There are few things more comforting than the smell of cinnamon and pecans baking in the oven. This cinnamon sweet Alabama pecan bread is a rich, tender loaf with layers of warm spice, sweet brown sugar, and crunchy pecans swirled throughout. It is the kind of bread that feels just right for cozy mornings, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want a homemade treat to share with family and friends.
The bread combines simple pantry ingredients with the natural sweetness of brown sugar and the nutty crunch of pecans. The cinnamon sugar ribbon running through the middle creates a beautiful swirl and ensures that every slice has a sweet, flavorful surprise. It is just as delicious served plain as it is with a spread of butter or cream cheese, and it makes a wonderful gift during the holiday season.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup brown sugar
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, making sure the corners are well coated.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
In another bowl, combine the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the chopped pecans, reserving a small handful to sprinkle on top of the loaf.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the brown sugar and some of the reserved pecans over the batter.
Pour the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the rest of the brown sugar and pecans evenly across the surface.
Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together, creating a marbled effect.
Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Ideas
This bread is delicious served warm with a pat of butter, which melts into the cinnamon-sugar swirls and makes each bite extra indulgent. For a sweeter option, drizzle slices with honey or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal breakfast or afternoon snack.
During the holidays, serve thick slices alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a festive brunch spread. You can also toast slices lightly and enjoy them with cream cheese for a tangy contrast to the sweet cinnamon sugar.
Tips and Tricks
Always use fresh pecans for the best flavor and crunch. Toasting the pecans lightly before folding them into the batter can enhance their nutty flavor.
When swirling the batter with brown sugar, use gentle motions with a knife to create a marbled effect without fully blending the layers. This creates a beautiful ribbon of cinnamon sugar that runs through the bread.
If you want an even richer flavor, substitute half of the melted butter with vegetable oil. This adds extra moisture while keeping the bread tender.
Variations
This bread can be customized to suit your taste. Add raisins, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a different twist. A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the batter will give the loaf a warm, spiced flavor.
For a festive holiday version, drizzle the cooled bread with a cream cheese glaze and sprinkle with crushed pecans. You can also bake the batter in mini loaf pans for gifting—perfect for wrapping up and sharing with friends, neighbors, or coworkers.
Storage
Cinnamon sweet Alabama pecan bread keeps well at room temperature for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to one week. To maintain freshness, warm slices briefly in the microwave before serving.
The bread also freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon sweet Alabama pecan bread is a wonderful recipe to keep on hand whenever you want to bake something cozy and satisfying. With its tender crumb, crunchy pecans, and sweet cinnamon swirl, it is the kind of bread that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, it’s a versatile loaf that works just as well for everyday enjoyment as it does for special occasions. Whether you make it for your family or to share with friends, this pecan bread is sure to become a favorite tradition in your kitchen.