Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

Dreamy Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

Memories of my grandmother’s kitchen always spark joy when I think about buttermilk sweet alabama pecan bread recipe that filled our home with incredible aromas.

Southern baking traditions run deep in my family’s culinary history.

Soft, tender crumbs punctuated with crunchy pecans make this bread something special.

Warm slices paired with morning coffee create pure comfort.

Nutty hints of toasted pecans complement the tangy buttermilk perfectly.

Every bite tells a story of heritage and love.

Bake this bread and reconnect with classic Southern warmth that will make your heart sing.

Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread That Brings the Warmth

  • Quick Southern Comfort: Easily whip up this delightful pecan bread with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
  • Speedy Baking Delight: Prepare the entire recipe in just 45 minutes, from mixing to serving, perfect for spontaneous baking cravings.
  • Family-Friendly Treat: Crowd-pleasing recipe that appeals to all ages, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend breakfasts.
  • Versatile Snacking Option: Enjoy as a sweet breakfast bread, afternoon snack, or light dessert that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.

Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread – Ingredient Set

Wet Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender texture with caramel-like notes.
  • Eggs: Adds structure and richness to the bread.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and creates a soft crumb.
  • Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps activate the leavening process.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Self-Rising Flour: Provides the base and helps the bread rise with its built-in leavening.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warm aromatic flavor.
  • Pecans: Introduces nutty crunch and traditional Southern texture, best when freshly chopped and toasted for maximum flavor.

Baking Buttermilk Alabama Pecan Bread from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of butter or nonstick spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a roomy mixing bowl, combine:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Beaten eggs
  • Vegetable oil
  • Buttermilk

Whisk these ingredients until they create a smooth, silky mixture that looks absolutely dreamy.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Elements

Slowly introduce self-rising flour and a pinch of salt into the wet mixture.

Stir gently, being careful not to overmix.

You want the batter to be just combined, keeping it light and tender.

Step 4: Add Nutty Goodness

Pour in vanilla extract for an extra flavor punch.

Tenderly fold in chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

These little nuggets will bring a delightful crunch to every bite.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few delicate crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread rest in the baking dish for about 15 minutes.

This allows it to set and makes slicing a breeze.

Cut into generous squares and serve warm for a truly Southern comfort experience.

Classic Quick Breads: Southern Pecan Edition Know-How

  • Use standard measuring cups and spoons for accurate flour, sugar, and pecan quantities to ensure perfect bread texture.
  • Bring eggs and buttermilk to room temperature before mixing to create smoother, more evenly blended batter.
  • Stir dry ingredients just until combined to prevent tough, dense bread and maintain a tender crumb.
  • Lightly toast pecans before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the bread's taste.
  • Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture.

Keep Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Fresh

  • Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • Slice bread into individual portions, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months for long-term storage.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes until slightly warm.
  • Remove frozen slices from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or gently warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Drink Pairings for Alabama Pecan Bread

  • Pair Smooth Bourbon with Southern Comfort: Alabama Pecan Bread finds its perfect match in a glass of smooth, caramel-rich bourbon like Woodford Reserve, highlighting the nutty pecan flavors and complementing the bread's sweet profile.
  • Create Creamy Coffee Companions: Serve warm slices alongside a rich, creamy café latte or cappuccino, allowing the coffee's robust notes to enhance the bread's delicate sweetness and pecan crunch.
  • Drizzle Maple Butter Bliss: Top each slice with a homemade maple butter by mixing softened butter with pure maple syrup, creating a luxurious spread that intensifies the bread's Southern charm and nutty undertones.
  • Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream next to the pecan bread, letting the cold, creamy dessert contrast beautifully with the warm, textured bread and provide a delightful temperature contrast.

Alabama Pecan Bread Mix-In Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Pecan Bread: Replace self-rising flour with a gluten-free blend and add 1 teaspoon baking powder to maintain rise and texture.
  • Vegan Pecan Delight: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, use almond milk instead of buttermilk, and choose vegetable oil alternatives like coconut oil.
  • Low-Sugar Pecan Bread: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and incorporate whole wheat flour for added nutrition and lower glycemic impact.
  • Nut-Free Alternative: Substitute pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, maintaining the bread's original crunchy texture.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients that make this bread unique?

Buttermilk provides tanginess and tenderness, while pecans add a rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture. The combination of self-rising flour and both granulated and brown sugar creates a moist, sweet Southern-style bread.

  • Can I substitute the buttermilk if I don't have it?

Yes, you can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using, which will create a similar acidic profile and texture.

  • How do I know when the bread is perfectly baked?

Use the toothpick test – insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done. The top should be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.

  • Are pecans necessary for this recipe?

While pecans are traditional and add wonderful flavor, you can substitute with walnuts or omit nuts entirely if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free version. The bread will still be delicious.

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Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread whispers Southern comfort with its rich, moist crumb and nutty charm. Buttery pecans and buttermilk create a delightful harmony that transports you straight to a charming kitchen porch.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups pecans, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated and brown sugars with eggs until the mixture becomes silky and homogeneous.
  3. Incorporate vegetable oil and buttermilk into the sugar-egg blend, stirring until the liquid components integrate seamlessly.
  4. Sift the self-rising flour and salt into the wet mixture, gently folding with a spatula to create a uniform batter without overmixing.
  5. Introduce fragrant vanilla extract and delicately fold in the roughly chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  6. Transfer the pecan-studded mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
  7. Position the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), allowing the bread to bake for approximately 30-35 minutes until a testing skewer emerges nearly clean.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the bread rest within the baking dish for 15 minutes, allowing it to set and cool slightly before slicing.
  9. Slice into generous portions and serve, enjoying the rich, nutty flavor of this Southern-inspired sweet bread.

Notes

  • Ensure buttermilk is at room temperature for smoother batter consistency and better ingredient integration.
  • Toast pecans lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch to the bread.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute self-rising flour with a gluten-free blend and add 1½ teaspoons baking powder plus ½ teaspoon salt.
  • Reduce sugar by ¼ cup and add mashed ripe bananas for a healthier, naturally sweeter alternative without compromising texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 305
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 105 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 63 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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