If you daydream about sticky-sweet Southern treats, you’re about to fall head over heels for Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. Imagine a moist, golden loaf stuffed with buttery pecans and a hint of coconut, all crowned with a decadent honey butter glaze that soaks into every crumb. This showstopper isn’t just a dessert; it’s a hug from the South—warm, generous, and completely irresistible. Whether you’re baking it for a special brunch, gifting it to a lucky neighbor, or sneaking a slice with your afternoon coffee, this is one recipe every kitchen needs in its back pocket.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is gloriously straightforward, and every single ingredient plays a starring role in the taste, texture, or beautiful golden hue of the finished bread. It’s all about using good, simple staples to coax out that cozy, sweet, unmistakably Southern flavor.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans give the bread its signature crunch and toasty, nutty richness—try toasting them for a deeper flavor.
- Granulated sugar: This classic sweetener helps the bread bake up perfectly tender and balances the other flavors.
- Brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses depth and extra moisture, making every bite extra luscious.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps your bread super-moist and soft, even after several days—just what you want in a great snack cake.
- Eggs: Four large eggs bind everything together and contribute to a rich, springy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic note that really makes all the other flavors pop.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the bread while keeping the crumb tender and light.
- Baking powder: The secret to a beautifully risen, fluffy loaf—don’t skip it!
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet and nutty notes—just a touch makes a big difference.
- Sweetened shredded coconut: Infuses the bread with irresistible tropical aroma and a little extra chew.
- Unsalted butter (for glaze): Melts to make a rich, glossy base for the honey butter topping.
- Honey (for glaze): Adds floral sweetness that’s pure Southern comfort.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Gives the glaze its silky, smooth drizzle and delicate sweetness.
How to Make Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C), then generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This keeps your Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread from sticking and helps get those lightly crisp edges that everyone loves.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your chopped pecans, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Give it all a thorough stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Smelling that vanilla already? That’s your kitchen’s “welcome home” moment!
Step 3: Sift and Add Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir this dry mix into your wet ingredients, folding gently just until everything is combined—overmixing is the enemy of tender bread!
Step 4: Fold in Shredded Coconut
Add that sweetened shredded coconut and gently work it into the batter. The coconut adds bits of chewy goodness and makes the texture out-of-this-world.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepped pan and move it to the oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Trust your nose—when you get hints of toasted pecans and sugar, it’s almost time.
Step 6: Make the Honey Butter Glaze
While the bread bakes, grab a small saucepan and melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the honey until it’s silky and blended, then whisk in the powdered sugar until you get a smooth, pourable glaze.
Step 7: Glaze and Cool
As soon as your bread comes out of the oven, pour that warm honey butter glaze straight over the top, letting it seep into all the nooks and crannies. Let your Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread cool slightly before slicing—if you can possibly wait that long!
How to Serve Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Garnishes
Dress up each slice with a scattering of toasted pecan halves, a sprinkle of flaked coconut, or an extra drizzle of warm honey for an especially indulgent treat. These finishing touches make each serving feel a little extra special.
Side Dishes
This bread absolutely shines alongside a hot mug of Southern coffee, cold milk, or a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. For brunch, pair it with fresh berries and a simple yogurt parfait for a sweet, satisfying spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread into neat bars and wrapping them as edible gifts, or serving mini slices at tea parties. You can even pile the cubes into a trifle dish with whipped cream and sliced bananas for a playful Southern dessert twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This bread is a dream for make-ahead planners. After baking, store any leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The honey butter glaze keeps everything wonderfully moist and flavorful.
Freezing
Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread freezes beautifully! Once cooled completely, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months without losing any magic—just thaw at room temperature when a craving strikes.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a toaster oven until just heated through. The glaze will melt slightly, making the bread even more irresistible!
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional for that authentic Southern flavor, you can swap in walnuts or even almonds. Just be sure to chop them roughly to keep the lovely texture.
How do I toast the pecans?
Toasting is simple—just spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and bake at 325°F for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they smell fragrant and look a shade darker.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for regular flour. The texture may change slightly but you’ll still get a wonderful, moist loaf.
Is Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread suitable for gifting?
It’s a fantastic gift! The loaf stays fresh for days, and the sweet glaze keeps it looking gorgeous. Wrap slices in parchment, tie with a ribbon, and watch friends and neighbors light up with delight.
What should I do if my glaze is too thick or too thin?
If your glaze seems too thick, gently warm it and whisk in a splash of milk or more honey until it’s pourable. If it’s too thin, sift in a little extra powdered sugar and whisk until it’s just right.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to invite Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread into your kitchen. Every bite is a celebration of Southern comfort, honey sweetness, and toasted pecan goodness. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll be dreaming up reasons to bake it again and again!
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Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, sweet flavors of Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread with this easy-to-follow recipe. This moist and decadent pecan bread is perfect for dessert or as a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
For the Honey Butter Glaze:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine pecans, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then fold in shredded coconut.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make the Glaze: Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in honey, then whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
- Glaze the Bread: Pour the warm glaze over the hot bread, spreading it evenly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- This bread stays moist for days and is perfect for gifting.
- You can toast the pecans beforehand for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
