Introduction: Experience the warmth and sweetness of the South with our delectable Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread recipe! This irresistible bread is packed with the rich flavors of pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon, making it the perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Let’s dive into this Southern delight!
Ingredients:
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and serve your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread and enjoy every delicious bite!
Tips:
- For extra flavor, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the batter.
- Feel free to customize the bread by adding a handful of chocolate chips or dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It also freezes well for longer storage.
- Serve slices of the bread lightly toasted and spread with butter or cream cheese for a delightful breakfast or snack.
Q&A: Q: Can I use chopped walnuts instead of pecans? A: Yes, chopped walnuts can be substituted for pecans if desired. The bread will still have a delicious nutty flavor.
Q: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk? A: While buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the bread, you can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
Q: Can I freeze the bread? A: Yes, you can freeze the cooled bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.