Can I use salted butter?

Yes just reduce added salt slightly.

How do I know when it’s done?

Toothpick should come out clean or with moist crumbs.

It was either overmixed or overbaked. Use fresh buttermilk for moisture.

Yes bake 18–22 minutes at 350°F.

Totally it’s a very easy pecan loaf with no special equipment.

Scale

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk (or yogurt or milk + vinegar)

1½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped pecans

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk melted butter with both sugars until smooth.

3. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.

4. Mix in buttermilk gently.

5. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

6. Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined.

7. Stir in chopped pecans evenly.

8. Pour batter into loaf pan and smooth the top.

9. Bake 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

10. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes before adding to boost flavor.

For a deeper flavor, substitute brown butter instead of regular melted butter.

To make muffins: bake in greased muffin tin for 18–22 minutes.

Add chocolate chips, spices, or maple syrup for extra twists.

Serve warm with honey butter or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.