Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite baking adventure: Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread! It’s one of those recipes that fills your kitchen with the most amazing, warm aroma. I remember the first time I made it; I had some friends over, and as soon as they walked in, they were hooked by the sweet, nutty scent wafting through the air. The pecans add a delightful crunch, and the bread itself is so moist and flavorful, it practically melts in your mouth! Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a special treat to brighten your day!
Ingredients for Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of your bread, giving it that lovely structure.
- 1 cup sugar – A touch of sweetness to balance the nuttiness of the pecans.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – This helps your bread rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Another leavening agent for that perfect texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup buttermilk – Adds moisture and a slight tang that keeps the bread tender.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil – For a rich, moist crumb that you’ll love.
- 2 large eggs – Binds everything together and adds to the fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A hint of vanilla makes everything taste better.
- 1 cup chopped pecans – The star of the show! Adds that delightful crunch and flavor.
Make sure you have everything handy before you start—trust me, it’ll make the process so much smoother!
How to Prepare Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Alright, let’s get into the heart of the matter—making this delicious Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread! I promise, it’s easier than you might think, and the results are so worth it. Let’s start with the basics and work our way to that golden loaf!
Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your bread bakes evenly from the moment you pop it in. While that’s warming up, grab a large bowl and mix together your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them thoroughly to combine. You want to make sure that baking powder and soda are evenly distributed because that’s what gives your bread that lovely rise!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time for the wet ingredients! In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure the eggs are well beaten and the mixture is nice and smooth. This is where the magic happens, and the flavors come together! Once it’s all mixed, you’re ready to combine the two mixtures.
Mix and Fold in Pecans
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Here’s a little secret: don’t overmix! You want to keep that light, fluffy texture. Once you see no more flour streaks, it’s time to fold in those chopped pecans. Just a few gentle folds will do—this keeps the pecans nice and chunky throughout the bread!
Bake and Cool
Pour your batter into a greased loaf pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 50-60 minutes, but here’s a tip: check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re golden! Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Trust me, the aroma as it cools will have you eagerly waiting to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to the buttermilk and pecans.
- The perfect balance of sweetness makes it a delightful treat for any time of day.
- Easy to whip up with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Versatile enough to serve as breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert!
- The crunchy pecans add a delightful texture that complements the soft bread beautifully.
- It fills your home with a warm, inviting aroma that’ll make everyone curious about what’s baking.
- Great for sharing with friends and family, making it a perfect addition to gatherings or potlucks.
- It slices beautifully, making it perfect for toasting or slathering with butter.
Tips for Success with Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread turns out absolutely perfect every time! These little nuggets of wisdom can really make a difference in your baking journey.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so be sure to measure your flour and sugar accurately. I always use the spoon and level method for flour—spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for the best results!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother batter, let your eggs and buttermilk sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing. This helps them blend better and creates a lighter texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, gentle mixing is key! Overmixing can lead to tough bread. Stir just until you see the last bit of flour disappear, and then fold in those pecans.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread a few minutes before the 50-minute mark. Remember, the toothpick test is your best friend! A few moist crumbs are perfectly fine, but it shouldn’t be wet.
- Cool Properly: Letting your bread cool in the pan for a short time before transferring it to a wire rack is essential. This helps it set and makes slicing easier. Then, allow it to cool completely to avoid gummy slices.
- Add Extra Pecans: If you’re a big fan of pecans (who isn’t?), feel free to sprinkle some extra chopped ones on top of the batter before baking for an extra crunchy topping!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to whip up the most delicious, moist, and nutty Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutritional side of this scrumptious Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread! While I’m all about enjoying the flavors, it’s good to have a rough idea of what you’re indulging in. Here are the typical nutritional values you can expect per slice:
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 12g
Keep in mind that these are estimates, and actual values may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. But honestly, when it tastes this good, who’s counting? Enjoy every slice with a smile!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve baked your delicious Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread, let’s talk about how to store it and enjoy it later! First off, this bread is best stored in an airtight container to keep it fresh and moist. I usually let it cool completely before wrapping it up—this prevents any condensation from making it soggy. You can keep it at room temperature for about 2-3 days, or if you want to savor it longer, pop it in the fridge where it can last up to a week.
If you’ve got leftovers that you want to enjoy even later, consider slicing the bread and freezing it! Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll stay good for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, just take it out and let it thaw at room temperature, or you can pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to warm it up. Oh, and if you really want to elevate your experience, toast it lightly before serving—nothing beats that warm, buttery goodness!
So, there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread whenever the craving strikes. Happy nibbling!
FAQ about Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! While pecans are the star of this recipe, walnuts or almonds can work beautifully too. Just chop them up and fold them in like you would the pecans!
What can I serve with Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread?
This bread is fantastic on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of butter, cream cheese, or even a drizzle of honey for an extra special touch. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea!
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Sure thing! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg), and use a plant-based milk in place of buttermilk. Just add a splash of vinegar to the plant milk to create that tangy flavor.
How do I know when my bread is done baking?
Great question! You’ll want to do the toothpick test: insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s perfect! If there’s wet batter on it, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can definitely double the recipe! Just make sure to use two loaf pans and adjust the baking time if needed. Keep an eye on both loaves to ensure they bake evenly!
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread: 7 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Temps Total: 75 minutes
- Rendement: 1 loaf 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a moist and flavorful bread packed with pecans and a hint of sweetness.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 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).
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store bread in an airtight container.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Great for breakfast or as a snack.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 60 minutes
- Catégorie: Baking
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sucre: 12g
- De Sodium: 180mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 1g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 28g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: sweet alabama pecan bread
