A Southern Classic with a Crackly Sugar Crown
There’s a quiet kind of magic that happens in Southern kitchens when flour, sugar, and pecans come together. This isn’t just bread—it’s comfort you can slice. Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is buttery-rich, gently spiced, and steeped in tradition. It’s the kind of loaf you spot at church potlucks, wrapped in wax paper on a neighbor’s counter, or cooling on your grandmother’s rack while the house fills with warmth.
Dense yet tender, generously studded with toasted pecans, and finished with a crackly cinnamon-sugar top, this bread lives somewhere between cake and quick bread. It’s humble, celebratory, and endlessly welcoming—perfect with morning coffee, afternoon tea, or as the crown jewel of a holiday bread basket.
Ingredients
Simple, soulful, and pecan-forward—just the way it should be.
For the Bread
- 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk
- 1½ cups (150 g) pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped
(Reserve ½ cup for topping)
For the Crackly Sugar Topping
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
No mixer required—just bowls, a spoon, and a little Southern patience.
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
This step is non-negotiable. Toasting unlocks deep, buttery flavor.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 6–8 minutes, until fragrant. Let cool completely, then chop.
Step 2: Prep the Pan & Dry Ingredients
Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the sugar and eggs until smooth and slightly pale. Add the oil and vanilla, whisking until fully combined.
Step 4: Combine (Gently!)
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk in two additions. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
Stir just until combined—no more. Fold in 1 cup of the toasted pecans, saving the rest for the top.
Step 5: Top & Bake
Pour the thick batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
Mix the sugar and cinnamon for the topping and sprinkle evenly over the batter. Scatter the reserved ½ cup pecans over the top, pressing them in gently.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool (This Matters!)
Let the bread cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
This loaf slices best once fully cooled—cutting too soon can cause crumbling.
Baker’s Wisdom for the Best Loaf
- No buttermilk?
Add 1½ teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar to a measuring cup, fill to ½ cup with milk, stir, and rest 5 minutes. - Toast your nuts. Always.
It transforms pecans from good to unforgettable. - Don’t overmix.
Stop stirring the moment the flour disappears—overmixing toughens the crumb. - Watch the top.
If it browns too fast, tent loosely with foil during the last 15–20 minutes.
How to Serve It
- Classic: Thick slice with softened salted butter
- Elevated: Toasted with cream cheese or apple butter
- Dessert-worthy: Warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Giftable: Wrapped in parchment and tied with twine—pure Southern hospitality
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes, though pecans deliver the most authentic Southern flavor. Toast walnuts for best results.
Can I add fruit?
Absolutely. Fold in ½ cup mashed banana or well-drained crushed pineapple for a lovely variation.
How do I store it?
Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is the definition of heartfelt baking. It asks for little, gives generously, and fills your kitchen with an aroma that feels like home. It’s a recipe meant to be shared, wrapped, gifted, and enjoyed slowly—one buttery, nutty, cinnamon-kissed slice at a time.
