Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread:
The South’s Most Beloved Dessert
If you’ve never tasted Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread, get ready to fall in love.
This classic Southern recipe is everything you want in a dessert — buttery, nutty, sweet, and perfectly moist. It’s not quite a bread, not quite a cake — more like a glorious cross between a blondie and a pecan pie bar. Every bite bursts with caramelized brown sugar and toasted pecans, giving it that signature Southern flavor.
This simple yet irresistible treat is perfect for potlucks, holidays, family reunions, or just when you need something homemade and comforting. Serve it as dessert, enjoy it with your morning coffee, or sneak a piece late at night (no judgment here!).
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for this old-fashioned pecan favorite:
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark brown sugar both work — dark gives a deeper caramel flavor)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for extra richness)
- 2 cups chopped pecans (toasted for maximum flavor)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan generously with butter or nonstick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal later.
2. Mix the wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
You can use a hand whisk or an electric mixer on low speed. The mixture should be thick and glossy.
3. Combine the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined — do not overmix. The batter will be dense and sticky, which is exactly what you want.
4. Add the pecans
Fold in the chopped pecans using a spatula or wooden spoon.
Make sure the pecans are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
If you’d like to enhance their flavor, toast them in a dry skillet for about 5 minutes over medium heat before adding — it deepens that warm, nutty aroma.
5. Pour and bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).
The top should have a beautiful, shiny crust — kind of like the top of a brownie — with a chewy texture underneath.
6. Cool before slicing
Let the pecan bread cool in the pan for at least 15–20 minutes before cutting into squares or bars.
It will firm up as it cools, making it easier to slice into neat pieces.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Warm with butter: Spread a pat of butter on a warm square and watch it melt into pure heaven.
- With ice cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- For breakfast: It pairs beautifully with coffee or sweet tea — Southern comfort at its best.
- Drizzled with glaze: For a bakery-style touch, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze or caramel sauce.
Optional Add-Ins & Variations
Want to make this recipe your own? Try these delicious twists:
- Chocolate Chip Pecan Bread: Stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a hint of chocolatey sweetness.
- Coconut Pecan Bread: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut for extra texture and tropical flavor.
- Spiced Pecan Bread: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to give it cozy fall vibes.
- Butter Pecan Glaze: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter with ½ cup powdered sugar and 1–2 tablespoons milk. Whisk and drizzle over the cooled bread.
- Maple Pecan Bread: Substitute ½ cup of the sugar with maple syrup for a rich, earthy sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
- Use fresh pecans: Old or stale pecans can make your bread taste bitter. Store them in the freezer for the freshest flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Stir only until combined — overmixing makes the bread dense.
- Check doneness early: Depending on your oven, it might bake faster or slower. Start checking at 25 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Cool before slicing: It’s tempting to cut it while hot, but it’s easier to cut neat squares once it cools slightly.
- Store properly: Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple ingredients – You probably have everything in your pantry already.
Easy to make – No mixer or fancy steps, just good old-fashioned stirring and baking.
Rich flavor – Sweet brown sugar, buttery pecans, and a caramel-like crumb.
Versatile – Serve it as breakfast, dessert, or a holiday treat.
Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for sharing at gatherings or gifting during the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes, absolutely! Walnuts work perfectly in this recipe. It’ll change the flavor slightly but still be delicious.
Can I make this in mini loaves or muffin tins?
Yes! You can bake it in mini loaf pans or muffin tins — just reduce the baking time to 20–25 minutes and check for doneness.
What if I don’t have buttermilk or baking soda like other recipes call for?
This version uses baking powder only, but if you’d like an even lighter texture, you can replace ¼ cup of oil with ¼ cup buttermilk and add ¼ teaspoon baking soda.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store tightly covered to keep it moist.
Perfect Pairings
- Morning coffee: A slice of this pecan bread with a cup of strong black coffee is Southern heaven.
- Sweet tea or iced latte: The rich sweetness balances beautifully with something refreshing.
- After-dinner dessert: Add a dollop of whipped cream or caramel drizzle for an elegant finish.
Gift Idea
Wrap slices of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread in parchment and tie them with twine — they make perfect homemade gifts for holidays, neighbors, or teachers. You can even bake them in small disposable foil pans for easy sharing.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread captures everything we love about Southern baking — warmth, sweetness, and simplicity. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your guests ask for seconds (and the recipe!).
Whether you serve it at brunch, bring it to a family gathering, or save it all for yourself (no shame), this dessert is bound to become a favorite in your home too.