Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a rich, buttery, and moist Southern-inspired loaf that’s packed with the irresistible crunch of toasted pecans and just the right amount of sweetness. This comforting bread is perfect for any occasion—whether you're serving it at a holiday gathering, enjoying a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea, or simply indulging in a warm, homemade treat. With its easy preparation and mouthwatering flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love Southern desserts, you’ll adore this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. The marriage of butter and brown sugar creates a moist and tender crumb, while the chopped pecans add texture and flavor that make each slice a joy. The subtle hint of vanilla and buttermilk brings a layer of warmth to the recipe, making it both comforting and indulgent. It's easy to make and requires only basic pantry ingredients—perfect for novice bakers or seasoned pros alike. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s guaranteed to impress!
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
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is fully incorporated.
- Stir in the buttermilk, ensuring it’s completely mixed with the wet ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a light and tender texture.
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Add-ins: You can experiment by adding other nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, or even a handful of chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Fruit Twist: Try incorporating dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for a fruity variation.
- Spices: A teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can be added to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced twist.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the eggs with a flax egg and use dairy-free butter and buttermilk for a vegan version of this treat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: This bread freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.
- Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to enjoy a freshly baked feel.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It’s best to use unsalted butter, as it allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe. However, if you only have salted butter on hand, reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.
2. Can I substitute the buttermilk with regular milk?
Buttermilk gives this bread its tangy flavor and moist texture, but if you don't have it, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar per cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
3. How can I make the bread sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the amount of granulated sugar or add a drizzle of honey on top once it’s baked.
4. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to check that your baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free as well.
5. Can I use roasted pecans instead of raw?
Absolutely! Roasted pecans will add an extra depth of flavor to the bread. Just chop them coarsely and fold them in as directed.
6. How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done. If it’s wet with batter, bake for a few more minutes.
7. Can I double the recipe to make two loaves?
Yes! Double all the ingredients and bake the loaves for the same amount of time, but check them with a toothpick to make sure they’re fully baked.
8. Can I make this in a muffin tin?
Yes, you can! Simply divide the batter into greased or lined muffin cups and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.
9. Can I add other spices to the bread?
Yes! Cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a bit of ginger would all work well in this recipe. Add 1 teaspoon of your preferred spice to the dry ingredients for a unique flavor profile.
10. How should I serve this bread?
Enjoy it as-is for a quick snack, or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of butter for extra indulgence. It’s also great alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea!
Conclusion
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a perfect blend of rich, buttery goodness and crunchy pecans, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you're serving it at a holiday gathering or enjoying it for breakfast, it’s sure to impress. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow directions, this recipe offers comfort and sweetness in every bite. The best part? It’s versatile, and you can customize it to suit your taste, making it a go-to dessert or snack for years to come.
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a moist and buttery Southern-inspired treat that combines rich flavors and crunchy toasted pecans. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s an easy recipe with simple ingredients that will impress any guest. Make this comforting loaf today for a delicious and satisfying homemade indulgence.
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
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Stir in the buttermilk until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute the buttermilk with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar per cup.
- For added sweetness, increase the granulated sugar or drizzle honey on top after baking.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
