i have to admit, making the sweet alabama pecan bread recipe for the first time was kind of a mess because i forgot to melt the butter properly and ended up with tiny lumps but it still turned out soft and super tasty and i couldn’t believe it worked so well even with that little mistake. every time i make the sweet alabama pecan bread recipe now, i laugh a little thinking about that first attempt and how sticky the batter got on my hands but somehow it all baked perfectly in the oven.
Sometimes the sweet alabama pecan bread recipe doesn’t rise exactly the way i expect and a few pecans sink to the bottom but i’ve learned to embrace those little quirks because the flavor is always amazing and the bread has that homemade charm. when i make the sweet alabama pecan bread recipe for my family, they are usually sneaking bites while it’s still warm and the caramel drizzle is melting on top which makes me feel proud and a bit amused at the same time because no one waits for it to cool down. one afternoon i tried making the sweet alabama pecan bread recipe while my dog kept nudging my leg and my toddler was drawing with chocolate on the floor so the kitchen was chaos but when i pulled the bread out of the oven it smelled incredible and i forgot all the little disasters around me.
oh and the sweet alabama pecan bread recipe pairs wonderfully with so many things for breakfast or a snack like a cup of hot cocoa with whipped cream fresh fruit like strawberries and bananas creamy peanut butter or almond butter a drizzle of honey or maple syrup a slice of brie or cream cheese on top a side of maple pecan sticky buns for a super indulgent treat or even a warm latte on a rainy morning and honestly i tried all of these combinations myself and every single one tastes delicious so you can’t go wrong experimenting a little.
I remember one rainy saturday when i had leftover sweet alabama pecan bread recipe from the night before and i toasted a slice lightly then spread some butter and cinnamon sugar on top and it felt like a little miracle in my mouth and i couldn’t stop smiling making the sweet alabama pecan bread recipe has also taught me patience because sometimes the batter seems too thick or too runny but if you just follow the steps and don’t stress it it always works out and that’s a good reminder for life too.
Sometimes I try adding tiny extras like chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt on the top when i make the sweet alabama pecan bread recipe and it feels like a little adventure every single time and my family gets excited to taste it. even on days when i feel rushed or forget a step, the sweet alabama pecan bread recipe never judges me and still comes out warm and comforting like a hug in bread form.
and the best part is, i can make the sweet alabama pecan bread recipe for school snacks or weekend brunches and everyone is always asking for more because it’s sweet and nutty and soft and just so satisfying and sometimes i have to hide a slice for myself so there’s a little secret joy in enjoying it all alone. honestly every time i bake it i feel a mix of pride and relief and i love that this recipe makes little ordinary days feel special and cozy.
ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce or honey (optional for drizzling)
ingredients notes
- all-purpose flour is what makes the bread soft and fluffy
- granulated sugar gives sweetness that kids love
- brown sugar adds a little bit of caramel flavor
- baking powder helps the bread rise and become fluffy
- baking soda works with the buttermilk to make the bread light
- salt balances all the sweetness and flavors
- unsalted butter adds richness and makes the bread soft
- buttermilk gives the bread a tender texture and slight tang
- eggs help bind everything together and give structure
- vanilla extract adds a sweet aroma and extra flavor
- pecans make the bread crunchy and nutty
- caramel sauce or honey can be drizzled on top for extra sweetness
How to make sweet alabama pecan bread ?
step 1: preheat the oven
preheat your oven to 350°f and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan so the bread doesn’t stick.
step 2: mix dry ingredients
in a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. stir well so everything is evenly mixed.
step 3: mix wet ingredients
in another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
step 4: combine wet and dry
pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients then gently stir just until combined and there are no big lumps but small lumps are okay.
step 5: fold in pecans
carefully fold in the chopped pecans making sure they are spread evenly throughout the batter.
step 6: pour batter into pan
transfer the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
step 7: bake the bread
bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
step 8: cool the bread
remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
step 9: add topping
optional, drizzle caramel sauce or honey over the top once the bread is fully cooled to add extra sweetness and flavor.
kitchen equipment needed
- 2 large mixing bowls
- whisk
- spatula
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- measuring cups and spoons
- wire rack
- knife or toothpick for testing doneness
storage options
store the sweet alabama pecan bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week and if you want longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months then thaw before serving.
some variations for sweet alabama pecan bread
you can make this bread even more special by adding chocolate chips for a sweeter treat or using walnuts instead of pecans for a slightly different nutty flavor and adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter will give it a warm and cozy taste or drizzle white chocolate instead of caramel for a fun twist and for a healthier version, replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly.
faq
what is this recipe sweet alabama pecan bread made of?
it is made of flour, sugar, eggs, butter, buttermilk, pecans, and some natural flavorings like vanilla and optional caramel sauce which all together make a soft and tasty bread.
what does sweet alabama pecan bread taste like?
it tastes sweet but not too much with a slight caramel flavor from the brown sugar and optional topping and the pecans add a crunchy and nutty texture making every bite interesting.
can i use other nuts instead of pecans?
yes, you can use walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts depending on your taste preference.
can i make this bread without buttermilk?
yes, you can use milk mixed with a little lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute to keep the bread soft.
is this bread good for breakfast or dessert?
both, it works as a sweet breakfast treat with coffee or milk or as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream.
how long will this bread stay fresh?
at room temperature it lasts 3 days, in the fridge up to a week, and frozen up to 2 months.
can i add chocolate chips?
absolutely, chocolate chips pair well with the sweet and nutty flavors of this bread.
is it hard to bake this bread?
not at all, it is simple and even beginner bakers can make it successfully if they follow the steps.
sweet alabama pecan bread
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes1
hour320
kcal1
hour15
minutesa soft and sweet bread filled with crunchy pecans and a touch of caramel perfect for breakfast or dessert
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup buttermilk
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup caramel sauce or honey (optional for drizzling)
Directions
- preheat your oven to 350°f and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan so the bread doesn’t stick.
- in a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. stir well so everything is evenly mixed.
- in another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients then gently stir just until combined and there are no big lumps but small lumps are okay.
- carefully fold in the chopped pecans making sure they are spread evenly throughout the batter.
- transfer the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- optional, drizzle caramel sauce or honey over the top once the bread is fully cooled to add extra sweetness and flavor.
