Pecan Soda Bread
A hearty and nutty soda bread featuring pecans and currants, perfect for breakfast or teatime, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Grease a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Cut in the butter or margarine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in chopped pecans and currants.
- Add eggs and enough buttermilk or sour milk to make a soft dough.
- Knead on a floured surface until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Shape into a ball and place on the greased baking sheet.
- Flatten to a 6-inch diameter.
- Cut a deep 'X' into the top of the loaf.
- Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don't have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes. To enhance the texture, you can also incorporate some oats or whole wheat flour into the dry ingredients. Kneading for just a minute is key to keeping the bread tender.
Serving Suggestions
This pecan soda bread is delicious served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a bowl of soup or a fresh salad like Maxine'S Christmas Salad. You can also enjoy it with jam or honey for a sweet touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pecan soda bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply slice off a piece and warm it in the toaster or oven until just heated through, which will help maintain its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Soda Bread contains roughly 431 calories, with 6g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein.
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 use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can easily substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just make sure to chop them roughly to maintain a similar texture in the bread. Each nut will bring a slightly different flavor, so choose based on your taste preference.
What can I use if I don't have currants?
If currants are unavailable, dried cranberries or raisins make excellent substitutes. Both options will provide a similar sweetness and texture, enhancing the overall flavor of the bread. Feel free to mix and match dried fruits for a unique twist!
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this pecan soda bread is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat or meat-derived ingredients. It is a great addition to vegetarian recipes, and can be enjoyed by everyone at the table, whether served with savory dishes or as a simple snack.
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).