Maple Pecan Tea Loaf: A Cozy Treat for Fall

As the days get cooler and the leaves start to change, there’s nothing better than filling your home with the warm, sweet aroma of maple and freshly baked bread. This Maple Pecan Tea Loaf is the perfect way to welcome fall, blending rich maple syrup with buttery pecans in a moist, tender loaf.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make, yet how comforting and satisfying the flavors are. The combination of real maple syrup, pecans, and a soft, buttery base makes for a loaf that’s not too sweet, with just the right amount of crunch and flavor in every bite. A drizzle of maple glaze on top adds an extra touch of sweetness and shine, making it just as beautiful as it is delicious.

Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven with a cup of tea, or save a slice for breakfast the next morning, this tea loaf is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Here’s how to make it in just a few easy steps.

The Recipe:

The base for this loaf is simple: butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and milk create a light and fluffy crumb, while the addition of maple syrup and pecans infuses it with deep, rich flavors. You’ll also prepare a quick maple glaze to drizzle on top once the loaf is cooled for an extra layer of sweetness.

Why You’ll Love It:

1. Fall flavors in every bite: Real maple syrup and pecans give this tea loaf a cozy, autumnal vibe.
2. Easy to make: With just a few steps, this tea loaf is perfect for bakers of all levels.
3. Perfect pairing for tea or coffee: Whether for breakfast or an afternoon snack, this loaf is the ideal accompaniment to your favorite hot drink.

So grab your favorite mug, cozy up, and enjoy the comforting taste of this Maple Pecan Tea Loaf as the leaves fall outside. You’ll be glad you did!

Ingredients

For the loaf:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup milk

For the maple glaze:

• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the 1/4 cup of maple syrup and mix until well combined.
6. Gradually add the dry mixture (flour, baking powder, and salt) to the wet mixture, alternating with the 1/2 cup of milk. Begin and end with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix; you want a tender loaf.
7. Gently fold in the chopped pecans into the batter.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. While the loaf is baking, prepare the maple glaze. In a small saucepan, warm the 1/4 cup of maple syrup until it’s slightly reduced, then remove it from heat and stir in the powdered sugar until the glaze is smooth.
11. Once the tea loaf is done baking, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Drizzle the maple glaze over the cooled tea loaf.
13. Slice and serve your maple pecan tea loaf. Enjoy!

This Maple Pecan Tea Loaf is a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. The maple and pecan flavors make it perfect for the fall season, but it’s delicious any time of the year.