Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

by

🥧 Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

📖 Description

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a rich, moist Southern-style quick bread loaded with buttery pecans and warm vanilla flavor. Unlike traditional yeast breads, this is a simple mix-and-bake loaf with a tender crumb, lightly crisp edges, and deep nutty sweetness. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or gifting—especially during holidays or family gatherings.

🛒 Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, but recommended)

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • ¾ cup vegetable oil or melted butter

  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Add-Ins

  • 1½ cups chopped pecans (toasted for best flavor)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients
    In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

  3. Combine Wet Ingredients
    In another bowl, beat eggs, oil (or butter), buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth.

  4. Combine & Fold
    Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir just until combined—do not overmix.
    Fold in chopped pecans.

  5. Bake
    Pour batter into prepared pan.
    Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  6. Cool & Serve
    Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

📝 Recipe Notes

  • Toasting pecans enhances their flavor significantly.

  • Bread tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.

  • Can be baked in mini loaf pans—reduce baking time to 30–35 minutes.

💡 Tips for Best Results

  • Do not overmix to keep the bread tender.

  • Cover loosely with foil if top browns too quickly.

  • Use room-temperature eggs for better texture.

  • Add ½ cup chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.

🍽 Servings

  • 1 loaf

  • Approximately 10–12 slices

🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)

  • Calories: 320

  • Carbohydrates: 38g

  • Protein: 5g

  • Fat: 18g

  • Saturated Fat: 3g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 22g

  • Sodium: 180mg

🌰 Health Benefits

  • Pecans are rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and minerals like magnesium and zinc.

  • Provides quick energy from natural carbohydrates.

  • Contains protein and fiber that help with satiety.

  • Homemade bread avoids preservatives found in store-bought versions.

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make this bread gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Q: How should I store Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread?
A: Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Absolutely. Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: Yes, reduce total sugar by up to ¼ cup without affecting texture too much.

Leave a Comment