If you love nutty, buttery flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this bread is a must-bake. It’s made with common pantry staples and doesn’t require any fancy equipment — just a bowl, a spoon, and your favorite loaf pan. The combo of brown sugar, buttermilk, and pecans creates a depth of flavor that feels like a warm hug.
This recipe makes one hearty loaf that keeps beautifully at room temperature or in the freezer — making it ideal for gifting or meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter gives the bread a moist, tender texture and a rich, buttery flavor in every bite.
Granulated & Brown Sugar: A mix of both white and brown sugar adds sweetness and a hint of caramel depth.
Eggs: Help bind the batter and give structure to the loaf.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, fragrant aroma that complements the pecans beautifully.
Buttermilk: The secret to a soft crumb and tangy flavor — it reacts with baking soda to keep the loaf fluffy.
All-Purpose Flour: The classic base for structure.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Give the loaf a gentle rise and balance the acidity of the buttermilk.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweet and nutty flavors.
Chopped Pecans: The star of the show! Toasty, crunchy, and full of Southern charm.
How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard loaf pan.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla extract, then whisk again until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Stir in Buttermilk
Add the buttermilk and mix until fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain.
Step 6: Fold in Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Why It Works
This pecan bread nails that soft, moist interior with a tender crumb and a lightly crisp edge. The brown sugar adds depth, while the buttermilk keeps things soft and rich. Pecans give each bite a satisfying crunch and a nutty, buttery flavor that’s hard to resist. It’s a no-fail recipe that feels homey and special at the same time.
Tips & Tools
Loaf Pan: A standard 9×5 loaf pan works best. Grease it well or use parchment for easy removal.
Toothpick Test: Check for doneness around the 50-minute mark.
Fresh Pecans: Toast them lightly for an even more intense nutty flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter until just combined to avoid a dense loaf.
Mix-Ins: Want variety? Try adding chocolate chips or dried cranberries!
Storage
At Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Store for up to 3 months and thaw at room temp before slicing.
Final Thoughts
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is the kind of old-fashioned comfort that never goes out of style. It’s quick to make, easy to share, and even easier to love. Pair a slice with your morning coffee, serve it with whipped butter, or just enjoy it warm from the oven. However you slice it, this bread is pure Southern charm.
Let your taste buds thank you!