If there’s one recipe that instantly reminds me of cozy family gatherings and the sweet, nutty aroma wafting through the kitchen, it’s this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. Now, I’ll be the first to say—the name is a little misleading. It’s not your typical loaf of bread. Nope! Think of it more like a rich, buttery dessert bar that’s chewy, sweet, and just overflowing with crunchy pecans. It’s got that perfect crust on the top with a gooey center that will have you going back for “just one more piece” every single time.
This recipe has been a hit at every potluck, holiday party, and even a few school bake sales. I stumbled across it years ago at a church gathering, where someone had brought a batch wrapped in wax paper and tied with twine. I took one bite and immediately knew I needed the recipe. Thankfully, Southern hospitality came through, and the baker happily shared it. Ever since, it’s been a must-make in my dessert rotation.
What I love most about Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is how easy it is to whip up. You don’t need a stand mixer or any fancy ingredients—just a bowl, a spoon, and about 10 minutes of prep time. It’s perfect for when you want something comforting and delicious without a lot of fuss.
So let’s get baking, shall we?
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
4 large eggs
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 ½ cups chopped pecans
STEP 1: PREP YOUR PAN AND PREHEAT
Before you even grab a mixing bowl, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is one of those recipes that comes together so quickly, you don’t want to be standing around waiting for the oven to heat later.
Next, grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish, or line it with parchment paper if you want super easy cleanup and removal. I personally love using parchment paper—it helps lift the bars right out with zero sticking.
STEP 2: MIX YOUR SUGARS AND OIL
In a large mixing bowl, combine your brown sugar, granulated sugar, and oil (or melted butter). Stir it all together until it’s nice and smooth. If you’re using melted butter, you’ll get a richer flavor that edges a little closer to caramel—so good.
Once that’s well combined, add your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You’ll start to see the batter get a little thicker and shinier with each egg you add.
STEP 3: ADD IN THE FLAVOR AND DRY INGREDIENTS
Now it’s time for the good stuff. Stir in the vanilla extract—this gives it that warm, bakery-style flavor.
Next, sprinkle in your flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix here—you want it to stay tender and soft, not tough or dense.
STEP 4: FOLD IN THE PECANS
The star of the show! Gently fold in your chopped pecans. I like mine pretty coarsely chopped because I love the crunch they give to each bite. If you want to get fancy, you can toast them in a dry pan for a few minutes first. It brings out a deeper nuttiness that’s totally worth the extra step if you have the time.
STEP 5: SPREAD THE BATTER AND BAKE
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. It won’t be runny—it’s more like a thick blondie batter, so you may need to nudge it into the corners with a spatula.
Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread: How to Serve and Store This Southern Classic
Alright, so your kitchen smells absolutely amazing right now, right? That buttery-sweet aroma with a hint of toasted pecan is pure Southern comfort. While the bread (okay, dessert bars!) are baking and getting that perfect golden top, let’s talk about how to serve them up, store them for later, and a few fun twists to make this recipe your own.
I’ve made this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread dozens of times, and every single batch turns out beautifully golden on top, rich and chewy in the center, and packed with that pecan crunch. It’s one of those recipes that feels like you spent all day in the kitchen, even though it only took a few minutes to mix up. My kind of baking.
Let’s pick up right where we left off—your pan of deliciousness should be just about ready to come out of the oven.
STEP 6: COOL BEFORE SLICING
Once your pecan bread is done baking—about 30 to 35 minutes—go ahead and remove it from the oven. The top should be golden brown with slightly crisp edges, and if you insert a toothpick in the center, it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Now here’s the important part: let it cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. I know it’s tempting to dive right in (and trust me, I’ve rushed it before), but this resting time helps the texture firm up just enough to slice it into bars or squares without falling apart.
HOW TO SERVE SWEET ALABAMA PECAN BREAD
This dessert is amazing just as it is—sweet, buttery, nutty, and rich. But if you’re serving it up for guests or during the holidays, here are a few ways to elevate it even more:
Warm with vanilla ice cream: This combo is next-level. The cold creaminess of the ice cream with the warm, gooey pecan bread? Absolute heaven.
Drizzle with caramel sauce: Just a little drizzle adds that extra touch of indulgence, especially if you’re serving it for dessert after a holiday meal.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar: A simple dusting adds a pretty finish and a subtle sweetness to the top.
You can cut this into squares, bars, or even wedges if you want to serve it like cake. It’s rich, so smaller pieces go a long way (though don’t be surprised if people come back for seconds—or thirds).
STORING AND FREEZING TIPS
Another reason I adore this recipe: it stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread fresh:
Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavor actually deepens after a day, making leftovers extra delicious.
Freezer-friendly: Slice into bars, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature, or pop one in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat anytime.
RECIPE TIPS AND VARIATIONS
Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some easy ways to switch it up:
Toast the pecans first: This takes just a few extra minutes but adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, or until fragrant.
Swap the nuts: No pecans? Try chopped walnuts or even almonds for a different spin.
Add chocolate chips: Stir in ½ cup of semisweet or dark chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist. It’s a nice contrast with the sweet, buttery base.
Go full dessert mode: Top with a brown sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting if you’re looking for a full-on dessert bar experience. Over the top? Maybe. Worth it? Always.
This recipe is flexible enough to welcome little tweaks but solid enough that you can always count on it turning out right.
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread: FAQs and Final Thoughts
You’ve made it this far, and by now, I hope your kitchen is filled with the cozy, nutty scent of freshly baked Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. Whether this is your first time making it or you’re coming back to an old favorite, there’s something about this simple, Southern treat that just brings comfort and joy. Before we wrap up, let’s go over a few frequently asked questions to help you get the very best results every single time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Is this a bread or a dessert bar?
Despite the name, this is much more like a dessert bar than a traditional loaf of bread. It’s rich, buttery, and sweet—think blondie meets pecan pie. You slice it into bars or squares, not slices like a quick bread.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, the flavor gets even better the next day. You can make it a day or two ahead of serving, store it in an airtight container, and it’ll be just as delicious (if not more so) when you’re ready to enjoy it.
3. Can I use butter instead of oil?
Absolutely. Melted butter works beautifully in this recipe and adds a richer, slightly more decadent flavor. If you’re after that deep, buttery taste, it’s a great choice.
4. Do I need to toast the pecans first?
It’s totally optional. Toasting the pecans brings out a deeper flavor and makes them extra crunchy. I like to toast them when I have a few extra minutes, but if you’re short on time, raw pecans still taste fantastic.
5. Can I freeze the bars?
Yes! These freeze very well. Just let them cool completely, cut into bars, wrap individually, and store in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for a quick snack.
6. What’s the best way to serve it?
You can’t go wrong with a warm square straight from the pan, but I love it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat.
7. Can I cut this recipe in half?
Definitely. Just use an 8×8-inch baking dish and check for doneness a few minutes early. It’s a great option if you don’t need a full pan or just want a smaller batch.
A Sweet Southern Treat You’ll Want to Make Again and Again
There’s just something so special about a recipe that’s simple to make, comforting to eat, and guaranteed to bring a smile to every face at the table. That’s exactly what this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread delivers. It’s perfect for holidays, weekend baking, or those days when you’re craving something a little extra indulgent without a lot of effort.
It’s earned a permanent place in my recipe box—not just because it tastes amazing, but because it always brings back warm memories of family gatherings and community potlucks. It’s one of those humble, no-fuss recipes that people remember and ask for again and again.
So next time you’re in the mood to bake something sweet and satisfying, give this recipe a try. You’ll be surprised how quickly it disappears! And if you do try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment, share your twist, or let me know if you added a special touch of your own.
Until next time—happy baking, and enjoy every sweet, nutty bite!
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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Description
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is more of a rich, buttery dessert bar than a traditional bread. Loaded with chopped pecans and featuring a dense, caramel-like crumb, it’s an easy Southern treat that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or an indulgent snack with coffee.
Ingredients
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
4 large eggs
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 ½ cups chopped pecans
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3️⃣ Stir in the vanilla extract, then add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.
4️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
5️⃣ Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown and slightly crusty.
6️⃣ Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing into bars or squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
This dessert is chewy and sweet, with a texture similar to blondies or pecan pie bars. For added depth, toast the pecans beforehand. It stores well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days, and it also freezes beautifully. Serve it as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
