Easy Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread: The Best Southern Pecan Bread Recipe

 The Best Southern Pecan Bread Recipe

This sweet pecan bread is a beloved Southern classic – more like a tender, rich loaf cake than a traditional yeast bread. Packed with toasted pecans and a hint of vanilla, it’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon coffee break.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• 2 large eggs

• ¾ cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup pecans, chopped (plus a few extra halves for topping)

For the Sweet Glaze (optional but recommended):

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk or cream

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan generously with butter or nonstick spray.

2. Toast the pecans (optional but flavorful)
Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5–7 minutes until fragrant. Let cool slightly.

3. Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

4. Mix wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

5. Combine
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined – a few lumps are fine. Do not overmix. Fold in the toasted pecans.

6. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Arrange a few pecan halves on top if desired. Bake for 45–55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

7. Cool
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Glaze (optional)
While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.

Serving & Storage

Serve slices warm or at room temperature. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Enjoy a true taste of the South – sweet, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious!