Introduction
Capture the essence of Southern hospitality with this incredibly moist and tender Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. This simple, heartwarming recipe fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of toasted pecans, brown sugar, and vanilla. Each slice offers a soft, buttery crumb studded with a delightful pecan crunch, striking the perfect balance between a comforting breakfast treat and a satisfying dessert. It’s the kind of bake that invites you to slow down, pour a cup of coffee, and enjoy a moment of pure, sweet comfort.
Recipe Vitals
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yields: One 9×5 inch loaf (10 slices)
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans, toasted
- 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Method
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. For an extra flavour boost, spread the chopped pecans on a dry baking sheet and toast in the preheating oven for 5-7 minutes until fragrant, then set aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs and brown sugar together until smooth. Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Make the Batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredient mixture. Stir until just combined—a few lumps are perfectly fine. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense loaf.
- Add Pecans and Bake: Fold in the toasted pecans, reserving a tablespoon to sprinkle on top if desired. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake: Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing it to cool fully is essential for clean, non-crumbly slices.
Baker’s Tips for Perfection
- Don’t Overmix: The most common mistake with quick breads is overmixing. Stir only until the flour disappears to ensure a tender, fluffy crumb.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and milk helps the batter come together smoothly and bake more evenly.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens vary. Start checking the bread around the 50-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the remaining bake time.
Serving Ideas and Variations
- Serving Suggestions: This bread is magnificent on its own, but serving a warm slice with a pat of salted butter is pure heaven. It’s a perfect companion to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. For dessert, top a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Creative Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Pecan: Fold in 3/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the pecans.
- Spiced Pecan: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warmer spice profile.
- Maple Pecan: Substitute half of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a different layer of sweetness.
Storage & Freezing
- Storage: Store the pecan bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavours will meld and become even richer on the second day.
- Freezing: This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use different nuts? Absolutely. Walnuts or almonds would be excellent substitutes for pecans in this recipe.
- Can I make this bread gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- My bread came out dry. What did I do wrong? This is usually caused by either over-baking or measuring the flour incorrectly. Be sure to spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag.
- Can I add a glaze? Yes! A simple glaze made from 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of milk or maple syrup would be a delicious finishing touch. Drizzle it over the completely cooled loaf.
Conclusion
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a tribute to the simple, profound joy of home baking. With its moist crumb, crunchy nuts, and comforting sweetness, it’s a recipe that feels both special and effortlessly familiar. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or for savouring during a quiet moment, this loaf is a slice of Southern charm that’s sure to become a cherished favourite in your baking collection.
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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Alabama Pecanbread is a classic Southern dessert with a dense, cake-like texture, packed with crunchy pecans, and a rich, sweet flavor. Perfect for gatherings or an indulgent snack, this pecanbread recipe is simple to make yet incredibly satisfying.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
2 cups pecans, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten eggs, and vegetable oil until fully combined.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Stir in the self-rising flour and salt until well combined. Mix in the vanilla extract, then fold in the finely chopped pecans.
Bake the Pecanbread: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
Cool and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For added depth of flavor, consider toasting the pecans lightly before chopping. Alabama Pecanbread pairs well with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
