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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread: A Moist Southern Delight

A close-up view of a freshly baked loaf of sweet Alabama pecan bread topped with a thick vanilla glaze and chopped pecans.
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You will bake a rich, moist Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread, a classic Southern-style loaf packed with toasted pecans. This easy quick bread is perfect for brunch, dessert, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ingredients

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  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for optional glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon milk (for optional glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step builds the texture.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients (e.g., 1/3 flour, 1/2 buttermilk, 1/3 flour, 1/2 buttermilk, 1/3 flour). Mix only until just combined; do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the toasted chopped pecans using a spatula.
  7. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
  8. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil after 40 minutes.
  9. Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool completely on the rack.
  10. If you want a glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the completely cooled bread before slicing and serving your Rich Sweet Bread Loaf.

Notes

  • To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5 to 8 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Let them cool before adding them to the batter.
  • Buttermilk is key for the moist crumb; do not substitute it with regular milk if you want the classic Southern texture.
  • This bread freezes well. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to three months. Thaw overnight on the counter.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/sweet-alabama-pecan-bread-recipe/