If you’re craving something sweet, nutty, and downright irresistible, this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread with Crunchy Pecans is about to become your new favorite treat. It’s not quite a cake, not quite a bread—somewhere perfectly in between. Moist, rich, and packed with toasted pecans and caramel-like flavor from the brown sugar, this Southern classic is the kind of dessert (or snack!) that never sticks around for long. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No mixer needed, no fancy ingredients—just a few pantry staples and one bowl to mix it all together. It’s quick to whip up, which makes it ideal for holidays, potlucks, or any time you want a comforting bake without a lot of fuss. The first time I tried Alabama pecan bread, I couldn’t believe how something so easy could taste so rich and indulgent. The combination of chopped pecans and brown sugar creates a crunchy, caramelized top, while the inside stays soft and chewy. It’s the kind of recipe that feels nostalgic even if it’s your first time making it. Let’s jump into the ingredients and the first few steps to get this sweet Southern favorite into your oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, and salt. This dry base will give the bread its dense, sweet crumb and slightly crisp edges.

 

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract until smooth.

 

Baking and Customizing Your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

With your wet and dry ingredients prepped, the rest of this recipe is smooth sailing. This next step is where everything comes together—the sugary base, the crunchy pecans, and that silky mixture of eggs and oil that gives the bread its signature soft interior. Once it’s in the oven, the aroma alone will have everyone asking, “What are you baking?” One of the best things about this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is that it’s endlessly adaptable. Want to add a little extra spice? Toss in some cinnamon. Prefer walnuts or another nut instead of pecans? Go for it. Let’s finish assembling and baking, then talk about a few easy ways to make this recipe your own.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until just combined—don’t overmix. The batter will be thick, which is exactly what you want.

Step 5: Fold in the Pecans

Gently fold in the chopped pecans, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. These add both flavor and texture, and you’ll love how they toast up while baking.

 

Step 6: Spread into the Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared 8×8-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. The batter won’t rise too much, so make sure it’s spread flat and even in the pan.

 

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You’ll notice the edges pulling slightly from the sides of the pan when it’s done.

Step 8: Cool the Bread

Once your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 15–20 minutes. This helps it set and makes slicing easier. If you’re using parchment paper, you can lift it out gently once it’s cool enough to handle.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Cut the bread into squares or bars, depending on how you’d like to serve it. Enjoy it warm, at room temperature, or even chilled—it’s delicious any way you slice it. Serve plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of glaze, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet, Southern-style treat.

Tips and Variations to Make It Your Own:

• Add warm spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg goes beautifully with the brown sugar and pecans for a more autumn-inspired version.
• Try different nuts: Don’t have pecans? Chopped walnuts or even toasted almonds work well here too.
• Make it extra sweet: Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the top once cooled for an added layer of sweetness.
• Turn it into bars: Let the bread cool completely, then slice into squares for easy-to-serve dessert bars or lunchbox treats.
• Serve with a scoop of ice cream: Warm slices paired with vanilla ice cream make a quick and impressive dessert.

 

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread: FAQ and Final Thoughts

At this point, your kitchen smells like buttery brown sugar and toasted pecans—aka heaven—and your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is cooling on the counter, waiting to be sliced into. Before you grab that knife, let’s walk through a few common questions and wrap up with why this simple yet indulgent Southern classic deserves to be in your recipe box forever

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?

Yes, you can substitute dark brown sugar for light brown sugar if that’s what you have on hand. It will give the bread a slightly richer, deeper flavor thanks to the extra molasses.

Do I need to toast the pecans first?

You don’t have to, but it does enhance their flavor and crunch. If you have a few extra minutes, toasting the pecans in a dry skillet for 3–5 minutes before adding them to the batter can take things up a notch.

How should I store leftovers?

Store cooled pecan bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to 5 days. It also freezes well—just wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re feeding a crowd, double the ingredients and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time—start checking around the 35-minute mark.

What’s the best way to serve it?

This bread is delicious served warm or at room temperature. Enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Can I make this gluten-free?

You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of the all-purpose flour. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still shine.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

There’s something undeniably comforting about a recipe that comes together in minutes, uses basic ingredients, and bakes into something that tastes like it came straight out of grandma’s kitchen. This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread does exactly that. It’s sweet but not overly so, with just the right balance of moist crumb and crunchy, nutty texture. Perfect as a coffee break snack, a simple dessert, or even a sweet side for a weekend brunch, this is one of those recipes you’ll come back to whenever you need something cozy and crowd-pleasing. So whether you’re a longtime fan of pecan desserts or just looking for a new way to use pantry staples, give this recipe a try. Slice it thick, serve it warm, and don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds—and the recipe too. Print