Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

Homey Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe to Cherish

Nothing beats the comfort of a warm, freshly baked southern sweet alabama pecan bread straight from the oven.

The aroma of toasted pecans and sweet, buttery goodness fills the kitchen with an irresistible warmth.

Rich and moist, this bread brings a delightful blend of nutty crunch and soft, tender crumbs.

Each slice promises a delectable journey through traditional southern baking.

Pecans add a delightful texture that complements the bread’s sugary sweetness.

The recipe captures the essence of southern hospitality in every single bite.

Prepare to fall in love with this classic southern treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 295 kcal

Servings: 9

What You Need For Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

For Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds rich, creamy depth and helps create a tender crumb for the bread.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel sweetness and moisture to the recipe.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the bread's soft texture.
  • Buttermilk: Brings tangy flavor and helps activate leavening agents for a light, fluffy result.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, aromatic essence.
For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates the structural base of the bread with a smooth, consistent texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and achieve a light, airy consistency.
  • Baking Soda: Assists in browning and provides additional leavening power.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavors in the bread.
For Mix-In:
  • Pecans: Adds delightful crunch, nutty flavor, and Southern charm to the bread, bringing textural contrast and rich, toasted notes.

Gear For Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

  • Large Mixing Bowls: Two separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients, ensuring smooth blending.
  • Whisk: Perfect for combining ingredients quickly and eliminating lumps.
  • 9×5-inch Loaf Pan: Essential for creating the classic bread shape and even baking.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements guarantee consistent results.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Helps bread cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
  • Toothpick or Cake Tester: Checks bread doneness by testing center for moist crumbs.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping pecans and slicing the finished bread.

How To Make Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350F and get your loaf pan ready by giving it a light butter massage and dusting of flour.

  • Create the Liquid Magic

Whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until they become best friends, then invite eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla to join the party. Stir until everything looks smooth and happy.

  • Build the Dry Foundation

In another bowl, gently mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly introduce these dry teammates to your wet mixture, stirring just enough to say hello – no overmixing allowed!

  • Welcome the Nutty Crew

Sprinkle in those delightful pecans, folding them into the batter with love. Pour this delicious creation into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.

  • Bake to Perfection

Send your bread into the oven’s warm embrace for 45-50 minutes. Check its doneness by sliding a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean and proud.

  • Cool and Celebrate

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice, serve warm, and enjoy with a dollop of butter or a drizzle of sweet goodness!

Helpful Tips For Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

  • Pecan Perfection Technique: Toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make the bread suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Moisture Magic Trick: Add an extra splash of buttermilk or sour cream to ensure the bread stays incredibly soft and tender, preventing any dry texture.
  • Flavor Boost Options: Experiment with mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or orange zest to create unique flavor variations of the classic sweet bread.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature, or freeze for longer storage.

Ways To Enjoy Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

  • Sweet Southern Brunch Companion: Pair this Alabama pecan bread with crispy bacon and scrambled eggs for a hearty morning meal that celebrates Southern comfort flavors.
  • Afternoon Tea Delight: Slice bread thinly and serve alongside cream cheese, fresh berries, and a hot cup of Earl Grey tea for an elegant mid-day treat.
  • Dessert Transformation: Toast a slice and top with vanilla bean ice cream and a light drizzle of caramel sauce to turn this bread into a decadent after-dinner indulgence.
  • Gifting Goodness: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper with a rustic twine bow for a homemade food gift that shows personal culinary love.

Storage Advice For Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

  • Quick Counter Storage: Keep bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for 3-4 days. Maintain freshness by storing in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Extend bread life by placing in an airtight container inside the refrigerator. When stored properly, the bread remains delicious for up to one week. Let bread reach room temperature before serving for optimal taste and texture.
  • Freezing Technique: Slice bread before freezing for convenient portioning. Wrap individual slices or entire loaf in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag. Frozen bread maintains quality for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven for best results.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare bread batter in advance and refrigerate overnight. This method allows ingredients to meld, creating deeper flavors. When ready to bake, let batter sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before pouring into the pan and baking as instructed.
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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Buttermilk sweet Alabama pecan bread brings southern comfort to kitchen tables. Rich layers of nutty pecans and smooth buttermilk create a delightful quick bread you can savor with morning coffee or afternoon tea.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
  • ½ cup (1 stick or 113 g) unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring or lining with parchment paper.
  2. Liquid Base Creation: Whisk melted butter and brown sugar until completely smooth and free of sugar crystals, creating a rich, uniform mixture.
  3. Wet Ingredient Integration: Blend eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar foundation, mixing until the liquid achieves a consistent texture.
  4. Dry Ingredient Combination: Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, ensuring even distribution of leavening agents.
  5. Batter Formation: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain the batter’s delicate structure, then tenderly incorporate chopped pecans throughout.
  6. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface, and bake for 45-50 minutes until a testing skewer emerges clean from the center.
  7. Cooling and Serving: Rest the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm, optionally accompanied by butter, honey, or maple syrup.

Notes

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently and minimally to maintain the bread’s tender, soft crumb and avoid developing tough gluten structures.
  • Check Pecan Freshness: Toast pecans lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and ensure crisp, aromatic texture throughout the bread.
  • Moisture Control: Use room temperature buttermilk and eggs to create smoother batter integration and more consistent baking results.
  • Temperature Precision: Test bread doneness with a clean toothpick or skewer, ensuring it comes out without raw batter to guarantee perfect internal cooking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 295
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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