Bourbon Pecan Bread
A rich bourbon-infused pecan bread with tender raisins, perfect for brunch or dessert, offering deep flavors and a moist, hearty texture that appeals to bread lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak raisins in bourbon for 30 minutes; drain, reserving bourbon.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Generously grease 8 x 4 x 2-inch loaf pans and line pan bottoms with greased wax paper.
- In a bowl, cream softened butter and 1/2 cup sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy.
- Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add flour in thirds, alternating with bourbon, and mix until well blended.
- Stir in soaked raisins, broken pecans, and vanilla extract.
- In a large clean bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add remaining sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold about 2 cups of beaten egg whites into batter to lighten it.
- Gently fold in the remaining egg whites.
- Divide batter into prepared loaf pans.
- Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider using a high-quality bourbon or even experimenting with flavored bourbons. If you’re out of pecans, walnuts make a great substitute. Be sure to fold the egg whites gently to maintain the light texture of the bread. If you're looking for more sweet treats, browse more American recipes for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
This Bourbon Pecan Bread is delightful on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a special treat, serve slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce or alongside a small scoop of ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bourbon Pecan Bread contains roughly 3122 calories, with 54g protein, 420g carbohydrates, and 141g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (123% of the Daily Value), iron (114% of the Daily Value), and protein (107% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 34g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe without alcohol?
Yes, you can replace the bourbon with an equivalent amount of apple juice or a non-alcoholic vanilla extract for a similar flavor profile. The bread will still turn out delicious without the bourbon's distinct taste.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Just ensure that the alternative is softened for the best results.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).