Homemade Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe: Sweet Southern Comfort

Here’s a delightful southern classic that whispers comfort with every crumbly pecanbread slice.

My grandmother shared her treasured alabama pecanbread recipe during cozy weekend afternoons.

Sweet memories flood back when aromas of warm nuts and buttery batter drift through kitchens.

Pecans add a delicate crunch that transforms simple bread into something magical.

Regional ingredients shine in this straightforward yet remarkable treat.

Bakers seeking authentic southern charm will adore this uncomplicated recipe.

You’ll want to slice into this delectable bread right away and savor each nutty, tender bite.

Why Alabama Pecanbread Feels Like a Southern Classic

• Effortlessly whip up this classic Alabama pecan bread with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Perfect for breakfast, afternoon snack, potlucks, or casual family gatherings with its rich, nutty flavor that appeals to all ages.
• Prepare this delectable bread in just over an hour, with simple mixing and baking steps that guarantee a stress-free baking experience.
• Easily adapt the recipe by adding chocolate chips, adjusting nut quantities, or serving with various spreads to match personal preferences and mood.

Ingredients That Turn a Simple Dish Into a Rich Treat

• Flour: Provides the base structure for the pecan bread, all-purpose white flour works best.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb with a golden color.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the bread rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread's rich texture.
• Buttermilk or Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tanginess, creates a tender crumb.
• Melted Butter: Provides richness and helps keep the bread moist.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and complements the nutty taste.

• Pecans: Signature ingredient that adds crunch, nutty flavor, and Alabama regional character. Whole pecans or chopped work well, preferably fresh and high-quality.

How to Mix and Bake Pecanbread That Stays Moist

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk ingredients together until evenly blended.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Buttermilk

Stir until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Gently fold together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain bread’s soft texture.

Step 5: Sprinkle Nutty Goodness

Carefully fold chopped pecans into batter, ensuring even distribution.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan. Smooth top with spatula. Bake for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow bread to rest in pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and let cool completely. Slice and serve with butter or cream cheese for extra richness.

Expert Tips That Help You Nail the Texture Every Time

• Enhance Pecan Distribution: Toss chopped pecans in a tablespoon of flour before adding to the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
• Moisture Magic: Use buttermilk for a tangy flavor and extra moisture, but sour cream works perfectly as a substitute if you're out of buttermilk.
• Prevent Overbaking Trick: Check the bread 5 minutes earlier than the recommended baking time, as oven temperatures can vary. Use the toothpick test to ensure perfectly moist bread.
• Customization Option: Swap pecans with walnuts or add chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. Experiment with mix-ins to make the bread uniquely yours.
• Storage Secret: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature, or freeze for longer preservation.

Keeping Slices Soft and Delicious for Days

• Store leftover Alabama Pecanbread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the bread completely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for 2-3 months. Place a date label on the package for tracking.
• Remove from freezer and let the bread defrost at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
• Warm individual slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes until slightly crispy and heated through. Brush with melted butter for extra moisture and flavor.

Perfect Pairings for This Sweet and Buttery Bake

• Sip a rich, caramel-noted bourbon like Woodford Reserve to complement the nutty pecan flavors and enhance the bread's warm, sweet profile.
• Brew a medium-roast Colombian coffee with hints of chocolate to balance the bread's sweetness and highlight its buttery texture.
• Whip softened butter with local wildflower honey to add a silky, floral sweetness that elevates the pecan bread's rustic charm.
• Scoop creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside a warm slice to create a decadent dessert experience with contrasting temperatures and textures.

Creative Tweaks That Fit Your Flavor Style

• Gluten-Free Pecan Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities. Ensure all other ingredients remain the same to maintain the bread's authentic flavor.
• Vegan Pecan Bread: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk, and swap butter with coconut oil. Add extra moisture to compensate for the changes in ingredients.
• Low-Sugar Pecan Option: Reduce sugar by half and use stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Incorporate more nuts for added natural sweetness and texture. This variation works well for individuals monitoring their sugar intake.
• Keto-Friendly Pecan Bread: Use almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and increase the quantity of chopped pecans. Add cream cheese to boost fat content and maintain the bread's rich, moist texture while keeping carbohydrates low.

Alabama Pecanbread Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful Alabama Pecanbread weaves Southern comfort into each slice, promising pure homestyle bliss. Sweet, nutty layers meld perfectly, inviting you to savor a classic Southern treat that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
• 4 large eggs

Sweeteners:

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Liquid and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 350F (175C) and preparing a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a light coating of grease and flour to ensure easy bread release.
2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by whisking flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly combined and lump-free.
3. Craft the liquid mixture in a separate container by gently beating eggs and blending them with melted butter, aromatic vanilla extract, and creamy buttermilk until the components form a smooth, uniform liquid.
4. Merge the dry and wet ingredients by slowly pouring the liquid mixture into the flour blend, using a gentle folding technique to prevent overmixing and maintain the bread’s delicate texture.
5. Enhance the batter’s flavor profile by carefully incorporating chopped pecans, ensuring an even distribution throughout the mixture for consistent nutty crunch in every slice.
6. Transfer the completed batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even top and promote uniform baking.
7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 55-60 minutes, monitoring the bread’s progress by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the bread is perfectly cooked.
8. Allow the freshly baked bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature, which helps set the bread’s structure.
9. Serve the Alabama Pecan bread as a standalone treat or enhance with a delicate spread of butter or cream cheese for an extra layer of indulgence.

Notes

• Select premium, freshly cracked pecans for maximum flavor and crunchiness in your bread.
• Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk to help ingredients blend smoothly and create a more consistent batter texture.
• Toast pecans lightly before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty aroma and deepen their rich, complex flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the bread’s tender crumb and delicate structure.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 54 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg