Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s been a closely guarded secret in my family for years. My grandmother, bless her heart, used to whip this up every Thanksgiving, and the whole house would smell like warm sugar and toasted pecans. Think of banana bread, but kicked up about ten notches with the Southern charm of sweet praline filling and that delightful crunch. It’s easy enough that even I can make it without messing things up tooIs this a showtopper?Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread: What are some examples?What are some good reasons to forget Pumpkin Spice?
What Is Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread?
Simply put, it’s a loaf of happiness! Think of it as a cross between a coffee cake and Pecan Pie, but in bread form. It’s essentially a sweet bread batter swirled with a rich, buttery pecan filling, then topped with a sugary glaze. The name comes from its inspiration: the classic Southern praline candy. It’s less dense than a pound cake, but more substantial than your average quick bread, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a little something sweet after dinner. It’s got that rustic, home-baked feel, but with a sophisticated flavor that always impresses.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start?Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience!
- The Flavor: It’s like a symphony in your mouth! The sweetness of the bread is perfectly balanced by the nutty crunch of the pecans and the caramelly goodness of the filling. And that glaze? Oh, that glaze is just the cherry on top (or, well, the sugar on top!).
- The Simplicity: Seriously, don’t be intimidated. It looks fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy to make. I’ve made it with one hand while holding a baby (don’t recommend it, but it shows how doable it is!). The steps are straightforward, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
- The Cost-Efficiency: No need to break the bank! Pecans might be a bit pricey, but you don’t need a ton for this recipe. Everything else is pretty standard baking fare.
- The Versatility: This isn’t just for Thanksgiving! I serve it for breakfast with a cup of coffee, as a dessert after Sunday dinner, or even as a little treat with afternoon tea. It’s honestly perfect for any occasion.
What I love most about this is how it brings back memories. It reminds me of being a kid, watching my grandma in the kitchen, and sneaking Little Bites of the pecan filling when she wasn’t looking (sorry, Grandma!). This recipe is like a warm hug in a loaf pan, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
How do you make sweet pecan bread?
Quick Overview
Making this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread.Is it easier to make a sweet bread batter than you think? What’s the fun part about making pecan filling? How do you layer the batter and filling in a loaf pan and swirl it all together? After it’s baked to golden perfection, you’ll drizzle it with a sweet glaze. What is the key to slicing bread? What is the hardest part of waiting for it to cool down?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: I always use unbleached for the best flavor.
- What is the best way to use baking soda to make flat bread?
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness.
- I like a less sweet bread. I used 1 cup granulated sugar. Feel free to reduce it to 3/4 cup.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: 1 stick. 1/4 cup (1/2 Let it sit out for at least an hour to get nice and soft.
- 2 large eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the batter.
- 1 cup buttermilk: This is what gives bread its tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with lemon juice or vinegar.
- What is the best vanilla extract?
For the Filling:
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Toast them lightly in a dry skillet for deeper, nuttier flavor.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: This adds a lovely caramel flavor.
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Make sure it’s completely melt and slightly cooled.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: This helps to thicken the filling.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A warm, comforting spice that complements the pecans perfectly.
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sift it to remove any lumps.
- 2-3 tablespoons of milk: 1 tablespoon Start with 2 tablespoons and add more until you reach your desired consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Optional, but highly recommended!
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. I like to use baking spray with flour already in it, it just saves a step. Make sure you get into all the corners, otherwise, the bread might stick. Set the pan aside.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed, which is important for a good rise. I always sift my flour, but you don’t have to. I find it helps prevent lumps.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter is really soft; otherwise, you’ll end up with lumps in your batter.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix bread. Overmixing can result in a tough bread! I like to use a spatula for this step and gently fold the ingredients together until there are no lumps. What are streaks of flour left?
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, Brown Sugar, melted butter, flour, and cinnamon. Set aside. Is the filling crumbly? If it seems too dry, add a teaspoon of melted butter.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the pecan filling over the batter. What is the best way to serve pecan filling over the top? Use a knife or skewer to swirl the filling into the batter. Don’t overdo it, just a few swirls will do. I like to make a figure-eight pattern for an interesting marbled effect.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. I always start checking at 50 minutes because ovens can vary. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once the bread is completely cool, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Set aside. I like to let the glaze drip down the sides for a rustic look. Drizzle over the bread.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
What’s the best way to serve bread at room temperature? I like to serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or Ice Cream. Enjoy!
What to Serve It With
This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right accompaniments!
For Breakfast: A warm slice of this bread goes perfectly with a cup of strong black coffee or a creamy latte. I love to spread a little bit of butter on mine while it’s still warm.
For Brunch: Serve it alongside a fruit salad, some scrambled eggs, and a glass of orange juice for a truly delightful brunch spread. Elevate it with a pretty platter – add a dusting of powdered sugar for that special touch.
As Dessert: This bread is a wonderful after-dinner treat. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A glass of sweet dessert wine also complements the flavors nicely.
For Cozy Snacks: Curl up with a slice of this bread and a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly evening. It’s the perfect comfort food! I have a distinct memory of my mother making this bread for us on snow days! We would all sit by the fire with a slice of sweet alabama pecan bread and a warm cup of cocoa. What a day!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread to the next level.
Mixing Advice: The key is to not overmix the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough bread. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry about a few lumps.
Swirl Customization: Get creative with your swirls! You can use a knife, a skewer, or even a chopstick to create different patterns. Experiment with different swirls to see what you like best. I like to make sure the swirl goes all the way to the bottom of the pan so every slice has that praline filling.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. You can also substitute other nuts for the pecans, such as walnuts or almonds. I’ve even tried using macadamia nuts, which were delicious! I once tried this recipe with almond milk. I was afraid it would be too watery but it worked great!
baking tips: Keep an eye on the bread while it’s baking. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil. Also, be sure to let the bread cool completely before slicing it. This will prevent it from crumbling.
Glaze Variations: You can add different flavors to the glaze, such as lemon extract, almond extract, or even a splash of bourbon! I also like to add a pinch of salt to the glaze to balance out the sweetness. You can also try using melted butter instead of milk for a richer glaze.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread fresh and delicious for as long as possible:
Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I like to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap first to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bread for up to a week. Again, be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezer Instructions: This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the bread, it’s best to wait to glaze it until after it’s thawed. Otherwise, the glaze may become sticky or runny. If you’ve already glazed it, don’t worry, it will still be delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of home, a slice of Southern comfort, and a reminder of simpler times. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down through generations, each cook adding their own little twist. It’s not just the incredible flavor that makes it special but the memories it creates. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my Grandma’s Apple Cake or my Chocolate Chip Banana Bread! I truly believe everyone should have a few tried and true bread recipes in their back pocket and this one is absolutely mine!
Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and be sure to share your own variations with me. I love hearing from you!
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg egg
- 0.5 cup melted butter
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the pecans.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
