Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread: A Comforting Delight from the South

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp nutmeg
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup maple syrup
• 0.5 cup diced apples (optional)
• 1 Prise Extra pecans for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans until golden and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth. If using, fold in the diced apples at this stage.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy. Fold in the toasted pecans, reserving a handful for topping if desired.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the reserved pecans on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy this delicious Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread warm or at room temperature.