There’s nothing like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread, and when that bread is Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread, it takes comfort food to a whole new level. This Southern-inspired treat is a blend of rich flavors, with sweet and nutty undertones that make it irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a new breakfast favorite or a delicious snack, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, it’s a perfect way to showcase the famous Alabama pecans! Let’s dive into why Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is such a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy to Make – You don’t need any special baking skills to whip up this recipe. With simple ingredients and clear steps, this bread is easy enough for beginners.
- Perfectly Sweet and Nutty – The combination of pecans and a hint of sweetness makes every bite feel like a treat. It’s the ideal balance between sweet and savory.
- Versatile for Any Occasion – Enjoy it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert. It’s a great way to bring a taste of the South to your kitchen.
- Minimal Ingredients – No complicated ingredients here! You only need a few pantry staples to get started, making it both convenient and delicious.
- Family-Approved – Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a crowd-pleaser. Its warm, nutty flavors are loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients Needed
To make this delicious Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread, you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk and a teaspoon of lemon juice)
- 1 cup chopped Alabama pecans (or any pecans of your choice)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
Alternatives:
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for the all-purpose flour.
- Dairy-Free: Swap out the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based milk.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans, being careful not to overmix the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Add a Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bread for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Make it Spicier: Add a pinch of nutmeg or some finely grated ginger to give the bread a warming spice.
- Sweeten it Up: If you like your bread extra sweet, increase the brown sugar or add a handful of chocolate chips for a more decadent treat.
How to Store & Reheat
- Storing Leftovers: Store your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be refrigerated for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap the bread in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm slices, toast them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use regular pecans instead of Alabama pecans?
A: Absolutely! While Alabama pecans are known for their unique flavor, any variety of pecans will work just fine in this recipe.
Q: Can I substitute the buttermilk with regular milk?
A: Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to 1/2 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes! This bread actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. You can bake it a day ahead and store it in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a must-try recipe that brings a touch of Southern charm to your kitchen. With its easy-to-follow instructions and delightful flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced pro, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and share your thoughts! Don’t forget to follow us for more tasty and easy-to-make recipes. Happy baking!
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk or substitute with milk + 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 cup chopped Alabama pecans or any pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar optional for extra sweetness
Alternatives:
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond milk.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Add pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Tip for a fluffier texture: Be careful not to overmix the batter. Stir just until everything is combined to avoid dense bread.
- Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Variations: Add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or a drizzle of glaze for extra sweetness.