Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a rich and flavorful bread, often made with the warmth of brown sugar, cinnamon, and crunchy pecans. It’s a great addition to breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert. Here’s a delicious recipe to make it at home:
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or buttermilk for a tangier taste)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (toasted, if preferred for more flavor)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (for topping)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2% works best)
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup or honey (optional, for a sweet, extra moist texture)
Instructions:
-
Preheat and Prepare:
- 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.
-
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
-
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer or a stand mixer. This will help make the bread light and airy.
-
Add Wet Ingredients:
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the sour cream (or buttermilk) and mix until just combined.
-
Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.
- Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans.
-
Prepare for Baking:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans over the top of the batter for a crunchy, flavorful topping.
-
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Optionally, drizzle with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness!
Optional Add-ins:
- Chocolate Chips: Add some chocolate chips to the batter for an indulgent touch.
- Bananas: Add some mashed ripe bananas for extra moisture and flavor.
- Cranberries or Raisins: For a more tart contrast, toss in some dried cranberries or raisins.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or as a delicious dessert.
- You can also spread a bit of cream cheese or butter on top for an added creamy texture.
This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is perfect for anyone who loves a sweet, nutty, and satisfying treat. The moist bread with toasted pecans and warm cinnamon will make this a family favorite! Enjoy!
