Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This pecan nut bread recipe is the perfect answer for those busy weeknights or lazy weekend afternoons. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. Forget store-bought – this homemade version is bursting with nutty flavor and the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread will fill your kitchen with warmth. Get ready to experience the joy of easy recipes and homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups pecan halves
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a perfectly risen loaf.
Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results – it makes the process much quicker and easier.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure to incorporate each egg fully before adding the next.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix! Overmixing develops gluten and can result in a tough loaf.
Step 5: Fold in Pecans
Gently fold in the pecan halves. Try not to crush them too much; you want to maintain their texture and visual appeal.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after 50 minutes as ovens can vary.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy. Once cooled, slice and enjoy your delicious homemade pecan nut bread!
Tips for the Best Pecan Nut Bread:
- Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of your bread will be directly influenced by the quality of your ingredients.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing leads to a tough bread. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer to ensure the bread is fully baked.
- Let the bread cool completely: This allows the bread to set properly and prevents it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Add chocolate chips: For a decadent twist, add 1 cup of chocolate chips along with the pecans.
- Use different nuts: Substitute walnuts, almonds, or a mix of nuts for the pecans.
- Add spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and complexity.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Protein: 4-5g
This pecan nut bread recipe is a perfect example of how easy and rewarding homemade cooking can be. It’s a delightful addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas or simply a comforting treat to enjoy any time of day. Enjoy the process, and savor every bite!