If you’re searching for a taste of Southern comfort baked into a delightful loaf, then this Alabama Pecan Bread recipe is precisely what you need. This sweet Southern quick bread is a moist, tender, and incredibly flavorful treat packed with crunchy pecans and a hint of something truly special that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Alabama. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack, this Alabama Pecan Bread is an effortless way to bring a touch of old-fashioned charm to your table.
Key Ingredients for Alabama Pecan Bread
To create this irresistible Alabama Pecan Bread, gather these essential ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our quick bread, providing structure.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For that perfect level of sweetness that complements the pecans.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Our leavening agent, ensuring a light and airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting aroma and taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A classic spice pairing with cinnamon, providing depth.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: The star ingredient! You can toast them briefly for an even deeper flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1/2 cup milk: Provides moisture to the batter. Whole milk is recommended for richer results.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds incredible flavor and a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweet and nutty notes.
How to Make Alabama Pecan Bread
Get ready to whip up a truly satisfying treat! This Alabama Pecan Bread recipe is incredibly easy, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. With minimal effort and a short preparation time of just 15 minutes, you’ll be enjoying a delicious, moist, and delightfully nutty quick bread that’s guaranteed to impress. Its simplicity belies its incredible taste, making it a favorite for busy mornings or relaxed afternoons.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This prevents sticking and ensures a beautifully shaped loaf.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Ensure there are no lumps and the ingredients are well distributed.
- Add Pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans into the dry ingredients. Coating them in flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, lightly beat the two large eggs. Then, whisk in the milk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough quick bread. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the edges lightly pulled away from the pan.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. This allows the bread to set and prevents it from crumbling when removed.
- Remove and Finish Cooling: After cooling slightly in the pan, carefully invert the loaf onto the wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This can take about 1-2 hours. Slicing too early can result in a gummy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Alabama Pecan Bread
You’ll quickly fall in love with this Alabama Pecan Bread because its main highlight is the perfect marriage of moist, tender crumb with the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. It’s an economical delight, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet-tasting treat without the bakery price tag, making it a fantastic cost-saving alternative to store-bought quick breads.
The delightful hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, combined with the rich pecan flavor, makes every bite truly special. If you enjoy the simplicity and comfort of a good Banana Bread, you’re going to adore this uniquely Southern Alabama Pecan Bread even more. Go ahead, give this recipe a try at home – your taste buds will thank you!
What to Serve Alabama Pecan Bread With
This versatile Alabama Pecan Bread pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments, enhancing its delightful flavors and creating a truly satisfying snack or meal element.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm slice of pecan bread is the ultimate companion to your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: For an extra decadent treat, lightly spread with a simple cream cheese frosting.
- Honey Butter: A dollop of softened butter mixed with a touch of honey offers a rich complement.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside a bowl of fresh berries or sliced peaches for a balanced breakfast or brunch.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A warm slice topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a surprising and delightful dessert.
- Maple Syrup: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup can elevate the sweet notes.
Top Tips for Perfecting Alabama Pecan Bread
Achieving the perfect Alabama Pecan Bread is simple with these expert tips:
- Don’t Overmix: This is a golden rule for quick breads. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, dry loaf. Mix until just combined; a few lumps are okay.
- Toast Your Pecans: For an intensified flavor, spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the batter. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Spoon & Level Flour: To ensure accurate measurement, lightly spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge (like the back of a knife). Scooping directly can pack in too much flour.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs and milk at room temperature incorporate more smoothly into the batter, leading to a more uniform texture.
- Testing for Doneness: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If it’s still slightly wet, continue baking in 5-minute increments. If the top is getting too dark, loosely tent it with foil.
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Dairy-Free: Substitute milk with your favorite non-dairy milk (almond, soy, or oat) and use a plant-based butter alternative.
- Nut Variations: While “pecan” is in the name, you could experiment with walnuts or a mix of nuts if preferred, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
- Add-ins: Consider adding a handful of chocolate chips or dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture, though these will alter the traditional profile of this Alabama Pecan Bread.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage ensures your Alabama Pecan Bread remains fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
- Countertop Storage (Short Term): Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days.
- Refrigeration (Medium Term): If you need to store it longer, wrap it well and place it in the refrigerator. It can last for up to a week. The texture might become slightly denser, but it will still be delicious.
- Freezing (Long Term): For longer storage, slice the cooled loaf, then wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freezing individual slices is convenient for grabbing a single serving.
- Reheating from Refrigerated: To reheat a refrigerated slice, you can toast it lightly, warm it in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or heat it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
- Reheating from Frozen: Thaw frozen slices at room temperature for an hour, or overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat as you would refrigerated slices. You can also toast directly from frozen, though it will take a bit longer.
Final Thoughts
This Alabama Pecan Bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor a piece of Southern culinary heritage. Its comforting aroma filling your kitchen and the delightful flavors on your palate are a testament to the simple pleasures of homemade baking. Whether enjoyed with a morning coffee, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or a light dessert, this sweet quick bread is a truly special treat. We hope you’ll cherish making and sharing this delightful loaf as much as we do!
try also :
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Crockpot Beef Fajitas
- Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
- Cheesy Pumpkin Stuffed Pretzel Bites
- Find more in Pinterest
- Medium
Alabama Pecan Bread FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-chopped pecans?
A: Yes, absolutely! Pre-chopped pecans work perfectly. If you buy whole pecans, you’ll need to chop them yourself.
Q: Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
A: While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Results may vary slightly in texture.
Q: My bread browned too quickly on top. What went wrong?
A: Oven temperatures can vary. If the top is browning too fast, loosely tent the loaf with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
A: You can try reducing the granulated sugar by up to 1/4 cup, but keep in mind that sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the moistness and browning of the bread.
Q: How do I know when the bread is fully cooled and ready to slice?
A: The loaf should feel firm to the touch, and the pan should no longer be warm. Slicing too early can cause the bread to crumble or be gummy. It typically takes 1-2 hours for a full loaf to cool completely on a wire rack.