Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread combines the rich, nutty flavor of Alabama-grown pecans with the perfect sweetness to create a comforting, moist bread. This Southern-inspired treat is a go-to breakfast option, a perfect snack, or even a delicious dessert. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this simple recipe will make you a fan of Southern baking. Perfectly sweet, perfectly nutty, and easy to make—what's not to love?
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.