Ah, Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread—what a delightful treat! Every time I make this recipe, I can’t help but reminisce about cozy mornings spent with family around the breakfast table, sharing stories over slices of this incredibly moist and flavorful bread. There’s something about the rich, nutty flavor of pecans and the sweetness from the brown sugar that just warms my heart and fills my kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
This bread is my go-to for special occasions or simple Sunday brunches, but honestly, it’s perfect for anytime you need a little sweetness in your life. Not to mention, it’s super easy to whip up, and you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already! Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special.
What’s in Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread?
Unsalted Butter: The star of the show! Softened, creamy butter adds a luscious richness to the bread, making it incredibly moist. I always stick with good-quality butter—it truly makes a difference.
Brown Sugar: Packed and scrumptious! The deep, caramel-like flavor of brown sugar gives the bread its signature sweetness and a delightful chewiness.
Granulated Sugar: A touch of regular sugar brightens the sweetness and contributes to the bread’s light texture.
Eggs: Four large eggs create a fabulous structure and help bind all the ingredients together, resulting in that delightful fluffiness that we love.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our bread! This versatile flour provides the right amount of structure and tenderness.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents are essential for helping the bread rise and achieve that beautiful, golden crust.
Salt: Just a pinch! It enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the sweetness. I always recommend using pure vanilla extract for an authentic flavor.
Pecans: Chopped and roasted to perfection! Pecans bring a lovely crunch and make this bread stand out. They’re a nod to Southern traditions—who doesn’t love a good pecan?
Is Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Good for You?
Let’s be honest; this isn’t a health food, but it does have some perks!
Pecans: These nutritious nuts are a heart-healthy choice, loaded with healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins. They’re also a fabulous source of energy!
Brown Sugar: Using brown sugar instead of refined sugar adds some minerals, like calcium and iron, making it a slightly better option for a sweetener.
That said, it’s wise to enjoy this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread in moderation, especially since it has a good dose of sugar and butter. Perhaps save it for a weekend treat or a special gathering. It’ll make your heart happy and your taste buds sing!
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 cups pecans, chopped
This recipe serves about 12 generous slices, so there’s plenty to share—if you’re feeling generous!
How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish. Trust me; this step is crucial to prevent sticking!
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You want this to get nice and airy!
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps your batter maintain its fluffy consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract now to infuse that delicious flavor throughout!
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing is a no-go if you want that lovely soft texture.
6. Fold in the chopped pecans; they’re the crunchy surprise in every slice, after all!
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
8. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve it Up!
This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is delicious on its own, but for an added treat, slice it warm and top with a pat of butter or drizzle it with honey. It’s amazing for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert!
Let me tell you, each bite is simply heavenly. I’m always excited to hear how you enjoyed it, so don’t be shy—give it a try and share your experience! You’re going to love it just as much as I do!
