Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecanbread

ByAnna

The first bite of Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecanbread is like tasting the heart of Southern hospitality — sweet, nutty, buttery, and full of warmth. The golden crumb melts in your mouth, while toasted pecans add just the right amount of crunch. Drizzled with honey butter, it’s a slice of pure comfort that feels both indulgent and homey. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or an afternoon treat, this pecanbread is truly irresistible.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe carries with it the spirit of Alabama kitchens, where pecans are celebrated and sweet breads are staples on family tables. My grandmother used to whip this up for Sunday suppers, and I’ll never forget the smell of honey butter wafting through the house. Adding that silky honey drizzle was her signature touch, and now it’s become mine too. Each loaf feels like a piece of family tradition baked with love.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Pecans are native to the southern United States and have been cherished in Southern baking for centuries. Alabama, known for its pecan orchards, proudly embraces pecan recipes as part of its culinary heritage. Sweet breads like this pecanbread bridge the gap between cake and bread, making them versatile for both breakfast and dessert. Adding honey butter makes it distinctly Southern — rich, generous, and deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecanbread

This pecanbread isn’t just a treat — it’s a memory in the making.

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry ingredients.
Quick and Easy: No yeast or complicated steps required.
Customizable: Add spices, fruit, or glaze to switch it up.
Crowd-Pleasing: Sweet, nutty, and loved by all ages.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake a day ahead and let flavors deepen.
Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as good toasted the next day.

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Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecanbread

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10 slices 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecanbread is a moist, buttery loaf packed with toasted pecans and drizzled with honey butter for a true Southern-inspired treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 4 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Honey
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup Chopped Pecans, toasted
  • 1/3 cup Milk
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons Honey (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.
  3. In another bowl, beat butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in honey and vanilla.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until combined.
  5. Fold in toasted pecans and pour batter into the loaf pan. Smooth the top.
  6. Bake 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  7. Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons honey to make honey butter glaze.
  8. Brush warm loaf with honey butter glaze for shine and sweetness.
  9. Cool before slicing and serve with extra honey butter if desired.

Notes

  • Toast pecans before adding to enhance nutty flavor.
  • Do not overmix to keep the crumb tender.
  • Brush honey butter on while warm for a glossy finish.
  • Freezes well when wrapped in slices.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: pecanbread, honey butter pecan loaf, Alabama sweet bread, Southern dessert, nut bread recipe

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

A few tricks will take this pecanbread from good to unforgettable.

  • Toast the pecans lightly: Enhances their nutty flavor.
  • Don’t overmix the batter: Keeps the bread tender and moist.
  • Use room temperature butter and eggs: Creates a smooth, fluffy batter.
  • Line the pan: Parchment makes for easy removal.
  • Brush with honey butter: Right out of the oven for an extra glossy finish.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need much — just your baking basics.

Mixing Bowls: For wet and dry ingredients.
Whisk & Spatula: To combine ingredients smoothly.
Hand or Stand Mixer: For creaming butter and sugar.
Loaf Pan (9×5-inch): Perfect size for even baking.
Pastry Brush: To glaze with honey butter.

ding">Ingredients in Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecanbread

Each ingredient adds to the loaf’s nutty, buttery magic.

  1. All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups (provides structure).
  2. Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon (helps the bread rise).
  3. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (balances sweetness).
  4. Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup, softened (rich base for flavor and texture).
  5. Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened (adds tang and moisture).
  6. Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (sweetens the loaf).
  7. Honey: 1/4 cup (gives floral sweetness and Southern flair).
  8. Eggs: 2 large (bind the batter).
  9. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (adds warmth).
  10. Chopped Pecans: 1 cup, toasted (nutty crunch throughout).
  11. Milk: 1/3 cup (keeps crumb moist).
  12. Honey Butter (for glazing): 2 tablespoons butter melted with 2 tablespoons honey.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re short on something, here’s how to adapt.

All-Purpose Flour: Use gluten-free flour blend.
Granulated Sugar: Substitute with brown sugar or coconut sugar.
Butter: Use margarine or coconut oil.
Milk: Any plant-based milk works.
Pecans: Walnuts or almonds make fine swaps.

Ingredient Spotlight

Pecans: These Southern gems bring natural sweetness, crunch, and a rich nuttiness that defines this loaf.

Honey

g>: Adds moisture, floral sweetness, and creates the glossy honey butter glaze.

Instructions for Making Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecanbread

Here’s the step-by-step path to pecan perfection.

  1. Preheat Your Equipment:
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. Combine Ingredients:
    In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in honey and vanilla.
  3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until combined.
  4. Assemble the Dish:
    Fold in toasted pecans gently. Pour batter into the loaf pan, smoothing the top.
  5. Cook to Perfection:
    Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Finishing Touches:
    While still warm, brush the top with honey butter for shine and sweetness.
  7. Serve and Enjoy:
    Slice and serve warm or at room temperature, with extra honey butter on the side.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This bread has the best of both worlds — a soft, moist crumb from the cream cheese and butter, plus the satisfying crunch of pecans. Honey adds a floral sweetness that lingers on the palate, while the honey butter glaze gives each slice a glossy, indulgent finish.

ding">Cooking Tips & Tricks
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon for cozy warmth.
  • Double the recipe and bake in two pans for gifting.
  • Sprinkle extra pecans on top before baking for crunch.
  • Serve slightly warmed for the best flavor.

What to Avoid

  • Don’t skip toasting pecans — raw nuts taste flat.
  • Avoid overbaking — it will dry out the loaf.
  • Don’t cut while hot — let it rest for clean slices.
  • Don’t overmix — keeps the crumb soft.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10 slices
Calories per serving: 310

Note: These are

approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Bake the loaf a day ahead for even deeper flavor. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate up to a week. Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 3 months. Warm in the toaster or oven before serving.

How to Serve Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecanbread

Serve slices with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon. It also pairs beautifully with whipped cream, fruit preserves, or vanilla ice cream for dessert. For brunch, offer it alongside fresh fruit and savory egg dishes.

ding">Creative Leftover Transformations
  • Pecanbread French Toast: Dip slices in egg mixture and fry golden.
  • Bread Pudding: Cube and bake with custard for indulgence.
  • Crumble Topping: Crumble over yogurt or parfaits.
  • Toasted Snack: Toast and drizzle with extra honey butter.

Additional Tips

  • Always measure flour correctly — spoon and level.
  • For extra indulgence, swirl cinnamon honey into the batter.
  • Serve with warm honey butter on the side for dipping.

Make It a Showstopper

Top the loaf with whole pecans arranged decoratively before baking. Brush with honey butter for a shiny finish, and dust lightly with powdered sugar for presentation.