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.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 servings) 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans, taking care not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of loaf)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Southern bread, pecan bread, sweet bread, gluten-free pecan bread, Southern dessert, pecan recipe