Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a warm, nutty, and sweet quick bread that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack with your afternoon tea or coffee. The pecans add crunch and a lovely nutty flavor, while the sweetness comes from a mix of brown sugar and a touch of cinnamon. It’s a delicious Southern treat that will fill your kitchen with cozy aromas.
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
-
For the bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar as a substitute)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups pecans, chopped (preferably toasted for extra flavor)
-
For the topping (optional):
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for sprinkling)
- A pinch of cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until combined.
- Add the melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans, reserving a small handful for the topping if desired.
5. Prepare the Topping (Optional):
- In a small bowl, mix together the reserved chopped pecans, brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the batter for a nice crunchy, sweet topping.
6. Bake the Bread:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve once fully cooled, or enjoy it warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
Tips for Success:
- Toasting the Pecans: Toasting the pecans beforehand enhances their flavor. Simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until they become fragrant and golden brown.
- Adding Banana: For a twist, you can add a mashed ripe banana to the batter for a bit of extra moisture and flavor. Just reduce the buttermilk by ¼ cup.
- Make it a gift: This bread also makes a wonderful gift. Simply wrap it in parchment paper and tie it with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade present.
This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a perfect blend of sweet and nutty, with a comforting texture and flavor that will have everyone asking for more. It’s great for any occasion, from a cozy breakfast to a dessert after dinner. Enjoy!