Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons:
- Deliciously Nutty: The pecans add a wonderful crunch and depth of flavor.
- Moist and Tender: Buttermilk and melted butter ensure a perfectly moist bread.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth.
- Pour in the buttermilk and stir until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Add-ins: Try adding chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even coconut flakes to the batter for an extra flavor boost.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using as a substitute.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, walnuts, almonds, or any other nuts you prefer will work in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How do I prevent the bread from being too dense?
Be careful not to overmix the batter. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
Can I make this bread without eggs?
You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) or another egg substitute of your choice.
What should I do if the bread isn’t fully cooked in the center?
If the bread isn’t done after the suggested bake time, continue baking in 5-minute increments until a toothpick comes out clean.
How can I enhance the flavor of this bread?
For a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients and bake in a larger loaf pan or two separate pans.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and the buttermilk with a plant-based milk and vinegar combination.
Can I add frosting to this bread?
Yes, a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk would complement the bread well.
What is the best way to serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread?
Serve it warm, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Conclusion
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a moist, nutty, and comforting bread that’s easy to make and sure to delight anyone who tries it. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering, enjoying it as an afternoon snack, or having it for breakfast, this Southern classic is a must-try!
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a moist, flavorful Southern classic that's perfect for any occasion. Combining the richness of pecans with the softness of a buttery bread, it's a delicious treat for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can enjoy this warm, nutty bread in no time!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minute
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 slices
- Category: Bread, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Bread, Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisk until smooth.
- Stir in buttermilk until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
- Gently fold in chopped pecans.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or coconut flakes.
- To make buttermilk at home, add 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or any other preferred nuts.
- Gluten-free? Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
