Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Delight
Introduction
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Delight is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of pecans with a soft, sweet bread. This recipe is perfect for those who love the combination of crunchy and tender textures. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a dessert, or as a snack, this bread is sure to please everyone.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a wonderful choice for many reasons. First, it’s packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of pecans, cinnamon, and a sweet glaze. Second, it’s relatively easy to make, even for beginner bakers. Finally, the delicious aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is simply irresistible and can brighten anyone’s day.
How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Delight
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, well shaken
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (100 g) chopped pecans, divided (reserve 2 Tbsp for topping)
- ⅓ cup (65 g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp (15 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (50 g) chopped pecans
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 Tbsp milk
- 1 Tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp bourbon (optional, but traditional)
Directions
- Preheat & prep pan: Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9×5″ loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Combine sugars, eggs & wet: In a separate bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Then, whisk in the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Build the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined—do not overmix. Fold in ¾ cup of chopped pecans.
- Prepare streusel: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until crumbly, then fold in the remaining ½ cup pecans.
- Layer the loaf: Spoon half the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle half the streusel evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining batter and finish with the rest of the streusel, pressing lightly.
- Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (avoid wet batter). If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil after 40 minutes.
- Cool & glaze: Let the bread cool in the pan on a rack for 15 minutes. Lift out with parchment and cool completely before glazing.
- Whisk & drizzle glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, butter, vanilla, and bourbon until smooth (add more milk ½ tsp at a time if too thick). Drizzle over the cooled loaf.
- Slice & serve: Let the glaze set for 5 minutes, then slice thick and serve.
How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Delight
This bread is delicious on its own or served with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent treat.
How to Store Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Delight
To store, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it, which keeps it tasty for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Delight
- Make sure the butter is melted and cooled slightly before adding it to the batter to prevent cooking the eggs.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender.
- Feel free to customize the glaze by omitting the bourbon if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.
Variation
You can add chocolate chips or dried fruit to the batter for a fun twist on this classic recipe.
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of nut?
Yes! You can swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
2. What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
3. How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Enjoy making and sharing this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Delight! It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
