Mouthwatering Alabama Pecanbread Recipe

Homestyle Alabama Pecanbread Recipe: Sweet Southern Magic

Sweet mornings call for something special, and this alabama pecanbread recipe delivers pure Southern comfort.

Nestled with rich, toasted pecans, the bread promises a delightful culinary experience.

Soft, moist crumbs blend perfectly with a nutty, caramelized flavor that melts in your mouth.

Every slice carries the warmth of traditional Southern baking techniques.

Layers of subtle sweetness dance alongside crunchy pecan pieces, creating a harmonious texture.

Each bite transports you to a cozy kitchen where generations of bakers have perfected their craft.

You’ll want to savor every delectable morsel of this irresistible Southern classic.

FAQs

  • Why are pecans important in Alabama Pecanbread?

Pecans are native to Alabama and add rich, buttery flavor and delightful crunch to the bread. They provide natural sweetness and nutritional value, making the bread uniquely Southern and deeply authentic.

  • Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?

Yes, buttermilk helps create a tender, moist texture and contributes to the bread’s soft crumb. If unavailable, you can substitute with sour cream or make a quick buttermilk by adding vinegar to regular milk.

  • How do I prevent my pecanbread from becoming dry?

Avoid overmixing the batter and be careful not to overbake. Check the bread early with a toothpick test and remove from the oven when it comes out clean. This ensures a moist, soft texture every time.

  • Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?

While pecans are traditional, you can experiment with walnuts or almonds. However, pecans provide the most authentic Alabama flavor and complement the bread’s sweetness perfectly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 335 kcal

Servings: 12

Pecanbread Ingredient Rundown

For Dry Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Foundational ingredient that provides structure and classic texture to the bread's crumb.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden-brown crust with delightful caramelization.
  • Baking Powder: Ensures light, airy rise and soft texture throughout the bread.
  • Baking Soda: Helps balance acidity and promotes even browning.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
For Moisture and Binding:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to rich, tender texture.
  • Buttermilk: Adds tangy flavor, helps activate baking soda, and creates tender crumb.
  • Melted Butter: Provides richness, moisture, and deep, nutty undertones.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic complexity to the bread's flavor profile.
For Crunch and Flavor:
  • Pecans: Brings signature Southern crunch, toasty nuttiness, and authentic Alabama character. Choose fresh, crisp pecans without any rancid smell, preferably from local sources for maximum flavor.

Tools for That Classic Alabama Bake

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry ingredients and mixing batter.
  • Separate medium bowl: Perfect for whisking wet ingredients before combining.
  • Whisk: Great for smoothly blending dry ingredients and beating eggs.
  • Spatula: Helps fold pecans into batter and smooth top of loaf.
  • 9×5-inch loaf pan: Provides the right shape and size for baking bread.
  • Toothpick: Crucial for checking bread's doneness.
  • Wire rack: Allows bread to cool evenly without getting soggy.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Bake a Golden Pecanbread That’s Moist

  • Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and prepare your loaf pan with a light greasing and flour dusting to ensure easy bread release.

  • Blend Dry Components

Grab a big mixing bowl and whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until perfectly combined.

  • Create Liquid

In another bowl, whisk eggs until smooth, then introduce melted butter, vanilla, and buttermilk. Stir until everything looks harmonious.

  • Merge Mixtures

Gently pour liquid ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring softly. Remember – less mixing means more tender bread!

  • Sprinkle Pecan Goodness

Tenderly fold chopped pecans into the batter, making sure they’re distributed evenly for maximum crunch in every slice.

  • Bake To Perfection

Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Slide into the oven and bake for about an hour, checking with a toothpick for doneness.

  • Cool And Enjoy

Allow bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Slice and savor – maybe with a schmear of butter for extra deliciousness!

Sweet Tips for That Nutty Southern Flavor

  • Toast pecans before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch.
  • Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months for easy storage and quick treats.
  • Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make this recipe celiac-friendly without losing texture.
  • Replace buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and use coconut oil instead of butter for a lactose-free version.
  • Sprinkle cinnamon or add orange zest to the batter for an extra layer of aromatic warmth and complexity.

Serve Slices at Breakfast or Dessert

  • Breakfast Bliss: Slice this pecan bread and pair it with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat.
  • Dessert Delight: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for an indulgent after-dinner dessert.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Create a beautiful breakfast spread by cutting the bread into bite-sized pieces and arranging on a platter with fresh berries and whipped cream.
  • Gift-Worthy Goodness: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift that's sure to impress friends and family.

Store in the Fridge or Wrapped on the Counter

  • Let the pecan bread cool completely at room temperature for about 1-2 hours before wrapping. This prevents condensation that could make the bread soggy.
  • Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a sealed container. Keeps fresh at room temperature for 3-4 days without losing moisture.
  • Slice the bread before freezing for easier thawing. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Stays delicious for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
  • Quickly revive cold slices by warming them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toasting lightly. Brings back the fresh-baked softness and enhances the pecan's nutty flavor.
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Mouthwatering Alabama Pecanbread Recipe

Mouthwatering Alabama Pecanbread Recipe


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4.7 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Classic Alabama pecanbread showcases Southern comfort with rich, nutty flavors from local pecans. Moist crumb and warm spices create a delightful treat you’ll savor down to the last crumb.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
  • 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat Preparation: Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
  2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl until completely smooth and uniform.
  3. Liquid Component Blending: Combine eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and buttermilk in a separate vessel, whisking until the mixture achieves a silky consistency.
  4. Batter Formation: Gently fold the liquid ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring minimally to maintain the bread’s tender structure and prevent potential toughness.
  5. Pecan Integration: Fold chopped pecans throughout the batter, ensuring an even distribution for consistent nutty flavor in every slice.
  6. Baking Process: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, leveling the surface, and bake for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
  7. Cooling and Serving: Rest the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve as is or with a light spread of butter or cream cheese for added richness.

Notes

  • Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold wet and dry ingredients to maintain a tender, light crumb and avoid tough, dense bread.
  • Pecan Distribution: Coat chopped pecans lightly in flour before adding to batter to prevent sinking and ensure even spread throughout the loaf.
  • Moisture Mastery: Use room temperature buttermilk and eggs to create smoother batter and more consistent baking results.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Test bread with a toothpick inserted near the center; if it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is perfectly baked.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 45 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 186 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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