before slicing so the topping sets.
The praline topping is what makes this bread exceptional—sweet, buttery, and crunchy. It’s an excellent treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
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Apple Praline Bread
Ingredients
For the bread batter
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup sugar (brown or white)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups peeled, finely chopped baking apples
- 1 cup nuts (walnut or pecan), divided
For the praline topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan. Beat sour cream, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until blended.
- Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low until combined.
- Fold in apples and 3/4 cup of the nuts. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Top with remaining nuts, pressing lightly. Bake 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 20–30 minutes in pan, then transfer to a rack.
- For the praline sauce: combine butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then simmer about 1 minute, stirring until the sugar melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and drizzle over the cooled loaf. Chill completely before slicing.
Notes
You can substitute plain yogurt for sour cream. For extra warmth, add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the apples—optional but delicious.
Nutrition
Calories: 358 kcal | Carbohydrates: 46 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 18 g
Thanks for visiting—happy baking and enjoy your Apple Praline Bread!
Psalm 46:1-4
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. (Selah) 4