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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a moist and flavorful Southern classic that perfectly combines the rich, nutty taste of toasted pecans with a tender, sweet crumb. Ideal for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert, this easy-to-make bread uses simple pantry staples and offers a comforting texture and balanced sweetness that embody Southern hospitality.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for vegan version)
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar (or substitute with pure maple syrup for maple pecan twist)
  • 2 large eggs (or 2 flaxseed eggs for vegan version)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or plant-based milk with 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice for vegan)

Add-ins

  • 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for enhanced flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for smoother combination with wet ingredients.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer or by hand, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and evenly blended.
  5. Incorporate Buttermilk Alternately with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture and buttermilk in alternating batches to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients to maintain consistency.
  6. Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans, taking care not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
  7. Bake Until Golden: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Use fresh pecans and toast them lightly to enhance their flavor before adding to the batter.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and fluffy.
  • Ensure all wet ingredients (butter, eggs, buttermilk) are at room temperature for smooth blending.
  • Use a toothpick to test doneness starting at 50 minutes of baking.
  • Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern bread, pecan bread, sweet bread, gluten-free pecan bread, Southern dessert, pecan recipe