Irresistible Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread (5-Step Recipe)

If there’s one recipe that makes me feel like I’ve been transported straight to a rocking chair on a wraparound porch in Montgomery, it’s Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. The name alone feels like a warm drawl, and let me tell you—this bread delivers every bit of that Southern charm.

Now, I’ve had my fair share of quick breads (banana bread, I’m looking at you), but there’s something about the nutty crunch of toasted pecans mingling with cinnamon sugar that hits different. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and dangerously easy to whip up. Honestly, you can pull this together on a Tuesday night after work and still have enough energy left to binge an episode (or three) of your favorite Netflix show.

But here’s the kicker: this bread isn’t just delicious. It’s versatile. Make it for brunch, slice it for lunchboxes, or dress it up as a thoughtful homemade gift. And unlike fussy cakes that demand layers and frostings, this loaf is pure simplicity. One bowl, a whisk, and a loaf pan—that’s your ticket to bliss.

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Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

• Comfort Food Vibes: Sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced.
• Southern Charm in Every Bite: Pecans + cinnamon = a flavor hug.
• No Mixer Required: Your whisk is the only tool you need.
• Freezer-Friendly: Bake now, enjoy later.
• Perfectly Shareable: One loaf easily feeds a crowd (if you’re generous).

Want to see how this compares to other classic bakes? Check out my Best Ever Moist Banana Bread for another tried-and-true loaf that never fails.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• 1 ½ cups chopped pecans (lightly toasted for best flavor)

Optional Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare Pan
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan (or two smaller pans). Lining with parchment paper makes life easier.
2. Mix the Batter
   • Whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth and glossy.
   • Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
   • Add dry mixture to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Stir just until combined.
   • Fold in pecans gently.
3. Bake
   • Pour batter into prepared pan(s).
   • Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar topping, if using.
   • Bake for 55–65 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
   • Cool in pan 10–15 minutes, then move to wire rack.

PIN IT OR SAVE IT

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Melania’s Tips for Perfect Pecan Bread

• Toast your pecans first—it makes them extra buttery and aromatic. (Southern Living swears by this trick, and they’re right!)
• Don’t overmix—overworking the batter makes dense bread.
• Tent with foil halfway if the top browns too quickly.

👉 Want another cinnamon-kissed recipe? Try my Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Rolls for the ultimate brunch treat.

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Bake It With the Littles

This is a kid-friendly project because:

• Cinnamon sugar sprinkling feels like magic dust.
• Folding pecans doubles as sneaky math practice (“how many cups?”).
• Bonus: the smell alone makes kids proud of their creation.

Pro tip: Turn this into mini loaves or muffins—perfect for small hands and lunchboxes.

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Meal-Prep Magic

• Freezer-Friendly: Wrap cooled loaf in plastic + foil. Freeze up to 3 months.
• Slice Before Freezing: Makes grab-and-go snacks easy.
• On the Counter: Keeps 3–4 days in a wrapped loaf.

According to Allrecipes’ freezer baking guide, wrapping tightly in two layers prevents freezer burn.

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Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

• Sub half whole-wheat flour for extra fiber.
• Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
• Try coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic sweetener.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk if that’s what you have.

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Leftover Remix

Not that you’ll have leftovers, but just in case…

• Breakfast Toast: Warm a slice, spread cream cheese.
• Bread Pudding: Cube it up, soak in custard, and bake.
• Parfaits: Layer cubes with yogurt and berries.

Bon Appétit suggests using leftover quick bread in trifles, and honestly, I’m here for it.

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Gift It Like a Pro

• Wrap cooled loaf in parchment and tie with twine.
• Add a cinnamon stick or sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.
• Perfect for neighbors, teachers, or friends who need a sweet surprise.

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FAQs

Can I make this into muffins?
Yes! Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

Do I need buttermilk?
Not strictly. Make your own: 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar.

Can I swap the pecans for walnuts?
Sure—but let’s be real, pecans are Alabama’s pride.

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Final Thought

This Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is comfort food at its finest: simple ingredients, big flavor, and enough Southern soul to make you want to share—though I won’t blame you if you don’t. Whether you bake it for family, friends, or just your own quiet coffee break, this loaf is a keeper. Bake it once, and I promise you’ll be hooked.

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