Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Dry Ingredients Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set this aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add half of the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Then, pour in the milk and sour cream, mixing until smooth. Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Fold in the Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Assemble the Loaf
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter.
Step 8: Bake the Bread
Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 9: Cool the Bread
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread sliced and slightly warm with a cup of coffee or tea. It also makes a delightful addition to any brunch spread or can be enjoyed as a snack with a dollop of butter or a spread of jam.
Why You’ll Love This Recip
- Perfectly Moist: The combination of butter, milk, and sour cream ensures this bread is incredibly moist and tender.
- Rich, Nutty Flavor: The chopped pecans add a delicious crunch and rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the bread.
- Spiced to Perfection: The hint of cinnamon and nutmeg gives this bread a cozy, comforting flavor that reminds you of home baking.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
Storage Tips
Store your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.