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Sweet pecans meet honey butter in this indulgent quick bread that celebrates classic Southern flavors. Each slice reveals a tender, buttery crumb studded with crunchy Alabama pecans, all infused with the warmth of local honey and a hint of cinnamon.
After discovering this recipe at a family reunion in Alabama, it's become my go-to when hosting morning gatherings. The combination of honey and pecans never fails to bring smiles around the breakfast table.
Essential Ingredients
- Fresh pecans: Their natural oils enhance the bread's richness
- Local honey: Choose raw honey for complex floral notes
- Brown sugar: Creates moisture and caramel undertones
- Unsalted butter: Controls salt content for perfect balance
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth without overpowering
Detailed Instructions
- Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F:
- Grease 9x5-inch loaf pan thoroughly, including corners.
- Toast pecans on baking sheet until fragrant, about 8-10 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning:
- Whisk dry ingredients in large bowl, breaking up any brown sugar lumps with your fingers:
- Beat eggs in separate bowl until lightened in color, about 1 minute:
- Stream in melted (but not hot) butter while whisking constantly to prevent curdling:
- Add honey, milk, and vanilla to egg mixture, stirring until fully blended:
- Create well in center of dry ingredients and pour in wet mixture:
- Fold gently with rubber spatula just until no dry flour remains:
- Stir in toasted pecans, reserving a handful for topping:
- Transfer to prepared pan, smooth top, and sprinkle with reserved pecans:
- Bake 55-60 minutes, rotating halfway through, until golden brown:
- Test center with skewer - it should come out with just a few moist crumbs:
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Growing up in Alabama, my grandmother taught me that toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter makes all the difference in bringing out their natural oils and flavor.
The Right Timing
Allow bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Perfect Pairings
Serve alongside fresh fruit and coffee for an elegant brunch spread.
Storage Success
Wrap cooled bread in plastic, then foil, for optimal freshness.
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This bread has become my signature contribution to family gatherings, earning its place among our treasured Southern recipes passed down through generations.
Common Questions About Cooking
- → Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
- Yes, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes, though pecans give the traditional Southern taste.
- → How long does this bread stay fresh?
- Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.
- → Can I reduce the sugar content?
- Yes, you can reduce the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture.
- → Is this bread freezer-friendly?
- Yes, wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
- → Why did my bread crack on top?
- A crack on top is normal for quick breads and shows it's properly risen.