Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! There’s something truly special about Southern baking—it’s all about comfort, rich flavors, and a touch of sweet indulgence. Today, I’m bringing you a recipe that embodies all of that: my Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. This isn’t just a quick bread; it’s a moist, tender, nutty loaf infused with the sweet warmth of honey butter, and it’s an absolute taste of pure Southern hospitality.

Why I Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about a bread that’s practically a dessert, bursting with flavor and comforting warmth? I am completely smitten with this Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread because it elevates a simple loaf into something truly extraordinary. The combination of sweet, crunchy pecans with the delicate sweetness of honey and the richness of butter makes every slice an experience. It fills your home with the most incredible aroma as it bakes, promising deliciousness to come. It’s perfect for breakfast, a delightful coffee break snack, or even a simple yet elegant dessert. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to showcase the wonderful flavors of pecans, a true Southern staple.

The Sweet Tradition of Southern Quick Breads

Southern cuisine has a long and storied tradition of quick breads, which are typically made without yeast and rely on leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda. These breads, often enriched with buttermilk, butter, and local ingredients, are cherished for their moist texture and comforting flavors. Pecans, being abundant in the Southern United States, naturally found their way into many baked goods, adding a distinct nutty flavor and delightful crunch.

The addition of honey butter, whether infused into the batter or drizzled as a glaze, is a classic Southern touch, enhancing sweetness and moisture. This “Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread” is a testament to that heritage—a homestyle recipe that combines simple pantry staples with the rich bounty of the South to create a truly irresistible, soul-satisfying treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bake this glorious Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread:

For the Pecan Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1 cup chopped pecans, plus more for garnish

For the Honey Butter Glaze:

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream

Swaps and Notes

• Pecans: Chopped pecans are essential for this recipe. Toasting them lightly before adding them to the batter can enhance their nutty flavor even more!
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness to the bread, reacting with the baking soda for a good rise. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute: add 1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then fill the rest of the cup with regular milk until it reaches 1/2 cup. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
• Butter: Ensure the butter for the bread is softened to room temperature for proper creaming.
• Nutmeg: A touch of nutmeg complements the pecans beautifully. You could also add a pinch of cinnamon.
• Honey: Use good quality honey for the best flavor in the glaze.
• Glaze Consistency: Adjust the milk or cream in the glaze gradually until you reach your desired drizzly consistency. You want it pourable but not too thin.
• Other Nuts (Optional): While pecans are traditional, walnuts could be a substitute if needed, though the flavor profile will differ.

Steps for the Recipe

Let’s bake this delightful Southern treat!

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined after each addition. Do not overmix.
6. Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans until just evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour and Bake: Pour the bread batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly.
8. Bake: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
9. Cool Slightly: Let the bread cool in the loaf pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes.
10. Make the Honey Butter Glaze: While the bread is cooling slightly, in a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, and sifted powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream until you reach a smooth, drizzly consistency.
11. Glaze and Cool Completely: While the bread is still warm in the pan, pour about half of the honey butter glaze evenly over the top. Let it absorb for a few minutes. Carefully lift the bread out of the pan and transfer it to the wire rack. Drizzle the remaining glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Garnish with a few extra chopped pecans if desired. Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving for the best texture.

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps them combine smoothly and contributes to a tender crumb.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter will develop gluten, leading to a tough, dry bread. Mix until just combined. A few small lumps are okay.
• Cool Before Slicing: Although it’s tempting, letting the bread cool completely allows it to set properly, preventing it from crumbling when sliced.
• Toast Pecans (Optional): For an even nuttier flavor, lightly toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or in the oven for 5-7 minutes, before adding them to the batter. Let them cool before adding.
• Generous Glaze: Don’t be shy with the honey butter glaze! It truly makes this bread shine.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is perfect for so many occasions:

• Breakfast or Brunch: Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or tea.
• Afternoon Treat: A wonderful pick-me-up with a glass of milk or a latte.
• Dessert: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet elegant dessert.
• Holiday Side: Makes a lovely addition to any holiday table.
• Beverage Pairings: A hot cup of coffee, a comforting tea, or even a glass of iced tea are perfect companions.

Storage and Leftover Tips

This bread stays wonderfully moist, making it great for storing:

• Room Temperature: Store cooled Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing: This bread freezes beautifully! Once completely cool, wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature, or gently reheat slices in the microwave or toaster oven for a warm treat.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this sweet, comforting Southern treat, you might also like these other delightful baked goods and desserts:

• For another fantastic way to use up ripe bananas, don’t miss my This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas.
• If you love warm, spiced treats perfect for the cooler months, my These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins Are My Favorite Fall Treat to Bake on Repeat are a must-try.
• For another classic Southern dessert perfect for feeding a crowd, check out This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd.
• If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent treats, you’ll love These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
• And for a classic and utterly delicious baked good, my recipe for The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (and I’ve Made a Lot) is a definite winner.

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Final Thoughts

This Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is more than just a quick bread; it’s a slice of pure Southern comfort and hospitality. Its tender crumb, crunchy pecans, and sweet honey butter glaze make it truly irresistible. It’s a wonderful way to bring warmth and deliciousness into your home.

I hope you give this delightful recipe a try and enjoy it as much as I do! Let me know in the comments below if this becomes a new favorite in your household, or what your go-to Southern-inspired treats are. I always love hearing from you! Happy baking!