There is something truly heartwarming about homemade bread that fills the kitchen with aroma and love. The Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe is a delightful treat that perfectly balances the buttery richness of pecans with the tender crumb of a classic quick bread. This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a loaf that’s moist, nutty, and irresistibly flavorful, making it a perfect companion for your morning coffee or an afternoon snack. Once you try this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe, you’ll understand why it becomes a favorite in any household.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but carefully chosen to bring out the best in your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe. Each one adds something special—whether it’s the tender texture from buttermilk, the rich flavor from brown sugar, or the satisfying crunch of pecans.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Brings a luscious richness and helps keep the bread moist.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Infuses a subtle molasses flavor and extra moisture.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and contribute to structure and softness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lifts the flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Adds tanginess and reacts with leavening agents for a light texture.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation of the bread’s structure.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise by producing carbon dioxide bubbles.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with buttermilk to create extra lift and tenderness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): The star ingredient that adds crunch and that distinctive nutty flavor.
How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and ready by the time your batter is mixed. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal—this sets the stage for your beautifully baked loaf.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and inviting. Then beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring they blend seamlessly before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to brighten the flavor. Finally, pour in the buttermilk and give everything a gentle stir until fully combined; this liquid will give your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe its tender, moist texture.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures all the dry components are evenly distributed, which helps the bread rise perfectly and have a consistent crumb.
Step 4: Fold Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently but thoroughly. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so just combine until you no longer see patches of flour. Then fold in the chopped pecans carefully to keep their delightful crunch intact throughout the loaf.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepped loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely—this step is crucial so the bread firms up just right.
How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey brings a lovely touch of sweetness and visual appeal. You can also add a pat of softened butter or cream cheese spread to each slice and let it melt slightly for a luscious bite that complements the nutty flavor exquisitely.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries, which add a refreshing contrast. A warm cup of coffee or spiced tea also elevates the experience, making it the perfect treat for breakfast or afternoon tea time.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, slice the bread and toast it lightly before serving. Then, top with a spread of whipped honey butter or a smear of nut butter and a sprinkle of extra pecans. Alternatively, cut the bread into small squares and serve alongside a cheese platter—this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe shines in many creative food pairings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh and moist. Leftover bread stays delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the bread overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a toaster or warm them up in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth and softness, just like it came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts will bring a slightly different flavor and texture but will work wonderfully in this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe. Just use the same amount, chopped roughly.
Is buttermilk necessary?
Buttermilk adds a slight tang and helps the bread stay tender, but you can substitute regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar if needed. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I make mini loaves instead of one large loaf?
Yes, dividing the batter into smaller loaf pans will shorten baking time. Start checking for doneness at around 30 minutes with a toothpick test.
How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?
Greasing the pan well and flouring it or using parchment paper are your best friends here. This ensures that the bread slides out cleanly and looks as good as it tastes.
What’s the best way to get pecan pieces evenly distributed?
Fold the pecans gently but thoroughly into the batter right before pouring it into the pan. This avoids sinking pecans and keeps every bite flavorful and crunchy.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the cozy feeling from baking a loaf of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe yourself. It’s an inviting blend of textures and flavors that feels like a hug in food form. I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s simple to make yet impressively delicious, sure to become a treasured staple in your baking rotation. Happy baking!
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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf combining the richness of melted butter and buttermilk with the natural sweetness of brown and granulated sugar. Enhanced by crunchy chopped pecans, this classic Southern-style bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Its tender crumb and nutty flavor make it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or alternatively, line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a sweet, buttery base.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat the eggs into the sugar-butter mixture one at a time to emulsify and incorporate them evenly. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Incorporate Buttermilk: Stir the buttermilk into the wet ingredients until fully blended, adding moisture and tenderness to the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to maintain a tender bread texture. Avoid overmixing.
- Add Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans to add a crunchy, nutty flavor throughout the bread.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with no wet batter.
- Cool the Bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then carefully remove it and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the batter when combining wet and dry ingredients to keep the bread tender and avoid toughness.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with 1 cup of milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes before using.
- For an extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before folding them into the batter.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This bread freezes well; slice it and wrap tightly before freezing for convenient future use.
