Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread – A True Southern Delight 🌰🍞 - Recipes Website

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread – A True Southern Delight 🌰🍞

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

🧈 Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup buttermilk

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

Add-Ins:

  • 1½ cups toasted pecans, chopped

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender. Gently fold in the toasted pecans.

Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool & Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

🌟 Tips for the Best Pecan Bread

  • Toast Your Pecans: Toasting enhances their nutty aroma and flavor. Heat in a dry skillet for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.

  • Don’t Overmix: Mix until ingredients are just combined for the fluffiest texture.

  • Add a Buttery Finish: Brush the top with melted butter while warm for extra richness.

  • Storage:

    • Room Temperature: Up to 3 days

    • Refrigerated: Up to 1 week

    • Frozen: Up to 3 months

🍌 Delicious Variations

  • Banana Pecan Bread: Add 1 mashed ripe banana for extra moisture.

  • Chocolate Chip Pecan Bread: Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips.

  • Bourbon Pecan Bread: Add a splash of bourbon for a Southern twist.

  • Apple Pecan Bread: Mix in ½ cup diced apples for cozy fall flavor.

❓ FAQs

1. Can I use different nuts?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds work just as well.

2. How do I make homemade buttermilk?
Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, then let it sit for 5 minutes.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with great results.

4. Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Absolutely! Divide the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes.