ADVERTISEMENT
If you’re looking for a bread recipe that makes your kitchen smell incredible and tastes even better, this is it. Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is rich, buttery, and loaded with chopped pecans in every single bite.
ADVERTISEMENT
This isn’t your typical quick bread. It’s sweet enough for dessert but perfect with morning coffee too. Plus, it makes two loaves, so you can keep one and give the other away.
Trust me, whoever gets that second loaf will be asking for the recipe.
What Makes This Pecan Bread Different?
Most quick breads are either too dense or too sweet. This one hits that perfect balance with a tender, moist crumb that’s not overpowering.
The combination of vanilla and almond extract gives it a signature flavor that makes people stop and ask what’s different about it. The almond extract adds this subtle nuttiness that makes the pecans really shine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry right now. No special trips to the store for weird stuff you’ll never use again.
The recipe makes two loaves, which is perfect for freezing one or giving it away as a gift. And let’s be honest, homemade bread always makes you look like you’ve got your life together.
Recipe Tips for Success
Make sure your butter is properly softened. Not melted, not cold and hard, but that perfect room temperature where you can press your finger into it easily. This usually takes about an hour on the counter.
Don’t skip the almond extract even if you’re not sure about it. It’s not overpowering at all, just perfectly balanced with the vanilla.
When you’re mixing the wet and dry ingredients together, be gentle. Overmixing makes bread tough, so mix just until everything comes together.
ADVERTISEMENT
What You’ll Need
1 cup unsalted butter, softened 2 cups granulated sugar 4 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon almond extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup buttermilk 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted, if desired)
Fresh pecans work best, but any good quality pecans will do. Chop them into pea-sized pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the bread.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Everything
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is completely mixed in before adding the next. Then add both extracts and mix until combined.
ADVERTISEMENT
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
Step 6: Add Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
Step 7: Bake
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared loaf pans. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Cool
Let the bread cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations to Try
Once you master the basic recipe, there are lots of ways to make it your own.
Try different nuts like walnuts or even a mix of pecans and walnuts. You could add a handful of mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries.
Want more almond flavor? Add a quarter teaspoon more almond extract, but don’t go overboard.
Some people like adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm spice note.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is delicious on its own with a pat of butter. It makes an excellent breakfast bread with your morning coffee.
Try it toasted for an extra treat. You can even turn slices into French toast for a special weekend breakfast.
It’s also perfect for afternoon tea or as a dessert with some whipped cream.
Storage and Freezing
This bread keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to four days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container.
For longer storage, you can freeze whole loaves wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature.
Individual slices freeze great too. Wrap them separately and you can pull out just what you need.
Can I Make Substitutions?
No Buttermilk?
Make your own by adding a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Different Pan Sizes?
You can use one large loaf pan, but you’ll need to increase the baking time by about 15-20 minutes. Keep checking with a toothpick.
Want to Toast the Pecans?
Spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for about 5-8 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool before adding to the batter.
Using Salted Butter?
Reduce the salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon to balance it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does My Bread Crack on Top?
That’s totally normal and actually a good sign that your bread rose properly in the oven. It doesn’t affect the taste at all.
Can I Double This Recipe?
Absolutely! You’ll have four loaves, which is perfect for gift-giving or stocking your freezer.
What If I Don’t Have Almond Extract?
You can use all vanilla, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. The almond extract really makes this recipe special.
How Do I Know the Butter is Ready?
Room temperature butter should give slightly when you press it with your finger, but not be melty or greasy.
This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is one of those recipes that becomes a family favorite fast. It’s reliable, delicious, and makes your house smell amazing while it bakes.
