If you’ve been on the hunt for a show-stopping, soul-warming treat to brighten your day, look no further than Honey Butter Pecanbread. This crowd-pleasing delight is ultra-moist, studded with crunchy pecans, and crowned with a golden buttery hug. Sweet honey and brown sugar work their magic for a flavor that’s rich without being heavy, and a slice of this is just as perfect for a festive brunch as it is for a lazy Sunday breakfast.

Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about Honey Butter Pecanbread is that every ingredient has a starring role—and they’re probably already waiting in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few friendly tips to make every bite unforgettable.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans infuse every slice with crunch and a nutty warmth that makes this bread irresistible.
- Self-rising flour: This clever flour brings all the lift you’ll need, so your pecanbread bakes up fluffy every time.
- Granulated sugar: For a light sweetness that balances the earthiness of pecans and spices.
- Light brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a caramel undertone that pairs beautifully with honey and butter.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread incredibly moist and tender, even days after baking.
- Large eggs: The glue that binds the batter, giving it that soft, cakey texture we all crave.
- Honey: For a mellow, floral sweetness that’s the hallmark of Honey Butter Pecanbread.
- Unsalted butter: Melted in so it disperses its buttery magic into every nook and cranny.
- Vanilla extract: A dash brings out the richness and coziness of the other flavors.
- Salt: A little bit balances the sweetness and wakes everything up.
How to Make Honey Butter Pecanbread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for action. Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a thorough grease with butter or nonstick spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper. This little move guarantees easy removal and virtually eliminates stuck-on slices.
Step 2: Whisk the Sugars, Eggs, and Oil
In a large mixing bowl, combine your granulated sugar and brown sugar. Whisk them until they’re happily blended. Crack in the eggs, pour in that glossy vegetable oil, and whisk again. The result should be a smooth, thick mixture—almost like caramel pudding!
Step 3: Fold in Flour and Salt
Now, sift in the self-rising flour and sprinkle in the salt. Grab a spatula and use gentle folding strokes to mix. The trick here is not to overmix; you want the batter just combined to keep your pecanbread tender.
Step 4: Bring in the Butter, Honey, and Vanilla
Pour in the melted butter, drizzle in the honey, and add the vanilla extract. Stir until the liquids disappear into the batter, leaving it silky and fragrant. The unmistakable scent of Honey Butter Pecanbread is already building!
Step 5: Add Pecans and Bake
Fold in those generous chopped pecans until they’re dotted throughout the batter. Pour the whole lovely lot into your prepared dish, gently smoothing the top. Into the oven it goes for 30 to 35 minutes, until the surface is golden and a toothpick poked in the center emerges with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Savor
Patience is rewarded: let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes. This resting time helps it firm up, so when you slice, you get those perfectly neat pieces (plus, your kitchen will smell heavenly). Enjoy while still warm for the ultimate cozy treat.
How to Serve Honey Butter Pecanbread

Garnishes
Sometimes it’s the little touches that make a good treat truly great. Sprinkle each slice with a handful of extra toasted pecans, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a swirl of honey butter for a touch of decadence. If you’re feeling fancy, a little drizzle of maple syrup can take your Honey Butter Pecanbread over the top.
Side Dishes
Honey Butter Pecanbread is delightful all on its own, but it also plays well with others. Serve it alongside a bowl of fresh berries and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a light brunch plate. Or, for an indulgent breakfast spread, pair it with crispy bacon or a creamy scramble—both bring out the nutty, buttery notes perfectly!
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the classic slice! Make a Honey Butter Pecanbread trifle with whipped cream and layers of fruit, or cube the bread and toast it for sweet croutons in a fall salad. You can even wrap up loaves as thoughtful homemade gifts—just tie with a ribbon and attach the recipe for extra love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Butter Pecanbread keeps beautifully. Simply cover the pan tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and tender at room temperature for up to three days—though it’s so irresistible, I doubt it’ll last that long!
Freezing
Want to stash some for later? Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and then foil, then freeze for up to two months. When the urge for a honey-kissed treat strikes, just thaw at room temp or warm gently before serving.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, pop a slice of pecanbread in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. That gentle heat revives the butter and honey aroma, making every bite taste like it was just baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute walnuts for pecans in Honey Butter Pecanbread?
Absolutely! Walnuts will bring a slightly different flavor, but they’ll blend beautifully with the honey and butter notes. Still, pecans give the most classic Southern vibe.
My bread turned out dense. What went wrong?
Dense pecanbread often happens if the batter is overmixed or if your flour isn’t fresh. Be sure to fold the flour in gently and use self-rising flour within its shelf life for the fluffiest crumb.
Is it possible to make Honey Butter Pecanbread gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the self-rising flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and add 1.5 teaspoons each of baking powder and baking soda. The texture will be a little different but still deeply satisfying!
Can I cut back on the sugar for a less sweet bread?
You can reduce the granulated sugar by up to 1/3 cup if you prefer a less sweet slice. The brown sugar and honey add moisture, so your bread will still be perfectly tender and flavorful.
What’s the best way to toast pecans for extra flavor?
Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 6-8 minutes until fragrant, stirring halfway through. Let them cool before stirring into your batter for a deeper, roastier taste.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic breakfast treat or a dazzling addition to your brunch table, Honey Butter Pecanbread delivers every time. There’s just something soulful about the way the honey, butter, and pecans meld together—it’s a slice of pure comfort. Give this recipe a try and see how quickly it disappears! Happy baking!
PrintHoney Butter Pecanbread Recipe
A soft, moist pecan bread sweetened with honey and brown sugar, topped with buttery richness and packed with crunchy pecans. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 9×13-inch loaf
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the bread:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk granulated and brown sugars. Add eggs, oil, then sift in flour and salt. Mix gently. Add melted butter, honey, vanilla, and pecans.
- Bake: Pour batter into dish, bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing for neat pieces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg