This Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecanbread is a deliciously sweet and nutty bread that combines the richness of honey butter with the crunch of toasted pecans, all wrapped in a soft, moist bread. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a special treat, this recipe is sure to impress with its incredible flavor and texture.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted if desired)
For the Honey Butter:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream (or yogurt) and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, you can toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 4–5 minutes before adding them to the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Step 2: Bake the Bread
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Honey Butter
- While the bread is cooling, prepare the honey butter by combining the softened butter, honey, cinnamon (if using), and salt (if using) in a medium bowl. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend the ingredients until smooth and fluffy.
- Taste the honey butter and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your preference.
Step 4: Serve
- Once the bread has cooled, slice it into thick pieces and serve with the honey butter spread on top. The combination of the sweet bread and creamy honey butter is simply irresistible!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a breakfast bread with coffee or tea.
- Enjoy with a side of fresh fruit for a light dessert or snack.
- Pair it with a savory dish like grilled chicken or pork to balance the sweetness.
Tips for Success
- Toasting the Pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time. Raw pecans will still provide a delicious crunch.
- Customizing the Flavor: You can add other spices, such as nutmeg or cloves, to the honey butter for a different twist. You can also mix in a teaspoon of lemon zest into the bread batter for extra brightness.
- Storing the Bread: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. For freezing, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different nut besides pecans?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds can be used in place of pecans for a different flavor and texture.
2. Can I make the honey butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the honey butter ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
3. Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Absolutely! Divide the batter among a muffin tin lined with paper liners or greased. Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
This Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecanbread is a perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and nutty flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, it’s a treat everyone will love
