SWEET ALABAMA PECANBREAD

Name: SWEET ALABAMA PECANBREAD
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-480116H14M46S
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup chopped pecans

Isabella

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Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a slice of Southern charm? Look no further than this delightful Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread recipe! Bursting with the warm flavors of buttery pecans and hints of vanilla, this moist and irresistible loaf is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re craving a cozy treat for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting snack, this recipe promises to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease and flour a 9-inch loaf pan to ensure easy removal of your delectable creation.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this dry mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture, so take your time to ensure the butter and sugar are thoroughly combined.

Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Incorporating the eggs gradually allows for proper emulsification and ensures a uniform batter.

Stir in the vanilla extract, infusing your pecan bread with a touch of aromatic sweetness that elevates its flavor profile to new heights.

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mixing well after each addition ensures that your batter is smooth and evenly blended, resulting in a moist and tender crumb.

Gently fold in the chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for a delightful crunch in every bite. The pecans not only add texture but also impart a rich, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the bread.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even finish. This ensures that your pecan bread bakes uniformly, yielding a beautifully golden crust and a soft interior.

Bake your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your loaf as it bakes to prevent over-browning, adjusting the baking time as needed.

Once baked to perfection, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing it and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set, ensuring a moist and tender crumb with every slice.

Finally, slice into your freshly baked Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread and savor the irresistible combination of buttery pecans, velvety crumb, and subtle hints of vanilla. Whether enjoyed on its own, toasted with a pat of butter, or paired with your favorite jam or spread, this indulgent treat is guaranteed to delight your senses and transport you to the heart of the South.

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Serving and Storage Tips for Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Ingredients:

Serving Suggestions:

On Its Own: Enjoy a slice of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread as is to fully appreciate the blend of flavors and textures.
Toasted: Lightly toast a slice and add a pat of butter for a warm, comforting snack.

With Spreads: Pair it with your favorite jams, honey, or nut spreads for an extra layer of flavor.
As Dessert: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.

Storage Tips:

Cool Completely: Ensure the bread has cooled completely before storing to prevent condensation that can make the bread soggy.
Room Temperature: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate wrapped bread for up to 1 week. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving or toast lightly to revive the texture.

Freezing: Wrap the bread in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
Slicing: Slice the bread before freezing if you prefer to enjoy it one piece at a time. This allows for easy thawing of individual slices.

Ingredient-Specific Tips:

All-Purpose Flour: Keep flour in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Flour can also be frozen to extend its shelf life.
Buttermilk: Store buttermilk in the coldest part of the refrigerator and use within a week of opening. You can also freeze buttermilk in ice cube trays for future baking projects.
Pecans: Store chopped pecans in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent them from becoming rancid and to maintain their freshness.

Butter: Keep unsalted butter wrapped in its original packaging or an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze it.
Eggs: Store eggs in their original carton in the main body of the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the absorption of strong odors.

By following these serving and storage tips, you’ll ensure that your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread remains delicious and fresh, ready to delight your taste buds anytime.

FAQs

Can I substitute buttermilk in the recipe?

Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe. This will mimic the tangy flavor and acidity of buttermilk, ensuring similar results in your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread.

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! While pecans lend a distinctive flavor and texture to this recipe, you can experiment with other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts based on your preference or dietary needs. Just ensure they are chopped to a similar size as pecans for even distribution throughout the bread batter.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

A toothpick inserted into the center of the bread should come out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it. Additionally, the top of the bread should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. If in doubt, you can also use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the bread; it should register around 200°F (93°C) when fully baked.

Can I freeze the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread?

Yes, you can freeze this bread for longer-term storage. Once cooled completely, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply transfer the wrapped loaf to the refrigerator overnight or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving. Reheat slices as desired before enjoying.

Conclusion

So why wait? Whip up a batch of this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread today and treat yourself to a taste of Southern hospitality like never before! With its simple yet satisfying flavors, this beloved recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home for years to come. Happy baking!