Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is more than just a dessert — it’s a nostalgic slice of Southern comfort. Packed with chopped pecans, warm cinnamon spice, and a moist, dense crumb, this bread is often passed down through generations as a cherished family recipe in Alabama and throughout the South. Despite the name “bread,” it closely resembles a decadent cake due to its sweet richness and soft texture.

Traditionally served during the holiday season, this pecan bread is versatile enough to enjoy year-round — as a breakfast treat, a mid-afternoon snack with coffee, or as a charming addition to a dessert spread. What sets it apart is the depth of flavor from toasted Alabama-grown pecans, the irresistible warmth of cinnamon, and the caramelized crust created from a perfectly balanced batter.

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing quick bread that brings rustic sweetness and soul-soothing satisfaction, this recipe is exactly what you need. Let’s dive into every detail so you can master this Southern classic in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for added depth)

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• ¼ cup buttermilk (or sour cream)

Add-ins:

• 1 ½ cups chopped pecans (preferably toasted Alabama pecans)

Optional Topping (for extra sweetness):

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 1 tbsp cinnamon sugar mixture

• ¼ cup chopped pecans

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan (or two 8×4 pans for smaller loaves). You can also use baking spray with flour for a non-stick finish.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans (Optional but Recommended)

In a dry skillet, toast the chopped pecans over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fragrant and slightly darker in color. This step enhances the flavor significantly. Let them cool before adding to the batter.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Add the oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Stir just until combined — do not overmix, as this can make the bread tough. The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy.

Step 6: Fold in the Pecans

Gently fold in the chopped, toasted pecans using a spatula. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter for consistent crunch in every bite.

Step 7: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan(s), spreading it evenly. If you’re using the topping, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar and chopped pecans on top, then drizzle with melted butter. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy and allows the crust to stay slightly crisp.

Variation

1. Glazed Pecan Bread – Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the cooled loaf for added sweetness.

2. Cranberry Pecan Bread – Add ½ cup dried cranberries for a tart contrast to the sweetness.

3. Chocolate Chip Version – Mix in ½ cup mini chocolate chips along with the pecans for a more indulgent treat.

4. Mini Loaves or Muffins – Use the same batter to make mini loaves or muffins. Adjust baking time to 25–30 minutes.

5. Brown Sugar Swap – Substitute half of the white sugar with brown sugar for a richer, molasses-like flavor.

Cooking Note

• Do not overmix the batter. Stir only until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing activates the gluten and leads to dense, rubbery bread.

• Toasted pecans enhance the flavor and add a nutty crunch — don’t skip this if you want the full experience.

• This bread stores well! Wrap tightly in foil or plastic and keep at room temperature for 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a pat of butter for breakfast.

• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea for an afternoon snack.

• Slice and toast it for a crunchy texture, then top with cream cheese or cinnamon honey butter.

• Present in a basket of mixed quick breads for holiday gatherings.

• Serve with vanilla ice cream and a caramel drizzle as a dessert.

Tips

• Use fresh, high-quality pecans for the best flavor. Stale nuts can ruin the taste.

• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute: add 1 tsp of lemon juice or vinegar to ¼ cup of milk and let sit for 5 minutes.

• Let the bread cool fully before slicing to avoid crumbling.

• For a richer texture, replace half the oil with sour cream or Greek yogurt.

• Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a deeper, more aromatic flavor profile.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

60 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour 15 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, assuming 12 slices)

• Calories: ~360 kcal

• Protein: ~5 grams

• Sodium: ~140 mg

(Note: Nutrition may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.)

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for proper structure.

Q2: What type of oil works best?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or even light olive oil work well. Avoid strongly flavored oils like coconut unless you’re seeking a twist in taste.

Q3: Can I reduce the sugar?

You can cut the sugar by ¼ cup if you prefer a less sweet loaf, but keep in mind the texture may be slightly different.

Q4: Why did my bread sink in the middle?

This usually happens if the bread was underbaked or the oven door was opened too soon. Make sure a toothpick comes out clean before removing it from the oven.

Q5: Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely! This bread tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store in an airtight container for best results.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a Southern gem that blends simplicity with soul-warming flavor. With its crisp edges, moist crumb, and nutty richness, this quick bread captures the essence of Southern baking. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday brunch, gifting it to a friend, or enjoying a quiet morning slice with coffee, it delivers consistent comfort and joy.

Its flexible recipe invites variation while preserving its classic character — making it a reliable staple in any baker’s repertoire. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.

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