There’s something special about a warm, homemade slice of Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with the rich aroma of roasted pecans and buttery sweetness, making it nearly impossible to wait for it to cool before sneaking a bite! This classic Southern treat is incredibly moist, perfectly sweet, and loaded with crunchy pecans, making it a must-try for anyone who loves a good old-fashioned quick bread.
If you’re a fan of easy, no-fuss baking, this recipe is for you! Be sure to subscribe to my email list so you never miss out on a delicious new recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
This isn’t your average sweet bread—it’s rich, nutty, and irresistibly soft with just the right balance of sweetness. The buttermilk makes the bread extra moist, while the toasted pecans add a delightful crunch in every bite. Here’s why this recipe is a keeper
- No yeast required! It’s a quick bread, meaning no rising time—just mix and bake
- Rich and buttery flavor with a caramel-like sweetness from brown sugar
- Super easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for any occasion—serve it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert
- Freezes beautifully for make-ahead convenience
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make this pecan bread again and again
What Does Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Taste Like
Imagine a cross between a soft, moist pound cake and a nutty, caramelized coffee cake—that’s the magic of this pecan bread! The buttermilk gives it a slight tang that balances out the sweetness, while the brown sugar and pecans create a deep, buttery richness. Every bite is warm, nutty, and completely satisfying
Health Benefits of Pecans in Baking
Aside from their incredible taste, pecans pack a nutritional punch! Here’s why they’re a fantastic addition to this bread
- Rich in healthy fats that support heart health
- Loaded with antioxidants to help fight inflammation
- A good source of fiber, keeping you full and satisfied
- Naturally low in carbs, making this a great option for balanced eating
Now that we’ve covered why you need this in your life, let’s get baking
Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread, you’ll need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups pecans, chopped
Optional Add-ins & Substitutions
- Chocolate chips – For a sweeter, dessert-like twist
- Cinnamon or nutmeg – Adds a warm, spiced flavor
- Dried fruit – Try chopped dates or raisins for extra texture
- Gluten-free flour – Swap for a 1:1 gluten-free blend if needed
- No buttermilk? Make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
- Cooling rack
How to Make Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

1. Prep the oven and pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper
2. Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined
3. Combine wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth
4. Bring it all together
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the bread soft and tender
5. Fold in the pecans
Gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter
6. Bake to perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean
7. Cool and enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy
What to Serve with Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
This bread is incredible on its own, but here are a few ways to enjoy it even more
- With a spread of butter or honey for extra richness
- Toasted with cream cheese for a delicious breakfast
- As a side for brunch with fresh fruit and coffee
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert
Tips for the Best Pecan Bread
- Use fresh pecans for the best flavor. If they’ve been sitting in your pantry for a while, toast them lightly to bring out their natural oils
- Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the bread soft and tender
- Check for doneness with a toothpick to avoid underbaking
- Let it cool before slicing—it helps the flavors settle and prevents crumbling
How to Store & Freeze Pecan Bread
- At room temperature Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- In the fridge Keeps fresh for up to a week when wrapped tightly
- In the freezer Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying
Frequently Asked Questions Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
You can, but the buttermilk adds extra moisture and a slight tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk
Can I make this into muffins?
Absolutely! Pour the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes
What’s the best way to toast pecans?
To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant
Can I use a different nut?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds make a great alternative, though pecans give it that classic Southern flavor
Final Thoughts Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
If you’re looking for a simple, cozy, and absolutely delicious homemade treat, this Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is the answer! It’s easy to make, packed with nutty goodness, and perfect for sharing with family and friends
Try it out and let me know what you think! Leave a review, snap a photo, and share it on Pinterest here—I’d love to see your creations
And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out these other comforting bakes
Now, go preheat that oven and let’s bake some magic 🍞✨
Print
Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a rich, moist, and buttery Southern treat loaded with toasted pecans. It has the perfect balance of sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor from brown sugar, and the buttermilk keeps it incredibly soft. This easy no-yeast quick bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. Serve it warm with butter, honey, or a cup of coffee for pure comfort in every bite!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the bread soft and tender.
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans before folding them into the batter.
- No buttermilk? Make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Freezes well! Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 55
- Category: Bread, Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Keywords: pecan bread, buttermilk bread, sweet pecan bread, Southern pecan bread, quick bread, easy sweet bread, Alabama pecan bread, no-yeast bread, moist pecan loaf, brown sugar pecan bread
1 thought on “5-Star Irresistible Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe (Easy & Moist!)”