Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Rich, nutty, and irresistibly moist—Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is one of those Southern classics that feels like a warm hug in every bite. It’s not quite a cake, not quite a bread, but something perfectly in between. Packed with pecans and kissed with buttery sweetness, it’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations and continues to win hearts at family gatherings and holiday tables.

Behind the Recipe

The first time I had Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread was at a church potluck, served on a simple paper plate. It wasn’t fancy, but oh, was it unforgettable. The buttery crumb and crunchy pecans left me going back for seconds—and maybe even thirds. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t need frills because the flavor speaks for itself.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Pecan bread has deep roots in Southern baking, where pecans are plentiful and often find their way into pies, cakes, and breads. Alabama, in particular, is known for its rich pecan harvests, and this bread has become a staple dessert across the state. Think of it as pecan pie meets buttery pound cake—easy, rustic, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:

Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you likely already have.
Quick to Prepare: Stir, bake, and enjoy—no complicated steps.
Perfectly Sweet: Sweet but not overwhelming, with caramelized pecans in every bite.
Versatile: Serve as dessert, a snack, or even a sweet breakfast.
Crowd-Pleaser: Always one of the first dishes to disappear at potlucks.
Freezer-Friendly: Keeps beautifully for future indulgence.

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Toast pecans lightly before folding them into the batter for deeper flavor.
2. Don’t overmix the batter—stir just until combined for a tender crumb.
3. Line your pan with parchment for easy removal.
4. Test with a toothpick—it should come out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs.
5. Serve warm for the ultimate gooey, nutty experience.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk and Spatula
• 9×13-Inch Baking Pan (or loaf pans if preferred)
• Parchment Paper
• Cooling Rack

Ingredients in Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

1. All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups – Base for structure.
2. Granulated Sugar: 2 cups – Sweetness and texture.
3. Brown Sugar: ½ cup – Adds caramel-like depth.
4. Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons – Helps bread rise.
5. Salt: ½ teaspoon – Balances sweetness.
6. Eggs: 4 large – For richness and binding.
7. Vegetable Oil: 1 cup – Keeps the bread moist.
8. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Adds warmth.
9. Pecans: 2 cups (chopped) – The star of the recipe, adding crunch and nutty flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Vegetable Oil: Use melted butter for extra richness.
• Pecans: Walnuts or almonds work, but pecans keep it authentically Southern.
• Sugar: Reduce slightly if you prefer less sweetness.
• Flour: Try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for GF diets.

Ingredient Spotlight

Pecans: Native to the Southern U.S., pecans bring a buttery, earthy flavor that makes this bread shine. Toasting them enhances their nuttiness and aroma.

Instructions for Making Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, and vanilla.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until combined. Fold in chopped pecans.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Cool slightly before slicing into squares or bars.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Enjoy warm with a pat of butter, or serve at room temperature with coffee or tea.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This bread is moist and tender, almost cake-like, with a crunchy pecan bite in every mouthful. The combination of white and brown sugar gives it a caramelized sweetness that pairs beautifully with the nutty richness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Sprinkle extra pecans on top before baking for a decorative crunch.
• Add a dusting of powdered sugar before serving for a bakery look.
• Serve with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

What to Avoid

• Don’t overbake—this bread should be moist, not dry.
• Avoid chopping pecans too finely—you want chunks for texture.
• Don’t skip the brown sugar—it adds depth to the sweetness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 16 squares
Calories per serving: 280

Note: Approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the fridge for 5 days, or frozen for 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil or store in an airtight container.

How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Serve with coffee for breakfast, slice into bars for a sweet snack, or top with whipped cream for dessert. It’s also delicious served warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Pecan Bread Pudding: Use leftover squares in bread pudding.
• Ice Cream Sundae Base: Crumble over vanilla ice cream.
• French Toast Bake: Layer slices with custard and bake.

Additional Tips

• Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice kick.
• Fold in chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
• Serve as mini loaves wrapped in parchment for gifting.

Make It a Showstopper

Bake in a loaf pan and drizzle with a simple glaze, then top with whole pecans for a bakery-worthy presentation.

Variations to Try

• Glazed Pecan Bread: Add a powdered sugar glaze for sweetness.
• Chocolate Pecan Bread: Stir in cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
• Maple Pecan Bread: Replace some sugar with maple syrup.
• Mini Pecan Loaves: Bake in mini pans for individual gifts.
• Spiced Pecan Bread: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use frozen pecans?

A1: Yes, just thaw and toast lightly before using.

Q2: Can I make this in a loaf pan?

A2: Absolutely—bake 50–55 minutes instead of 35.

Q3: Can I reduce the sugar?

A3: Yes, but flavor and texture may be slightly different.

Q4: Is this bread like cake?

A4: It’s in between—a sweet, moist bread with cake-like texture.

Q5: Can I freeze it?

A5: Yes, freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.

Q6: Do I have to toast pecans first?

A6: It’s optional, but it deepens their flavor.

Q7: Can I add spices?

A7: Yes, cinnamon and nutmeg pair beautifully.

Q8: Can I make it gluten-free?

A8: Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Q9: Can I use less oil?

A9: Swap part of the oil for applesauce, but texture will be lighter.

Q10: How should I serve it?

A10: Warm with butter, room temp with coffee, or dressed up with glaze.

Conclusion

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is everything Southern baking should be—simple, comforting, and unforgettable. With its tender crumb, caramelized sweetness, and crunchy pecans, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for family gatherings, holidays, or just an afternoon treat. Bake it once, and it’s sure to become a tradition in your kitchen too.

Watch How To Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread