Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is one of those timeless Southern treats that brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of homemade charm to any table. With its buttery base, crunchy pecans, and moist, tender crumb, every bite tastes like a warm Southern hug. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea.

This pecan bread pairs beautifully with butter, honey, or cream cheese — or enjoy it simply on its own. It also makes a wonderful gift for neighbors, friends, or family during festive seasons.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What You Need to Make This Recipe
How to Make This Recipe
Expert Tips
FAQs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist, buttery, rich flavor with a tender crumb.
• Packed with crunchy pecans in every bite.
• Easy one-bowl recipe — beginner-friendly.
• Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacks.
• Freezes beautifully for future cravings.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

The full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below.

• Butter
• Granulated sugar & brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Buttermilk
• Flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt
• Chopped pecans

How to Make This Recipe

See the complete detailed steps in the recipe card below.

1. Whisk melted butter with sugars until smooth.
2. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
3. Mix in buttermilk until combined.
4. Fold in dry ingredients just until incorporated.
5. Stir in chopped pecans.
6. Bake until golden and fully set.

Expert Tips

• Do not overmix the batter — it stays moister when gently mixed.
• Use fresh pecans for maximum flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of turbinado sugar on top for a crunchy crust.
• For extra richness, drizzle with warm caramel after baking.
• Let the bread cool before slicing to avoid crumbling.

FAQs

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes! Pecans give the classic Southern flavor, but walnuts work too.

Can I freeze this bread?
Absolutely — wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes — add 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup milk to make a quick buttermilk substitute.

Should the butter be hot or cooled?
Make sure it’s melted but slightly cooled to avoid scrambling the eggs.

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Servings: 1 loaf   |   Prep Time: 10 minutes   |   Cook Time: 50–60 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Whisk melted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar.
3. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
4. Mix in buttermilk until smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined.
7. Stir in chopped pecans.
8. Pour into loaf pan and bake 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool 10 minutes, then move to a rack to cool completely.