Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread offers a unique Southern twist with the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. The combination of rich butter, brown sugar, and a hint of vanilla provides a moist, flavorful base, while the crunchy pecans throughout the bread add texture and depth. With minimal effort required, this recipe results in a beautiful loaf that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Whether you're serving it at a special event or enjoying it with your morning coffee, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. Stir in the buttermilk until fully combined.
5. 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. Avoid overmixing.
6. Gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they're evenly distributed.
7. 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.
8. 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: 10-12 slices
• Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 50-60 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: If you want to change things up, try adding chocolate chips, raisins, or other types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds.
• Spices: Spice lovers can add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cardamom for extra flavor depth.
• Vegan version: Replace the eggs with flax eggs and the buttermilk with a plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: To store Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.
• Freezing: This bread freezes well. Slice it before freezing for easy access. Wrap it in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can use regular milk, but buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps with the bread’s texture. To substitute, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk, then let it sit for a few minutes before using.

2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

It’s best to use unsalted butter for this recipe. If you only have salted butter, reduce the salt in the recipe to ⅛ teaspoon to balance the flavors.

3. Can I make this bread without pecans?

Yes, if you’re allergic to nuts or simply don’t like them, you can leave out the pecans. The bread will still be delicious and flavorful on its own.

4. How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is done. If it comes out wet, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.

5. Can I use a different type of nut?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts would make great substitutes for pecans. Just be sure to chop them into smaller pieces.

6. Can I make this bread in a different-sized pan?

You can use other loaf pans, but the baking time may vary. If you use a larger pan, the bread will bake faster. If the pan is smaller, it may take longer, so keep an eye on it and check for doneness with a toothpick.

7. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make two loaves of bread. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if necessary, and check both loaves with a toothpick.

8. Can I add a glaze on top?

A glaze made from powdered sugar and milk would be a sweet finishing touch. Simply mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with a tablespoon of milk and drizzle it over the cooled bread.

9. How can I make the bread more moist?

Ensure that you don't overmix the batter, as overmixing can make the bread dense. Using buttermilk also helps create a moist texture, as does the butter.

10. Can I serve this bread warm?

Yes, you can serve it warm, but it will be easier to slice once it has cooled. If you can’t wait, just microwave a slice for a few seconds and enjoy it with a bit of butter.

Conclusion

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a Southern classic that brings together the perfect balance of moistness, sweetness, and crunch. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, this easy-to-make bread will quickly become a go-to favorite. The versatility of the recipe allows for fun twists, so feel free to experiment with different add-ins or variations. With its delicious flavor and comforting texture, this pecan bread is sure to delight anyone who takes a bite.

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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a rich, moist quick bread made with toasted pecans, brown sugar, and butter, creating a delightful Southern-inspired treat. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or as an everyday snack, it pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. This easy-to-make bread offers a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, making it a favorite in any kitchen.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 10-12 slices
• Category: Quick Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern
• Diet: Vegetarian

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

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Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
• Add the buttermilk and mix until fully combined.
• 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, avoiding overmixing.
• 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.
• Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Add-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips, raisins, or other nuts like walnuts or almonds for variation.
• Spices: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for extra flavor.
• Vegan option: Swap eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
• Storage: Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Microwave slices for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.