Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread with Buttery Caramelized Crunch

If you have a box of yellow cake mix sitting in your pantry, let me tell you — you’re closer to something special than you think. This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a Southern-style loaf that comes together in minutes but tastes like you spent all afternoon baking.

It’s tender thanks to buttermilk, rich from brown sugar, and loaded with pecans that toast into a golden, caramelized topping as it bakes. This is the kind of bread my nonna would’ve wrapped in foil and sent home with you “just in case you get hungry later.” If you love easy, comforting bakes like this, be sure to subscribe by email so you never miss a recipe from my kitchen to yours.

Overview of Recipe Content

What Is Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread?

This is a quick bread made with yellow cake mix for ease, but elevated with buttermilk, eggs, brown sugar, and pecans for a rich, homemade texture. It’s somewhere between cake and bread — soft, moist, and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 10 minutes of prep
• Ultra-tender crumb with buttery flavor
• Caramelized pecan topping
• Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or gifting

What Does It Taste Like?

Sweet, nutty, and warmly buttery, with a soft interior and a lightly crisp, sugary pecan top. Every slice feels indulgent without being overly sweet.

Ingredients

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For the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

• 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) yellow cake mix
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Tools Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or spatula
• Measuring cups
• Cooling rack

Substitutions & Additions

• Swap pecans for walnuts
• Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sprinkle cinnamon for warmth
• Drizzle with vanilla glaze after baking

How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

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Step 1: Prep the Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan well.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together cake mix, eggs, oil, and buttermilk until smooth.

Step 3: Add Brown Sugar

Stir in brown sugar until fully incorporated — this creates that rich caramel flavor.

Step 4: Add Pecans

Fold in chopped pecans, reserving a small handful for the top if desired.

Step 5: Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle extra pecans on top. Bake 45–50 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool

Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

What to Serve with Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

• Hot coffee or sweet tea
• Fresh berries
• Whipped butter
• Vanilla ice cream for dessert

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Use room-temperature eggs
• Don’t overmix the batter
• Tent loosely with foil if browning too fast
• Let loaf cool before slicing for clean cuts

Storage Instructions

• Store covered at room temperature for 2 days
• Refrigerate up to 5 days
• Freeze slices up to 2 months

General Information

Southern quick breads like this are all about ease and generosity. Using cake mix was never about cutting corners — it was about getting something delicious on the table without fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, buttermilk gives the best tenderness and flavor.

Can I make this in mini loaves?

Absolutely — bake 25–30 minutes.

Does it taste like cake mix?

No — the add-ins transform it completely.

Can I glaze it?

Yes! A simple powdered sugar glaze is lovely.

Conclusion

This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is easy, rich, and irresistibly Southern — the kind of recipe you’ll bake once and then keep on repeat. If you love quick breads, try these next:

• Butter Pecan Pound Cake
  https://poulef.com/butter-pecan-pound-cake/
• Southern Banana Bread
  https://poulef.com/southern-banana-bread/
• Cream Cheese Loaf Cake
  https://poulef.com/cream-cheese-loaf-cake/
• Brown Sugar Bread
  https://poulef.com/brown-sugar-bread/
• Pecan Coffee Cake
  https://poulef.com/pecan-coffee-cake/

Interactive Elements

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Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	360
Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	3g
Carbs	46g
Sugar	28g
Protein	5g
Sodium	320mg

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