Coffee Pecan Loaf
Coffee Pecan Loaf Recipe
Introduction
Coffee Pecan Loaf is a delicious and flavorful dessert that combines the rich taste of coffee with the crunch of pecans. This recipe is perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy a sweet treat with their morning cup of joe.
History
The origins of Coffee Pecan Loaf are unclear, but it is believed to have been created as a variation of traditional nut bread recipes. The addition of coffee gives this loaf a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other similar desserts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 2.5 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.67 cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp instant coffee
- 3 eggs
- 0.67 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
How to prepare
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, cream the shortening with the sugar and instant coffee.
- Beat in the eggs until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add the flour mixture alternately with the milk and vanilla.
- Stir in the nuts.
- Spoon the batter into a greased loaf pan (or two small pans) and bake for 55 minutes at 350°F, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
Variations
- Add chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans for a different flavor profile.
- Drizzle with a coffee glaze for an extra burst of coffee flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to sift the dry ingredients to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
- Creaming the shortening with the sugar and instant coffee is key to achieving a smooth and creamy batter.
- Be sure to beat the eggs until light and fluffy to incorporate air into the batter.
- Alternating the flour mixture with the milk and vanilla helps to prevent overmixing and ensures a tender loaf.
- Stir in the chopped pecans gently to avoid crushing them and maintain their crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Coffee Pecan Loaf is best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack or dessert.
Cooking Techniques
Sifting the dry ingredients ensures a light and fluffy texture.
- Creaming the shortening with the sugar and instant coffee creates a smooth and creamy batter.
- Beating the eggs until light and fluffy helps to incorporate air into the batter for a tender loaf.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use butter instead of shortening for a richer flavor.
- Substitute almond or soy milk for dairy milk for a dairy-free option.
- Use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetener.
Make Ahead Tips
Coffee Pecan Loaf can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Coffee Pecan Loaf sliced and arranged on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Coffee Pecan Loaf with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Coffee Pecan Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Coffee Pecan Loaf contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Coffee Pecan Loaf contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Coffee Pecan Loaf contains approximately 15 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Coffee Pecan Loaf contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Coffee Pecan Loaf is a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and copper.
Alergens
This recipe contains nuts (pecans) and eggs.
Summary
Coffee Pecan Loaf is a delicious dessert that is rich in carbohydrates and fats, making it a satisfying treat for those with a sweet tooth.
Summary
Coffee Pecan Loaf is a delicious and flavorful dessert that is perfect for coffee lovers. With a rich coffee flavor and crunchy pecans, this loaf is sure to become a favorite for breakfast or dessert.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Coffee Pecan Loaf. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in the countryside. My mother had received a hand-written recipe card from a dear friend, and she decided to test it out one lazy Sunday afternoon. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the kitchen as we mixed the batter and sprinkled in the chopped pecans. As the loaf baked in the oven, I couldn't wait to taste the final result.
When the timer finally dinged, my mother carefully removed the loaf from the oven and placed it on the cooling rack. The sweet scent of coffee and toasted pecans wafted through the air, making my mouth water. As soon as the loaf had cooled enough, my mother sliced into it and handed me a piece. The combination of the rich coffee flavor and the crunchy pecans was a revelation. I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.
Over the years, I have made this Coffee Pecan Loaf countless times, perfecting the recipe with each batch. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its deliciousness. But the story of how I learned to make this delectable treat goes beyond just a simple recipe card.
One summer, when I was visiting my grandmother in the neighboring town, she shared with me the secret to making the perfect Coffee Pecan Loaf. She told me that the key was to use strong, freshly brewed coffee and to toast the pecans before adding them to the batter. She also taught me the importance of patience when it came to baking – letting the loaf cool properly before slicing into it to ensure the best flavor and texture.
As I watched my grandmother expertly mix the ingredients and pour the batter into the loaf pan, I realized that there was more to cooking than just following a set of instructions. It was about understanding the ingredients, the process, and the love and care that went into each dish. My grandmother's hands moved with a grace and confidence that only years of experience could bring, and I knew that I wanted to be just like her one day.
After that summer, I returned home with a newfound appreciation for the art of cooking. I began experimenting with different variations of the Coffee Pecan Loaf recipe, adding my own twists and flavors to make it truly my own. I even started jotting down notes and tips on a recipe card of my own, so that one day I could pass on this delicious tradition to my own grandchildren.
Now, as I stand in my kitchen, preparing another batch of Coffee Pecan Loaf, I can't help but smile as I think back on all the memories and moments that have led me to this point. The aroma of coffee and pecans fills the air, bringing back a flood of nostalgia and warmth. I pour the batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle in the toasted pecans, and slide it into the oven, knowing that soon my home will be filled with the comforting scent of a recipe that has been passed down through generations.
As I wait for the loaf to bake, I can't help but feel grateful for all the people who have influenced my cooking journey – from my mother and grandmother to the dear friend who first shared this recipe with us. Each one has left a mark on my culinary skills and has shaped the way I approach food and cooking.
Finally, the timer dings and I carefully remove the Coffee Pecan Loaf from the oven. It looks perfect – golden brown and fragrant, just like I remember from that first time so many years ago. I slice into it and take a bite, savoring the rich coffee flavor and the crunch of the pecans. It's just as delicious as I remember, if not better.
As I sit down to enjoy a slice of my Coffee Pecan Loaf, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and contentment. This recipe holds a special place in my heart, not just for its delicious taste, but for the memories and stories that are woven into every bite. And as I continue to bake and share this recipe with others, I know that its legacy will live on for many more years to come.
Categories
| Breakfast Recipes | Coffee Recipes | Dessert Loaf Recipes | Dessert Recipes | Pecan Recipes | Vanilla Extract Recipes |