Are you ready to transport your taste buds to the heart of the South? This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat. Imagine the warm, buttery aroma filling your kitchen, the satisfying crunch of pecans in every bite, and the sweet, comforting taste of homemade goodness. This easy recipe is surprisingly simple, making it a perfect choice for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a delicious, homemade addition to their repertoire of food recipes. Get ready to experience Southern pecan heaven!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups pecan halves, toasted
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Toasting the pecans beforehand enhances their flavor and creates a wonderful crunch. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Let them cool completely.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand if you're feeling strong!
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Combine Wet & Dry: 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!
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Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the toasted pecans.
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Bake: 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.
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Cool & Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve. Enjoy this easy and delicious quick dinner idea with your favorite beverage!
Tips for Pecan Perfection:
- Don't skip toasting the pecans! Toasted pecans add a depth of flavor that you won't get from raw pecans.
- Room temperature ingredients: Using softened butter and room temperature eggs helps create a smoother batter.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark. Every oven is a little different.
Variations:
- Chocolate Pecan Bread: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist.
- Spiced Pecan Bread: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Bourbon Pecan Bread: Stir in 1 tablespoon of bourbon for an adult twist.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This Southern Pecan Heaven bread is a wonderful example of homemade cooking at its finest. It's a delicious dish, perfect for sharing with friends and family, and a true testament to the best recipes that Southern cuisine has to offer. This healthy meal is a delightful addition to your easy recipes collection, ready to be enjoyed any time of day. Enjoy!