Hereโs a complete and expanded recipe for your Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread, including introduction, history, ingredients, instructions, methods, benefits, formation, nutrition, and even a conclusion with lovers of the dish ๐ธ๐ฅฎ
๐ Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe ๐
๐ Introduction
Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a delightful Southern-inspired quick bread that captures the essence of comfort baking. It combines the nutty crunch of pecans with the warm sweetness of cinnamon and sugar. Every slice has a golden crust, a soft and moist crumb, and the irresistible aroma of spiced pecans that fills your kitchen as it bakes. Itโs perfect for breakfast, tea time, or dessert and is a treat deeply rooted in the traditions of the American South.
๐ฅ Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ยฝ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ยฝ cups chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ยฝ teaspoon baking soda
- ยฝ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for richness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ยฝ cup buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 tsp vinegar as substitute)
๐ฉโ๐ณ Instructions & Methods
Method 1: Classic Baking Method
- Preheat Oven โ Set oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients โ In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and chopped pecans.
- Mix Wet Ingredients โ In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, vanilla, and buttermilk until smooth.
- Combine โ Gradually fold wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined (do not overmix).
- Bake โ Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 55โ65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool โ Let the bread rest 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Method 2: Mini Loaves or Muffins
- Divide batter into mini loaf pans or muffin tins.
- Reduce baking time: muffins โ 20โ25 minutes, mini loaves โ 30โ35 minutes.
๐ History
This recipe draws inspiration from the deep baking traditions of Alabama and the broader Southern United States, where pecans grow in abundance and are a key part of regional cuisine. Pecans were cultivated by Native Americans and became a staple crop in the South. Sweet breads with nuts, sugar, and cinnamon became popular during the 19th century, when home baking flourished as a household craft. Today, Alabama pecan bread stands as a nostalgic recipe, often shared at church gatherings, family reunions, and holidays.
๐ฟ Benefits
- Nutritional Boost โ Pecans are rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and minerals.
- Energy Packed โ Eggs, flour, and sugar provide sustained energy.
- Heart Friendly โ Pecans support good cholesterol levels.
- Mood Enhancer โ Cinnamon is known for its warming, comforting aroma and mild anti-inflammatory properties.
๐๏ธ Formation (Serving & Presentation)
- Slice thickly and serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light glaze for a festive touch.
- Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or sweet tea.
- Can also be cut into cubes for a dessert tray or trifle base.
๐งฎ Nutrition (per slice, approx. based on 12 servings)
- Calories: ~320
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
๐ Lovers of This Bread
- Southern families who cherish traditional pecan recipes.
- Coffee lovers who want a sweet, nutty companion for their morning brew.
- Holiday bakers who use it as a festive loaf for Christmas or Thanksgiving.
- Home bakers who love simple, hearty recipes that make the house smell incredible.
๐ Conclusion
Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is more than just a sweet treatโitโs a taste of tradition, warmth, and togetherness. Its rich, nutty flavor and comforting cinnamon spice make it a timeless classic loved by generations. Whether shared with family, baked as a thoughtful gift, or savored alone with a warm drink, this bread carries with it the charm of Southern hospitality.
Would you like me to also create a glazed version (with cinnamon-sugar glaze drizzled on top) for extra sweetness, or keep it as a rustic loaf?