Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread: A Southern Classic You’ll Want to Bake Again and Again

If there’s one thing Southern kitchens are famous for, it’s turning simple ingredients into irresistible baked goods. Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a perfect example. Despite its name, this dish isn’t really a bread at all—it’s more of a chewy, nutty cake that bakes up golden, buttery, and loaded with pecans. Cut into squares or slices, it makes the perfect companion to a cup of coffee, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or simply as a snack straight from the pan.

This dessert is a true Southern gem: easy to make, no special equipment required, and guaranteed to win over a crowd.

What Makes Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Special?

Unlike traditional nut breads or pound cakes, this recipe is all about texture and richness. Here’s why it stands out:

Nut Lover’s Dream: With pecans mixed into the batter, every bite is crunchy and flavorful.

Chewy and Moist: The brown sugar caramelizes as it bakes, giving the bread a soft, chewy texture with crisp edges.

Crowd-Friendly: Baked in a pan and cut into bars, it’s perfect for potlucks, holiday trays, or family gatherings.

Quick & Simple: No yeast, no long mixing—just stir, bake, and enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)

½ cup granulated sugar

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and lightly flour an 8×8-inch baking pan (or line with parchment for easy removal).

Mix the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.

Stir in the pecans so they’re evenly coated with flour.

Combine wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

Make the batter

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined (don’t overmix).

Bake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and serve

Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars or squares.

Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.

Tips for Perfect Pecan Bread

Toast the pecans before adding them for a deeper, nuttier flavor.

Use dark brown sugar if you like a richer molasses taste.

Double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan if baking for a large group.

Store properly: Keep covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Why You’ll Love It

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread has the heart of a cake, the texture of a brownie, and the flavor of a praline. It’s easy enough for a weekday treat, but special enough to serve during the holidays. With its caramel-like chewiness and nutty crunch, it’s no wonder this recipe has earned its place in Southern kitchens for generations.

So the next time you’re craving something sweet but unfussy, whip up a pan of this pecan bread—you might just find it becomes your new signature dessert.