Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that defies traditional baking boundaries! This Southern-inspired sweet tea bread with butter pickles is about to revolutionize your recipe collection, blending the beloved flavors of sweet tea and tangy pickles into one extraordinary loaf. Imagine a bread so unique, it'll have your friends and family begging for the recipe - a perfect fusion of Southern comfort and unexpected gourmet creativity that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary taste sensation.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups brewed sweet tea
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 jar butter pickles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar, creaming them together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer or whisk.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to ensure no lumps remain.
- Slowly pour the brewed sweet tea into the butter-sugar mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth, consistent batter.
- Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the bread tough.
- Drain the butter pickles and chop them into small, uniform pieces. Gently fold about 3/4 of the chopped pickles into the batter, reserving some for topping.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chopped pickles on top of the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and serve. The bread can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, and pairs wonderfully with additional butter or a side of fresh pickles.
Tips
- Use freshly brewed sweet tea at room temperature for the best flavor integration.
- Don't overmix the batter - gentle folding ensures a tender, light bread texture.
- Choose high-quality butter pickles for maximum flavor complexity.
- Check the bread's doneness by inserting a toothpick - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to help it set and maintain its structure.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider toasting a slice and adding a pat of butter before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
