Description
A moist, tender Southern-style quick bread loaded with pecans and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert with honey butter. This old-fashioned favorite can be made with buttermilk for extra richness and topped with cinnamon sugar for a warm, comforting flavor.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (for one standard loaf):
For the Bread:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for cinnamon variation)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup chopped pecans
For the Topping (Optional):
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons chopped pecans
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and lightly flour it or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Stir just until combined. Fold in chopped pecans.
Step 5: Add Topping (Optional)
If using, mix melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans. Sprinkle evenly over the batter in the loaf pan.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Can be baked a day ahead; wrap tightly to preserve moisture.
- Mini Loaves: Divide batter into smaller pans for giftable or snack-sized loaves.
- Honey Butter: Serve warm with honey butter for a classic Southern touch.
- Freezing: Wrap cooled loaf in foil and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Breakfast / Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern / American
