There’s something magical about Southern baking—where simple ingredients transform into something irresistibly rich, nutty, and downright comforting. Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug straight from the oven.
It’s not quite cake, not quite bread, but a perfectly moist, buttery treat loaded with toasted pecans and a caramelized sweetness that lingers on your taste buds.
This recipe has been a staple at church potlucks and family gatherings for decades, and for good reason: it’s ridiculously easy to make, requires no special equipment, and disappears from the plate faster than you can slice it.
If you love old-fashioned Southern desserts, you’re in for a treat. It pairs beautifully with crispy, savory Homemade KFC Chicken for the ultimate sweet-and-savory combo. Or, if you’re leaning into fall flavors, serve it with a side of Crockpot Applesauce for an extra cozy touch.
The best part? This pecan bread is naturally moist thanks to a mix of butter, oil, and brown sugar, so there’s no need for frosting or fancy toppings. Just a warm slice, a cup of coffee, and you’ve got pure comfort food perfection.
Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, a holiday table, or just because your kitchen needs the smell of toasted pecans and vanilla, this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is about to become your new favorite.
Why You Will Love This Dish?
- It’s ridiculously easy: No mixers, no fancy techniques—just mix, pour, and bake. Even beginner bakers can nail this one!
- It’s the perfect balance of sweet and nutty: The brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor, while the pecans bring a delightful crunch.
- It stays moist for days: Thanks to the combination of butter, oil, and eggs, this bread never dries out. It’s just as good on day three as it is fresh from the oven.
- It works for any occasion: Serve it as a brunch treat, a dessert, or even as a side to savory dishes like fried chicken.
- No need for frosting: The natural richness of pecans and brown sugar means this bread is delicious all on its own—no extra toppings required!
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup of melted butter
- 1 1/2 cups of self-rising flour
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla
- 2 cups of chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix sugars, eggs, melted butter, and oil in a bowl until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and self-rising flour, stirring until fully combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature—no frosting needed!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 420kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Sugar | 35g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Elevate Your Pecan Bread with These Smart Tips!
- Use freshly toasted pecans for maximum flavor: Store-bought pecans can be a little bland—toast them in a dry pan for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. This adds a deep, nutty richness.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense instead of tender. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
- Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before baking: This helps hydrate the flour fully, giving the bread an even better texture.
- For a caramelized crust, sprinkle a bit of brown sugar on top before baking: It creates a lightly crisp, golden layer that makes the first bite even more irresistible.
- Swap half the butter with browned butter for an extra layer of depth: Browning the butter adds a rich, toffee-like undertone that makes this bread even more addictive.
- If you want a slightly fluffier texture, add ½ teaspoon of baking powder: Self-rising flour already has leavening, but a tiny boost makes the bread even lighter.
- Store it the right way! Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Warm it up before serving: A quick 10-second microwave zap brings back the fresh-out-of-the-oven taste and makes the pecans even more fragrant.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
