Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease one 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl add the first 10 ingredients, beat for 3 minutes.
Pour into prepared loaf pan. Smooth top.
Combine 3 tablespoons white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and butter, mixing until crumbly.
Sprinkle topping over smoothed batter. Using a knife, cut in a light swirling motion to give a marbled effect. (sprinkle top with 1/4 cup pecans.)
I usually double the cinnamon mixture.
Bake for about 50 minutes. Test with toothpick. When inserted it should come out clean. Remove bread from pan to rack to cool.
You can glaze with a simple confectioners' sugar, cream, and vanilla mixture. I don't always...(optional)
It's also great with the addition of plumped-up raisins. (optional)