Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread: A Southern Classic with Cozy Charm
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is the kind of recipe that feels like it’s been passed down through generations. Simple, rich, and deeply comforting, this Southern-style quick bread celebrates the natural sweetness and buttery crunch of pecans in a moist, cake-like loaf. It’s not quite dessert, not quite breakfast—but perfectly suited for both.
This beloved pecan bread is especially popular across the South, where pecans are a treasured ingredient and baking often leans toward humble, no-fuss recipes that deliver big flavor. There’s no yeast, no complicated steps, and no fancy equipment required—just a bowl, a spoon, and a love for classic comfort food.
Whether served warm with butter, enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee, or sliced for a holiday brunch table, Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a recipe that always feels right.
Why Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Is So Loved
What sets this pecan bread apart is its texture and balance. It’s tender and moist like a cake, yet sturdy enough to slice cleanly like a loaf. The sugar caramelizes slightly as it bakes, creating crisp edges and a soft center filled with toasted pecans.
This bread also improves with time. The flavors deepen after a day, making it ideal for baking ahead. It’s one of those recipes that tastes even better the next morning—if it lasts that long.
Ingredients
- Chopped pecans
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Stir in chopped pecans until evenly coated with flour mixture.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
- Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare loaf pan.
- Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugars.
- Stir in pecans.
- Whisk eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes until done.
Notes
Flavor and Texture Notes
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread has a rich, buttery flavor thanks to the pecans and oil-based batter. The crumb is moist without being dense, and each slice delivers a satisfying crunch from the nuts.
The combination of white and brown sugar adds depth—light sweetness from the granulated sugar and caramel notes from the brown sugar. Vanilla ties everything together with warmth.
Tips for Perfect Pecan Bread
- Toast pecans lightly for deeper flavor
- Do not overmix the batter to keep bread tender
- Use a light-colored loaf pan for even baking
- Tent loosely with foil if top browns too quickly
Variations to Try
- Maple Pecan Bread: Replace milk with maple-flavored milk
- Chocolate Chip Pecan: Add mini chocolate chips
- Cinnamon Pecan: Add cinnamon to the batter
- Glazed Pecan Bread: Drizzle with vanilla glaze after cooling
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with butter or honey
- Pair with coffee or sweet tea
- Add to holiday brunch spreads
- Slice and gift as homemade treats
Storage & Make-Ahead
Wrap the cooled loaf tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze slices for up to 2 months. Reheat gently for best texture.
A True Southern Comfort Bake
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread isn’t flashy—and that’s exactly its charm. It’s comforting, reliable, and full of flavor, making it a staple recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this pecan bread delivers Southern warmth in every slice.
