Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 45–55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 10–12 slices
Introduction
Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a beloved Southern staple — a dense, moist, buttery bread studded with toasted pecans and kissed with cinnamon warmth in every bite. It’s not overly sweet like cake, but just right for pairing with coffee, gifting to neighbors, or serving at a holiday brunch.
This quick bread is easy to make, deeply flavorful, and requires no yeast, meaning you can whip it up anytime you’re craving cozy, nutty comfort.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
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1 cup granulated sugar
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½ cup light brown sugar, packed
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¾ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
Add-ins:
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1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to toss pecans and prevent sinking)
Optional Glaze:
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp milk or cream
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½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Work
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan (or line with parchment paper).
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Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
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Flour
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Baking powder
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Baking soda
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Salt
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Cinnamon
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Nutmeg (if using)
Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
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Granulated sugar
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Brown sugar
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Oil
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Eggs
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Vanilla
Whisk until smooth and slightly fluffy. Add buttermilk and mix well.
Step 4: Combine and Fold
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Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet, stirring just until combined (do not overmix).
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Toss chopped pecans with 2 tbsp flour, then fold into the batter.
Step 5: Bake
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Pour the batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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If browning too quickly, tent with foil halfway through.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 6: Optional Glaze
While the bread cools, whisk together:
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Powdered sugar
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Milk or cream
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Vanilla
Drizzle over cooled bread before slicing.
Nutrition Information (Per Slice, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
Nutritional values will vary based on exact ingredients used.
Storage Tips
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days
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Refrigerator: Lasts up to 1 week when chilled
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Freezer: Freeze whole loaf or slices for up to 3 months. Wrap well in plastic and foil.
Tips for Success
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Don’t overmix the batter — stir just until ingredients are incorporated.
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Toast the pecans for the best flavor and crunch.
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Use fresh spices — cinnamon loses potency over time.
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Substitute oil with melted butter for richer flavor if desired.
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Add a pinch of cloves or ginger for a deeper spice profile.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with butter or cinnamon honey
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Pair with coffee or sweet tea for a Southern-style breakfast
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Slice and top with vanilla ice cream for dessert
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Wrap in parchment and ribbon for holiday or hostess gifts
Variations
| Variation | What to Add or Change |
|---|---|
| Chocolate Chip Pecan Bread | Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips |
| Spiced Autumn Loaf | Add ¼ tsp ground cloves & ginger |
| Cinnamon Swirl Bread | Layer batter with cinnamon-sugar mix |
| Gluten-Free Version | Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend |
| Maple Pecan Bread | Replace half the sugar with maple syrup |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Southern charm in every bite
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Simple ingredients, no mixer needed
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Moist, buttery texture with warm spice
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Perfect make-ahead treat
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Great for holidays, gifting, or freezing
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a recipe passed down through generations of Southern kitchens — warm, inviting, and full of heart. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned home chef, this loaf delivers consistent flavor and old-fashioned charm with every slice.