Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

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If you love cozy, comforting flavors with a touch of Southern charm, this Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is the perfect treat. Bursting with warm cinnamon spice and crunchy toasted pecans, each slice is soft, moist, and irresistibly fragrant.

Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this loaf pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. A drizzle of simple vanilla or cinnamon glaze takes it over the top, creating a show-stopping treat for family gatherings, holidays, or gifting to friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Richly flavored: Cinnamon and pecans bring a classic Southern sweetness.

• Moist and tender: Melted butter and eggs create a soft, luxurious crumb.

• Easy to make: Minimal steps with ingredients you likely have on hand.

• Kid-approved: Sweet, nutty, and perfect for morning toast or a snack.

• Make-ahead friendly: Keeps well for a few days and tastes even better after a day.

• Customizable: Add spices or glaze to suit your taste.

Ingredient Breakdown

Butter: Provides richness, moisture, and a tender crumb.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps create a light texture.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and give structure to the loaf.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances all the warm flavors.
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the bread; holds the structure.
Ground Cinnamon: Delivers the signature sweet-spicy flavor.
Baking Powder: Helps the loaf rise for a fluffy texture.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Pecans: Toasted or raw, they add crunch and a nutty aroma.
Optional Spices (Nutmeg/Allspice): Introduce extra warmth and complexity.
Optional Glaze: Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla create a sweet finish for presentation and flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Toast your pecans: Enhances their flavor and crunch.

2. Do not overmix: Overmixing flour can make the loaf dense.

3. Check doneness carefully: Toothpick should come out clean with a few moist crumbs.

4. Use room-temperature eggs: Helps create a uniform, smooth batter.

5. Cool before glazing: Prevents glaze from soaking in too quickly.

Ingredient Swaps or Variations

• Nuts: Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.

• Spices: Add cardamom, ginger, or a pinch of clove for a unique twist.

• Sweeteners: Substitute half the sugar with brown sugar for deeper flavor.

• Glaze: Try a cream cheese glaze for a richer topping.

• Add-ins: Toss in chocolate chips or dried cranberries for extra texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm for breakfast with butter or cream cheese.

• Pair with coffee, chai, or hot cocoa for a cozy brunch.

• Slice thick and toast lightly, then spread with almond or peanut butter.

• Offer as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel.

Make Ahead + Storage Tips

Make Ahead: Batter can be prepared the night before; store in the fridge and bake fresh in the morning.
Storage: Keep cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.
Freezing: Wrap loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave or toaster oven for a few seconds to refresh texture.

Cultural or Historical Notes

Southern baking traditions often highlight nuts and warm spices, creating desserts with comforting textures and bold flavors. Pecans, native to the United States, are a classic Southern ingredient, lending both richness and history to this sweet bread.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use different nuts? Yes, walnuts or almonds are excellent alternatives.
Do I need to toast the pecans? Toasting enhances flavor but is optional.
What pan size works best? A 9×5-inch loaf pan yields a traditional loaf; 8×4-inch pans work for smaller gift loaves.
Can I skip the glaze? Absolutely—bread is delicious on its own.
How do I know when it’s done? A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Emily

Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

This sweet Southern-style pecan bread is moist, buttery, and warmly spiced with cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or gifting, it’s finished with an optional vanilla glaze or cinnamon sugar drizzle.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Bake Your Own Bread

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 360

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans (toasted if desired)
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg or allspice (optional)
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar (for glaze, optional)
• 1–2 tbsp milk (for glaze, optional)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze, optional)
• pinch cinnamon (optional for glaze)

Equipment

• 9x5-inch loaf pan or two 8x4 pans
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire rack

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan, or use two smaller 8x4 pans. Line with parchment if desired.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg (if using).
4. Add dry mixture to wet ingredients and stir just until combined. Fold in chopped pecans.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan(s). Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
6. Optional: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon (if using). Drizzle over cooled bread and let set before slicing.

Notes

For extra warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice. Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor. Store the bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze slices for longer storage. Glaze just before serving for the best texture.

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