Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my *sweet Alabama pecan bread*! This bread is not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in loaf form! Imagine biting into a soft, moist slice packed with crunchy, buttery pecans and a hint of vanilla that dances on your taste buds. Every time I make it, I can’t help but think of family gatherings and cozy mornings spent with loved ones. This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, and it always brings a smile to my face. The delightful aroma fills the kitchen as it bakes, and I can hardly wait to dig in! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. It’s the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet afternoon snack!
Ingredients for Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
To whip up this delightful *sweet Alabama pecan bread*, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that pack a whole lot of flavor! Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base for our bread, giving it that lovely structure.
- 1 cup sugar – For that perfect sweetness that balances the nutty flavors.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened – Adds richness and helps keep the bread moist.
- 1 cup chopped pecans – The star of the show! These add a delightful crunch.
- 1 cup buttermilk – This makes the bread super tender and adds a nice tang.
- 2 large eggs – They help bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavor beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – For a little lift in the bread.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Works with the buttermilk to make the bread rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the other flavors.
Make sure you have everything on hand before you start, and let’s get to baking this delicious bread!
How to Prepare Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Preheat and Cream
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because we want our bread to bake evenly and rise beautifully! While that’s happening, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is key—it makes the bread tender and adds a lovely sweetness.
Mix Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure everything is combined perfectly. Then, pour in the buttermilk and vanilla extract. This mixture should be smooth and creamy, and the smell? Oh, it’s heavenly! You’ll want to mix until it’s just combined—don’t overdo it!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure it’s all well mixed; this helps your bread rise evenly and prevents any lumps from sneaking in. I like to use a whisk here—it’s quick and gets the job done!
Combine Mixtures and Add Pecans
Next, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. I like to do this in batches to keep everything from flying everywhere! Once it’s just combined, it’s time to fold in those gorgeous chopped pecans. Trust me, they bring such a delightful crunch!
Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible, so try to let it cool for a bit before slicing—you’ll want to savor every bite!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *sweet Alabama pecan bread* turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my tried-and-true tips! First, always use room temperature ingredients, especially the butter and eggs. This helps everything blend together smoothly and creates a lovely texture. If you can, toast the pecans lightly before adding them; it brings out their flavor and adds a wonderful aroma to your bread.
Don’t skip the buttermilk! It’s what gives this bread its tender crumb and unique tang. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice—let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. Lastly, be careful not to overmix your batter; mix just until combined to keep your bread light and fluffy. Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to baking a delicious loaf that everyone will rave about!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition! Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a guideline. For a typical serving of *sweet Alabama pecan bread* (about one slice), you can expect roughly 250 calories, 15g of sugar, and 10g of fat. It’s a delightful treat, but as always, enjoy in moderation!
FAQ About Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Can I use other nuts?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pecans or just want to switch things up, you can use walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and crunch to the bread. Just keep in mind that something like walnuts will add a slightly more earthy taste, while almonds add a nice sweetness. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combo!
How should I store leftover bread?
To keep your *sweet Alabama pecan bread* fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you live in a humid area, you can pop it in the fridge to prolong its freshness, but I recommend letting it come to room temperature before enjoying it again. You want that lovely texture to shine!
Can I freeze this bread?
You bet! Freezing is a great way to save some for later. Just wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, and it’ll be just as delicious as the day you made it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for any skill level!
- Rich, moist texture with a delightful crunch from the pecans.
- Sweet, comforting flavor that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great choice for everyone!
- Versatile—enjoy it plain or with your favorite spreads!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your *sweet Alabama pecan bread* is ready to be devoured, let’s talk about some delightful pairings! This lovely bread shines when served warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. For a cozy breakfast, enjoy it alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a soothing chai tea. And if you’re feeling a bit indulgent, try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert treat. Trust me, it’s a match made in heaven!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *sweet Alabama pecan bread* fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need it to last longer, the fridge is your friend—just remember to let it come to room temperature before enjoying it again for that perfect texture! If you want to reheat slices, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or slice it and warm it in a toaster oven for that lovely, toasty goodness!
Print
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread: 7 Reasons to Indulge Today
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and moist sweet bread made with pecans and a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be frozen for up to three months.
- Try adding chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: sweet alabama pecan bread, pecan bread, sweet bread
