Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread (A Southern Classic)

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked loaf wafting through the kitchen. Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a Southern classic that embodies comfort, warmth, and indulgence. Bursting with buttery pecans, a hint of vanilla, and a perfectly tender crumb, this loaf is the ideal companion to morning coffee, afternoon tea, or a decadent dessert spread.

Southern baking has a long history of combining rich flavors with simple, quality ingredients, and this pecan bread is a perfect example. Unlike typical nut breads, this recipe balances sweetness with nutty depth and a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes every bite memorable.

Whether you’re new to Southern baking or a seasoned bread lover, this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread recipe is approachable, reliable, and produces a loaf that is as beautiful as it is delicious.

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Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted
• Optional glaze: 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in chopped pecans, reserving a few for topping.
7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and sprinkle remaining pecans on top.
8. Bake 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
9. Optional glaze: In a small saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar and milk, stir until smooth, and drizzle over warm bread. Allow to set before slicing.

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Tips for Perfect Pecan Bread

• Toast Pecans: Lightly toasting pecans enhances their nutty flavor and prevents sogginess in the bread.
• Check Doneness: Ovens vary; begin checking for doneness at 50 minutes. Toothpick should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter and eggs at room temperature blend more evenly for a tender crumb.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing batter can lead to a dense loaf. Fold dry ingredients gently.

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Variations

• Chocolate Pecan Bread: Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet chocolatey twist.
• Maple Pecan Bread: Replace the vanilla with 1 tsp pure maple extract for a rich, fall-inspired flavor.
• Cinnamon Swirl Pecan Bread: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar between layers for a swirled effect.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

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Make-Ahead Tips

• Bake the bread a day ahead; flavor improves as it rests. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
• Freeze the loaf for up to 2 months. Slice before freezing for easy individual servings.
• The optional glaze can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 1 week. Reheat gently before drizzling.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with butter or cream cheese spread.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa for a classic Southern breakfast.
• Slice and serve as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Include on a brunch or holiday table alongside fruit and pastries.

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Fun Facts About Southern Pecan Bread

• Pecans are native to the Southern United States and have been a staple in Southern desserts for centuries.
• This loaf is reminiscent of classic Southern nut breads that were popular in the 19th century, often served with coffee or tea.
• Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread combines the natural sweetness of pecans with sugar and butter, a hallmark of Southern baking traditions.

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Why This Recipe Is a Southern Classic

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread represents Southern comfort food at its finest. It’s simple to make yet elegant, moist yet nutty, sweet but balanced. It’s a recipe that evokes nostalgia and warmth while delivering a flavor that’s universally loved.