Warm Up Your Thanksgiving with the Best Pecan Bread Recipe!
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and what better way to welcome the autumn season than with the comforting aroma of freshly baked pecan bread filling your home? This recipe is not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of moist, nutty bread, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as a delightful side to your Thanksgiving feast. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet stunning treat this holiday season!
Why You’ll Love This Pecan Bread
- Easy to Make: Perfect for beginner bakers, with simple ingredients and clear instructions.
- Delicious Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet and nutty, with a hint of warm spices.
- Versatile: Enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or as a Thanksgiving side dish.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with family and friends of all ages.
- Make-Ahead Option: Bake it a day in advance to save time on Thanksgiving day!
Ingredients for Pecan Bread
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans, divided
Substitutions:
- Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Sugar: Coconut sugar can be used in place of granulated or brown sugar.
- Buttermilk: Milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar works perfectly as a substitute.
- Vegan: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and a plant-based milk alternative.
How to Make Pecan Bread
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and lightly flour it. This will prevent the bread from sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Buttermilk and Pecans: Stir in the buttermilk until the batter is smooth. Then, gently fold in 1 cup of the chopped pecans. Reserve the remaining pecans for topping.
- Pour and Top: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of chopped pecans evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Toast the Pecans: Toasted pecans add a deeper, richer flavor to the bread. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer to check for doneness. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Variations:
- Vegan Pecan Bread: Substitute flax eggs and plant-based milk.
- Gluten-Free Pecan Bread: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Spiced Pecan Bread: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
Serving Suggestions
This delicious pecan bread is incredibly versatile! Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your Thanksgiving feast or any other occasion:
- Butter and Honey: Serve warm slices with a dollop of butter and a drizzle of honey.
- Cream Cheese Spread: Pair it with a sweet cream cheese spread for a delightful breakfast or dessert.
- Alongside Thanksgiving Dinner: A wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving menu, offering a sweet and nutty counterpoint to savory dishes.
- Accompanying a Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board: Add slices to your board for an unexpectedly pleasing treat.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store the pecan bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat frozen bread, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. You can then warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast them in a toaster oven. For reheating the whole loaf, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap the loaf in foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
FAQ about Pecan Bread
Q: Can I make this pecan bread ahead of time for Thanksgiving?
A: Absolutely! This pecan bread is a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving food preparation. You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it at room temperature or freeze it for longer storage. Just be sure it is properly stored in an airtight container or wrapped in foil and plastic wrap.
Q: Can I add other nuts besides pecans?
A: Certainly! Walnuts or almonds would also be delicious additions to this bread. Feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts to create your own unique version.
Q: Is this pecan bread suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
A: With a few simple substitutions, you can easily make this bread gluten-free or vegan! See the substitutions section above for guidance on how to adapt the recipe to meet your needs and make it fit into your desired healthy thanksgiving recipes.
Q: Can I use melted butter instead of vegetable oil?
A: Yes, you can substitute melted butter for vegetable oil. It will add a richer flavor to the bread. Simply substitute equal measurements.
Final Thoughts on Pecan Bread
This pecan bread recipe is more than just a bread; its an invitation to create warm memories during the holidays. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving breakfast, as a sweet thanksgiving dessert, a thanksgiving side dishes option, or enjoying a simple slice with your morning coffee, this bread is sure to bring a smile to your face. Save this recipe on Pinterest for future baking adventures, leave a comment below to share your experience, and subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes and baking tips!
Best Pecan Bread
Equipment
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- – Mixing bowls
- – Whisk
- oven
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
- 1.5 cups chopped pecans divided
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and lightly flour it.
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the buttermilk until the batter is smooth. Gently fold in 1 cup of the chopped pecans; reserve remaining pecans for topping.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of chopped pecans evenly over the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer 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. Slice and serve.
