Sliced Alabama pecan bread on a wooden board with pecans and a butter knife

Alabama Pecan Bread is a delightful treat that offers a taste of Southern comfort right in your home. With its soft, buttery texture and the rich, nutty flavor of pecans, this bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or toasted with a bit of butter, this recipe embodies the inviting spirit of Alabama’s culinary heritage.

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Servings: 8 slices
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

  • Calories per serving: 250
  • Protein: 4g per serving
  • Carbohydrates: 32g per serving
  • Fat: 12g per serving
  • Fiber: 1g per serving
  • Sugar: 10g per serving
  • Sodium: 200mg per serving

Why Make This Alabama Pecan Bread

Making Alabama Pecan Bread is more than just about enjoying a scrumptious treat—it’s about embracing the joy of baking and sharing a slice of warmth with family and friends. This bread fills your kitchen with a wonderfully inviting aroma, making it hard to resist before it even cools down. The crunchy pecans provide a satisfying texture, while the spices add depth to every bite. It’s a straightforward recipe that even novice bakers can master, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

How to Make Alabama Pecan Bread

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure your bread doesn’t stick during baking.

Step 2: Mixing

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter with the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

Step 3: Incorporating Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined to avoid over-mixing, which can result in a denser bread.

Step 4: Finishing the Batter

Gently fold in the chopped pecans into the batter, being careful not to break them up too much. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Baking

Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. The top should have a beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 6: Cooling

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows for the perfect texture and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve Alabama Pecan Bread

Alabama Pecan Bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with a pat of butter for a hearty breakfast, or slice it thinner for a lovely afternoon snack. You can also pair it with cream cheese or a drizzle of honey for added flavor. Don’t forget, this bread is perfect for holiday gatherings or family brunches.

How to Store Alabama Pecan Bread

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and place it in the freezer. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature or pop slices in the toaster.

Expert Tips for Perfect Alabama Pecan Bread

  1. Pecan Toasting: For an extra nutty flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the batter.
  2. Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can create a substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice into 1 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes.
  3. Mixing: Do not overmix the batter; this helps maintain a light, fluffy texture.
  4. Checking Doneness: Use a toothpick, but also listen for a hollow sound when you tap the loaf. It’s done when it sounds empty.
  5. Flavor Enhancements: Consider adding a cup of mashed ripe bananas or canned pumpkin for a twist on flavor and added moisture.

Delicious Variations

  • Chocolate Chip Pecan Bread: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweet and rich twist.
  • Apple Cinnamon Pecan Bread: Fold in 1 cup of diced apples and increase the cinnamon for a seasonal flavor.
  • Maple Pecan Bread: Substitute half of the sugar with maple syrup for a deeper flavor and richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
    Yes! Walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes to give the bread a different flavor profile.

  2. Can I add other spices?
    Absolutely! Nutmeg or allspice can complement the cinnamon nicely.

  3. What can I serve with Alabama Pecan Bread?
    It pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a fruit preserve for a delightful snack.

  4. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
    Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend as a substitute in the recipe.

  5. How do I know when the bread is baked?
    A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when the bread is done.

Conclusion

Alabama Pecan Bread is a simple yet satisfying recipe that brings joy and warmth to any gathering. With every bite, you experience the delightful combination of sweet and nutty flavors that truly embody Southern baking traditions. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. So preheat that oven and get ready to savor this delightful treat!

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Alabama Pecan Bread


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  • Author: alicia
  • Total Time: 70 minutes
  • Yield: 8 slices 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful Southern bread with soft, buttery texture and nutty flavor of pecans, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, cream the softened butter with the eggs and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
  3. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk; mix until just combined.
  4. Fold in the chopped pecans gently. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. The top should be golden-brown.
  6. Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the batter. You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

More Recipes

Hi, I’m Sofia, the enthusiastic home chef behind ProDelish! I’m convinced that incredible food can be both simple and quick to prepare. At ProDelish, I share my beloved recipes that unite families at mealtime – from speedy dinner fixes to festive holiday delights. 

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