Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a moist, nutty, and tender quick bread that combines the rich Southern flavors of toasted pecans and buttery sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, this easy-to-make bread features a tender crumb with a crunchy pecan finish and a hint of warm spices to brighten any occasion.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices) 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Contains Gluten; Nutty
Main Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan. Finely chop the pecans to ensure even distribution throughout the bread.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon (if using), and salt until well combined to form a uniform base for the bread.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which incorporates air and helps create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Stir gently and only until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread tough.
- Fold in Pecans: Carefully fold the chopped pecans into the batter to maintain their crunch without crushing them.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for better mixing and a fluffier texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent dense bread.
- Lightly toast pecans before adding to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Start checking the bread’s doneness at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Ensure baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
- Wrap leftover bread tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze slices for up to 2 months.
- Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/10 loaf)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: pecan bread, Southern bread, nutty bread, sweet bread, quick bread, breakfast bread, pecan recipes, homemade pecan bread