Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a delightful southern-inspired treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with the soft, comforting texture of homemade bread. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate the classic combination of nuts and sweet bread, delivering a delicious and satisfying experience in every slice.

The process begins with a blend of all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a touch of salt, creating the foundation for this moist and flavorful bread. The addition of unsalted butter and granulated sugar ensures a tender crumb, while the eggs and vanilla extract contribute to the bread’s delightful aroma and taste. The star ingredient, chopped pecans, infuses the bread with a distinctively southern flair, offering a crunchy contrast to the bread’s soft texture.

Buttermilk is the secret to this bread’s moistness, adding a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the bread. This ingredient also reacts with the baking soda, helping the bread rise and develop a perfect texture.

Baking this bread is a journey of aroma and anticipation. As it bakes, the kitchen fills with a warm, inviting scent, signaling that something special is in the oven. Once baked to golden perfection, the bread is cooled, then sliced to reveal a tender, pecan-studded interior.

This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of simple, yet delicious ingredients coming together to create a comforting and homely treat. Perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or as a sweet addition to any meal, this bread is sure to delight anyone who tries it.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9-inch loaf pan and generously grease it with butter or cooking spray. Lightly dust it with flour, tapping out the excess. This process ensures easy removal of the bread after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mixture of dry ingredients will form the base of your bread. Whisking not only combines the ingredients but also aerates the flour, resulting in a lighter bread.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. You can use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon for this step. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. The lightness of the mixture is key to the bread’s texture.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Crack 2 large eggs into the mixture, adding them one at a time. Beat well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add your earlier prepared flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture. Do this in parts, alternating with 1 cup of buttermilk. Ensure that each addition is well mixed before adding the next. This method helps to maintain a smooth batter consistency.
6. Add Pecans: Once your batter is smooth, gently fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans. Folding is done by using a spatula to scoop from the bottom and fold over the top. This method prevents the batter from deflating and keeps your pecans evenly distributed.
7. Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter.
8. Cooling: After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This cooling period helps the bread to set and makes it easier to remove from the pan. Afterwards, carefully remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial as it stops the cooking process and allows the bread to firm up.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice the bread and serve. Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is delightful when fresh and can be enjoyed as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert.

Tips

• For a nuttier flavor, you can lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the batter.
• If you prefer a moister bread, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of buttermilk to the batter.
• This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or frozen for longer storage.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread!