Name: Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489194H35M2S
Total time: PT-489194H35M2S
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: Eggs; Sugar; Brown sugar; Vegetable oil; All-purpose flour; Baking powder; Salt; Chopped pecans; Vanilla extract

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a Southern classic that delivers a rich, buttery flavor and a soft, moist texture packed with toasted pecans. It’s more of a dessert-style bread, almost like a blondie, with a golden crust and nutty sweetness that makes it irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple this recipe is—it comes together quickly without any fancy ingredients, yet the flavor is anything but basic. The toasted pecans bring a rich nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the soft, sugary batter. It’s the kind of treat I like to bring to family gatherings or give as a holiday gift, and it always gets rave reviews.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Eggs
Sugar
Brown sugar
Vegetable oil
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Chopped pecans
Vanilla extract

directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, I beat the eggs until foamy.
I add the sugar and brown sugar, then mix in the oil and vanilla extract until everything is smooth.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
Then, I fold in the chopped pecans.
I pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
I let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 12–16 bars, depending on how big I cut them. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 30–35 minutes to bake.

Variations

I sometimes add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice twist. If I want a richer flavor, I swap out half the oil for melted butter. Toasting the pecans beforehand also deepens their flavor—just a quick 5–7 minutes in the oven at 350°F does the trick. For a holiday version, I’ve even stirred in a handful of dried cranberries.

storage/reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for about a week. To freeze, I wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag—they last up to 3 months. When I’m ready to enjoy them again, I thaw at room temp or warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

FAQs

What’s the texture of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread like?

It’s dense and moist, more like a blondie than a traditional bread. The outside gets a nice golden crust while the inside stays soft.

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Yes, I’ve swapped pecans for walnuts and it works fine, though I prefer the sweeter, buttery flavor of pecans.

Do I need to toast the pecans first?

It’s not required, but I like to toast them—it brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?

I’ve used a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend before and it worked well, though the texture was slightly more crumbly.

Is it too sweet for breakfast?

It is sweet, but I’ve enjoyed a small piece with coffee in the morning. It’s more of a dessert or snack, though.

Conclusion

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a comforting Southern dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to love. The crunchy pecans, soft interior, and rich flavor make it a go-to recipe whenever I want something sweet, simple, and satisfying. Whether I’m sharing it or keeping it all to myself, it never lasts long.