Pro Tips & Substitutions
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Toast your pecans: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until fragrant, then cool.
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No buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar, let sit 5 mins.
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Make ahead: Flavors deepen beautifully if made a day in advance.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. Make the Swirl Filling
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Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
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Stir in melted butter until crumbly. Set aside.
3. Make the Batter
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Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 mins).
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Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
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Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
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Fold in toasted pecans.
4. Assemble the Loaf
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Pour half the batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle with half the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
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Add remaining batter, then top with remaining swirl.
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Gently swirl with a butter knife—don’t overmix.
5. Bake
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Bake 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean (a few crumbs are okay).
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Cool 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
6. Glaze & Serve
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Once cool, whisk glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over the loaf.
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Let set 10 minutes before slicing.
Serving & Storage
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Serve slightly warm or at room temperature—great with coffee, tea, or ice cream.
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Store covered at room temperature for 3–4 days, or refrigerate up to 1 week.
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Freeze unglazed for up to 3 months; glaze before serving.
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Gift idea: Wrap in parchment, tie with raffia, and label: “Alabama Sweet Pecan Bread—Made with Love.”
FAQs
Q: Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
A: Yes, though pecans are traditional. Walnuts work in a pinch.
Q: Why did my swirl sink?
A: Batter may have been too thin or swirl too heavy. Use gentle swirling and proper ratios.
Q: Is this bread gluten-free?
A: Not as written, but a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can work. Texture may be denser.
Q: Can I skip the glaze?
A: Absolutely! The loaf is sweet on its own, but glaze adds a lovely finishing touch.
A Slice of Alabama Anywhere
This sweet pecan bread isn’t just a dessert—it’s a warm, generous hug in loaf form. Whether shared with family, friends, or savored by yourself, it brings a taste of Southern hospitality straight to your kitchen.