Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread: A Southern Delight
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of the South with this delightful recipe for Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. Bursting with crunchy pecans, rich brown sugar, and a hint of vanilla, this moist and flavorful bread is the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a sweet ending to a meal, this easy-to-make pecan bread is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Join us as we explore the simple pleasure of baking with pecans and discover the irresistible charm of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
- 2 cups finely chopped pecans
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 beaten eggs
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour, chopped pecans, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
- Stir in the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and a thick batter forms.
4. Pour Batter into Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
5. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pecan bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve the bread on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Toasting Pecans: For added flavor, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or until fragrant. Allow them to cool before adding them to the batter.
- Adding Spices: Enhance the flavor of the pecan bread by adding spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the batter. These warm spices complement the sweetness of the bread and add depth to its flavor profile.
- Glazing: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the cooled pecan bread with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving the bread.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly Option: Replace the granulated sugar and brown sugar with a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. Adjust the amount of sweetener to taste and use almond flour instead of self-rising flour for a keto-friendly version of the bread.
- Low-Carb Variation: Reduce the amount of granulated sugar and brown sugar in the recipe or use a sugar-free sweetener. Replace the self-rising flour with a combination of almond flour and baking powder to reduce the carb content of the bread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use other nuts instead of pecans? A: Yes, you can substitute other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for the pecans in this recipe. Choose your favorite nut or use a combination for added variety.
Q: Can I make this bread in muffin tins instead of a loaf pan? A: Absolutely! Simply divide the batter evenly among greased muffin tins and adjust the baking time accordingly. Start checking for doneness after 20-25 minutes.
Q: Can I freeze pecan bread? A: Yes, pecan bread freezes well. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw slices as needed at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Q: How should I store leftover pecan bread? A: Store leftover pecan bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the bread for up to 1 week or freeze it as mentioned above.
In conclusion, Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a delightful treat that celebrates the rich, nutty flavor of pecans in a moist and delicious loaf. With its simple preparation and irresistible taste, this bread is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert, Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is bound to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart with every bite.
