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Ultimate Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread: A Buttery Southern Loaf

A close-up of two slices of moist sweet Alabama pecan bread, rich brown in color and packed with pecans.
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Bake this classic Southern quick bread for a moist, buttery loaf generously studded with toasted pecans. This easy recipe delivers comfort and rich flavor, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or gifting.

Ingredients

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  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted
  • 1/2 cup pecan halves for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this dry mixture aside.
  3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step builds the texture.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined; do not overmix the batter.
  6. Gently fold in the 1 cup of chopped, toasted pecans using a rubber spatula.
  7. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. If you wish, arrange the pecan halves on top of the batter for decoration.
  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 the loaf with aluminum foil after 40 minutes.
  9. Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Then, carefully remove the loaf from the pan and allow it to cool completely on the rack before slicing.

Notes

  • To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 8 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • For a simple glaze, whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk or cream and a splash of vanilla. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.
  • This buttery sweet bread freezes well once completely cooled. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.

Nutrition

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