Oh my goodness, let me tell you about sweet Alabama pecan bread—it’s simply divine! This loaf is not just any bread; it’s a warm hug in a slice, bursting with the rich, buttery flavor of pecans and a hint of sweetness that dances on your taste buds. I remember the first time I baked this beauty; the aroma filled my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. It was a rainy afternoon, and the cozy scent of baking bread made everything feel just right. I love serving it warm, slathered with a bit of butter, or even as a delightful base for my favorite breakfast spread. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why this recipe holds a special place in my heart—and your kitchen too!
Ingredients for Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful loaf. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. So, let’s gather the goodies!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Make sure to spoon and level it for accuracy; we want just the right amount!
- 1 cup sugar – I prefer using granulated sugar, but feel free to experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor!
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – This is our leavening agent, helping the bread rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Just enough to enhance all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1 cup buttermilk – This adds moisture and a slight tang, making the bread incredibly tender. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar to regular milk!
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil – For that rich, moist texture. You can also use melted butter if you’re feeling fancy!
- 2 large eggs – Bring these to room temperature for the best results—they’ll mix in more smoothly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – This adds a lovely depth of flavor; trust me, it makes a difference!
- 1 cup chopped pecans – The stars of the show! Chop them roughly, so you get those delightful nutty bites throughout the bread.
How to Prepare Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part! Preparing this sweet Alabama pecan bread is a delightful experience, and I promise it’ll fill your kitchen with a heavenly aroma. Follow these steps, and you’ll end up with a loaf that’s sure to impress!
Prepping Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial, as a well-preheated oven ensures your bread bakes evenly. While that’s heating up, grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it up with a little butter or cooking spray. Then, sprinkle some flour into the pan, giving it a gentle shake to coat the sides. This will help your bread release easily once it’s baked. Trust me; you don’t want to struggle with a stubborn loaf!
Mixing Ingredients
Now, let’s get mixing! In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined. In a separate bowl, you’ll want to mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract together. Make sure everything is blended nicely! Then, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Here’s the trick: gently stir until just combined. We don’t want to overmix, as that can make the bread tough. Finally, fold in those lovely chopped pecans, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. Yum!
Baking the Bread
Pour that beautiful batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—no sticky batter clinging to it! Once baked, take it out and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential to avoid a soggy bottom. And there you have it—a delicious loaf of sweet Alabama pecan bread ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of buttery pecans and a hint of sweetness creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible!
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps and no fancy equipment required, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
- Moist and Tender: Thanks to the buttermilk and oil, each slice of bread is soft, moist, and packed with flavor—no dry bread here!
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy it plain, with butter, or even toasted with your favorite jam. It’s a delightful addition to breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack!
- Perfect for Sharing: This loaf makes an excellent gift for friends, family, or neighbors. Just wrap it up pretty, and you’ll spread joy with every slice!
- Freezes Well: Make a double batch and freeze one loaf for later. It’s always nice to have a delicious homemade treat on hand for those unexpected cravings.
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your sweet Alabama pecan bread turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some handy tips I’ve gathered from my own kitchen adventures that’ll help you avoid common pitfalls and create a loaf that’s nothing short of spectacular.
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so be sure to measure your ingredients accurately! I always recommend using a kitchen scale for the best precision, especially with flour.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, remember to mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, and nobody wants that!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: If you have time, let your eggs and buttermilk come to room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more evenly, resulting in a smoother batter.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread a little earlier than the suggested time. Use a toothpick to test for doneness—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re golden!
- Cool Properly: After baking, let your bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain the bread’s structure and prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Add a Twist: Feel free to jazz up your pecan bread with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth and flavor. A little chocolate chip or dried fruit can also make a delightful surprise!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to bake a loaf of sweet Alabama pecan bread that’ll impress everyone who tries it. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to store your delicious sweet Alabama pecan bread so you can enjoy it for days to come! Proper storage is key to keeping that lovely moisture and flavor intact.
First, if you have any leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it can happen!), let the bread cool completely at room temperature. Once it’s cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out. You can store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, but I bet it won’t last that long!
If you want to keep it for longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Just slice the bread first, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap. Place all the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container, and pop it in the freezer. It’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, just take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. You can also microwave it for about 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up!
For reheating, if you prefer a nice, warm slice, I recommend toasting it lightly or popping it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This way, you’ll get that delightful, fresh-baked aroma back and a lovely texture. So go ahead and indulge in that pecan goodness anytime you want!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note on the nutritional information for sweet Alabama pecan bread! Keep in mind that nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For example, the type of flour, sugar, and even the pecans can all affect the overall nutritional profile. Because of this, I can’t provide exact values, but I can assure you that each slice is a delightful treat that’s perfect for enjoying in moderation. Always feel free to adjust ingredients to fit your dietary preferences or needs, and most importantly, enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ about Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! While pecans are the star of this recipe, you can swap them out for walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just chop them up as you would the pecans, and you’ll still get a delicious loaf!
What can I do if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can easily make your own buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and you’ll have a perfect substitute!
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Great question! You’ll want to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your sweet Alabama pecan bread is ready to come out of the oven!
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This bread actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container, or freeze it for later enjoyment.
What’s the best way to enjoy sweet Alabama pecan bread?
Oh, there are so many ways! I love it warm with a pat of butter, but it’s also fantastic toasted with jam or cream cheese. You can even use it for a delicious French toast—just slice and dip!
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread: 5 Reasons to Fall in Love
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet Alabama pecan bread is a moist and flavorful loaf made with pecans and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fold in chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This bread can be frozen for up to three months.
- For added flavor, consider adding cinnamon or nutmeg.
- 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: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: sweet alabama pecan bread
