Golden, buttery, and bursting with the rich flavor of toasted pecans, this Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a Southern classic that brings warmth to any table. With a moist, tender crumb and a caramelized nutty crust, every bite is infused with the comforting sweetness of honey and brown sugar. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or a dessert alongside a cup of coffee, this homemade pecan bread is bound to become a family favorite.

The magic of this bread lies in its simplicity—no yeast, no complicated steps, just a mix-and-bake treat that delivers incredible flavor and texture. The pecans, slightly toasted, add a delightful crunch, while the honey and butter create a melt-in-your-mouth richness. Serve it warm with an extra drizzle of honey or a pat of butter for an indulgent experience.
Ingredients for Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. If desired, line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal. In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pecans for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then set them aside to cool.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth, then add the melted butter, honey, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined.
Step 4: Create the Batter
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense bread. The batter should be slightly thick but smooth.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle additional pecans on top for extra crunch. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle with additional honey before serving.
Storage Instructions
To keep your Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a longer shelf life, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to a week. For extended storage, freeze the bread by wrapping individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and aluminum foil—this will keep it fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Slice)
- Calories: 280
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Yes! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts can be used as a substitute for pecans. However, pecans provide the best buttery flavor and texture.
2. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
3. How do I make this bread even more moist?
Adding an extra tablespoon of honey or a splash of buttermilk can enhance moisture. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the bread.
4. Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit?
Yes! Chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even shredded coconut make great additions. Just be sure not to overload the batter.
5. What can I serve with this bread?
Enjoy it with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or even a smear of cream cheese for a richer taste. It also pairs well with coffee or tea.
6. Can I make this into muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes! Divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Do I need to toast the pecans before adding them to the batter?
Toasting enhances the nutty flavor, but it’s not required. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
8. Why did my bread turn out too dense?
Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can cause a dense texture. Be sure to mix gently and measure ingredients accurately.

Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
- Total Time: 1 minute
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices)
Description
Golden, buttery, and packed with crunchy pecans, this Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a must-try for anyone who loves homemade baked goods. The combination of sweet honey, rich butter, and nutty pecans creates a moist, tender loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even dessert. With a soft crumb and a beautifully caramelized crust, each bite melts in your mouth, leaving a warm, comforting flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, then add melted butter, honey, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Create the Batter – Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake the Bread – Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smooth the top, and sprinkle extra pecans on top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve – Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy with an extra drizzle of honey or butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods