Description
This Southern delicacy perfectly balances rich, buttery flavor with the crunch of toasted pecans. Easy to make, this moist and sweet quick bread is packed with nutty goodness, making it the perfect treat for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or a simple afternoon snack. Unlike yeast-based bread, this recipe comes together quickly with basic pantry ingredients, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup melted butter (unsalted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. (For muffins, line a muffin tin with paper liners).
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the chopped pecans so they are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently.
- Avoid overmixing—the batter should be just combined for a tender texture.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Pan
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- (Optional: Sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top for added crunch.)
Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- For muffins, bake for 18-22 minutes.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes
Gluten-Free Version – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Lower-Sugar Option – Reduce brown sugar to ¾ cup and add ¼ cup applesauce or honey.
Dairy-Free Version – Replace butter with coconut oil or plant-based butter.
Egg-Free Alternative – Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
Flavor Twists:
- Chocolate Pecan Bread – Add ½ cup chocolate chips.
- Cinnamon Spice Version – Add 1 tsp cinnamon + pinch of nutmeg.
- Banana Pecan Bread – Replace 1 egg with ½ cup mashed banana.
- Cranberry Pecan Bread – Fold in ½ cup dried cranberries.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (assuming 10 slices per loaf)
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Sugar: ~18g
- Fat: ~14g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~ 4g