Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread – A Southern Delight 🌰🍞

A rich, buttery, and moist pecan bread that’s a Southern favorite! This sweet bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting snack with a cup of coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Rich & Buttery – Loaded with flavor and a tender crumb.
✔ Crunchy Pecans – Adds a delicious nutty texture.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, minimal effort.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for holidays, gatherings, or everyday treats.
✔ Freezes Well – Make ahead and enjoy later!

Recipe Categories

✔ Cuisine: Southern Comfort Food
✔ Course: Dessert / Snack
✔ Cooking Method: Baking
✔ Difficulty Level: Easy

Cooking & Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Baking Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8-10 slices

Kitchen Equipment Needed

✅ Large mixing bowl
✅ Whisk or electric mixer
✅ 9x5-inch loaf pan
✅ Measuring cups & spoons
✅ Rubber spatula
✅ Cooling rack

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 8-10)

Wet Ingredients:

✅ ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
✅ 1 cup granulated sugar
✅ ½ cup brown sugar
✅ 2 large eggs
✅ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
✅ 1 cup buttermilk

Dry Ingredients:

✅ 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
✅ 1 teaspoon baking powder
✅ ½ teaspoon baking soda
✅ ½ teaspoon salt

Add-Ins:

✅ 1 ½ cups chopped pecans, toasted

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk, mixing until smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 4: Bring It Together

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined—avoid overmixing for a tender texture. Gently fold in the chopped toasted pecans.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Sweet Pecan Bread

✔ Toast the Pecans – Toasting brings out a richer, nuttier flavor. Heat in a dry pan for 3-5 minutes.
✔ Avoid Overmixing – This keeps the bread soft and tender.
✔ Brush with Butter – While warm, brush the top with melted butter for an extra decadent touch.
✔ Storage Tips – Store at room temperature for 3 days, refrigerate for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Variations & Add-Ins

🍌 Banana Pecan Bread – Add 1 mashed ripe banana for extra moisture.
🍫 Chocolate Chip Pecan Bread – Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
🥃 Bourbon Pecan Bread – Add a splash of bourbon for a Southern kick.
🍎 Apple Pecan Bread – Fold in diced apples for a fall-inspired treat.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?

Yes! Walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes.

2. How do I make buttermilk at home?

Mix 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.

4. Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

Absolutely! Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

A moist, buttery Southern pecan bread packed with rich flavor and crunchy pecans.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 minute min

Course Dessert

Cuisine Southern Comfort Food

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or electric mixer
• 9x5-inch loaf pan
• Measuring cups & spoons
• cooling rack

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups chopped pecans toasted

Instructions

 

• 1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan.
• 2️⃣ Mix melted butter, sugars, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk in a bowl.
• 3️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• 4️⃣ Gradually combine dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. Fold in toasted pecans.
• 5️⃣ Pour batter into the pan and bake for 45-50 minutes.
• 6️⃣ Let cool for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

✔ Store at room temp (3 days), in the fridge (1 week), or freeze (3 months).
✔ For muffins, bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes.
✔ Brush with melted butter for extra richness!