Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread – glassika recipes

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread: A Southern Delight

If you love rich, buttery, and nutty baked goods, then you’re in for a treat! Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a classic Southern dessert that’s moist, sweet, and loaded with crunchy pecans. This easy-to-make recipe brings together buttery goodness, warm vanilla flavor, and the deep nuttiness of pecans in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family gathering, a potluck, or a holiday dessert table, this pecan bread recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.

Introduction

There’s something special about homemade Southern desserts—they’re always made with love, simple ingredients, and a whole lot of flavor. Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is no exception. It’s not actually a traditional bread but more like a dense, sweet, and nutty cake with a soft and tender texture.

This recipe has just the right amount of sweetness, thanks to the combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar, which creates a rich depth of flavor. The addition of buttermilk makes it incredibly moist, while the chopped pecans add the perfect crunch. It’s a no-fuss recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or after-dinner dessert, this pecan bread is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Let’s dive into this irresistibly sweet and nutty recipe!

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread, gather the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup chopped pecans

How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined. The brown sugar adds extra moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor.

Next, add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for a warm, aromatic flavor.

3. Add the Buttermilk

Pour in the buttermilk and mix well. Buttermilk is the key ingredient that makes this bread soft, tender, and incredibly moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Sifting helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents, ensuring a perfectly baked bread.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense rather than soft and fluffy.

6. Fold in the Pecans

Gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty richness that make this bread extra special.

7. Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool and Serve

Once done, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature with a spread of butter, honey, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Helpful Tips

Use Fresh Pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter enhances their nutty flavor and gives the bread an even better taste.
Measure the Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make the bread dense. Spoon and level the flour instead of scooping it directly from the bag.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir the ingredients until just combined to keep the bread soft and tender.
Let It Cool Before Slicing: This helps the bread set properly and ensures clean slices.

Cooking Tips

To elevate your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread, consider these additional tips:

Add Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the warm flavors.
Make It Extra Sweet: Drizzle the bread with a simple powdered sugar glaze or maple syrup for an indulgent touch.
Try a Different Nut: If you’re out of pecans, swap them for walnuts or almonds for a slightly different flavor.
Make Muffins Instead: Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes for a delicious grab-and-go snack.

Serving Suggestions

This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Try serving it with:

Whipped butter and honey for a sweet and creamy bite
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert
A cup of coffee or hot tea for the perfect afternoon treat
Warm caramel or chocolate drizzle for extra indulgence

Nutritional Information

Here’s a nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 180mg
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 8%

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheat: Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but buttermilk makes the bread softer and more flavorful. You can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a direct substitute for regular flour.

Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! A handful of chocolate chips makes this pecan bread even more indulgent.

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Conclusion

This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is the perfect balance of moist, nutty, and sweet flavors. Try this easy Southern classic today and enjoy a slice of homemade comfort! 🍞🥜