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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Fold in Pecans: Carefully fold the chopped pecans into the batter to maintain their crunch without crushing them.
  7. 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

Keywords: pecan bread, Southern bread, nutty bread, sweet bread, quick bread, breakfast bread, pecan recipes, homemade pecan bread