Name: Sweet Alabama Pecanbread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1/4 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt

If you’re a fan of moist, sweet, nutty baked goods that practically melt in your mouth, let me introduce you to Sweet Alabama Pecanbread. I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and every single time, it disappears before it even cools down completely. It’s rich with buttery flavor, packed with chopped pecans, and has the perfect tender crumb that makes it incredibly addictive. Whether I serve it for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack, it always gets rave reviews.

What I love most about this pecanbread is how ridiculously easy it is to make. It doesn’t require a mixer or fancy ingredients—just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a few pantry staples. The combination of brown sugar and pecans creates a caramel-like flavor throughout, and the top develops a golden, crackly crust that’s just irresistible. I often bake two loaves: one for guests and one just for me.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Alabama Pecanbread

This recipe is the ultimate comfort bake. The warm, nutty flavor of toasted pecans mixed with the sweet, buttery base makes each bite unforgettable. It’s one of those recipes that hits that sweet spot between cake and quick bread, making it super versatile. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or let it sit overnight for an even deeper flavor the next day.

What Kind of Pecans Should I Use?

I prefer using chopped, toasted pecans for maximum flavor and crunch. Toasting them before mixing into the batter really brings out their natural oils and nutty aroma. You can use raw pecans if you’re short on time, but I promise the extra step is worth it. If you have pecan halves, a quick rough chop will do the trick.

Options for Substitutions

If you don’t have pecans or want to mix things up, walnuts make a decent substitute, though they’re a bit more bitter. You could also stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips or shredded coconut for an extra twist. For those wanting a gluten-free version, use a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. And if you’re looking to reduce sugar, try replacing half the sugar with a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup.

Ingredients for this Sweet Alabama Pecanbread

All-purpose flour: This gives the pecanbread its structure and soft crumb. Make sure to measure it correctly to avoid a dense texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the caramelized crust.
Brown sugar: Deepens the flavor with a molasses richness that complements the pecans.
Eggs: These provide structure and moisture, binding everything together.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender without overpowering the flavor.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps the batter come together smoothly.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet, nutty flavors in the bread.
Chopped pecans: The star ingredient—they give the bread its signature crunch and nutty aroma.
Baking powder: Helps the bread rise and stay fluffy.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the other flavors.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper if you want to lift the bread out easily.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. This ensures the leavening agent is properly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add in the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or you might end up with a tough texture.

Step 4: Fold in the Pecans

Gently fold in the chopped pecans, reserving a few to sprinkle on top if desired. This step evenly disperses the nutty flavor throughout the batter.

Step 5: Pour and Spread the Batter

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. If you reserved any pecans, sprinkle them on top for a beautiful, textured finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don’t overbake—you want a moist, tender crumb.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the pecanbread to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. It can be served warm or at room temperature, and pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

How Long to Prepare the Sweet Alabama Pecanbread

Making Sweet Alabama Pecanbread is refreshingly simple and doesn’t take up your entire morning or afternoon. From start to finish, you’ll need about 45 minutes total, and most of that is hands-off baking time.

Preparation Time: Mixing the batter and preparing the pan takes about 10–15 minutes, even less if you have your ingredients pre-measured. The process is as simple as combining wet and dry ingredients, folding in pecans, and pouring everything into a pan.

Baking Time: Once in the oven, the pecanbread takes about 30–35 minutes to bake. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Tips for Perfect Sweet Alabama Pecanbread

Toast the Pecans: Lightly toasting the pecans before folding them into the batter enhances their flavor and adds a warm, nutty depth.
Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter until just combined to keep the crumb tender. Overmixing develops gluten and can make the bread tough.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the batter mix more evenly and results in a better texture.
Reserve Some Pecans for Topping: A few extra pecans on top create a lovely finish and add crunch.
Let It Cool Before Slicing: The texture sets as it cools, making for cleaner, easier slices.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using Cold Ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can cause uneven mixing and affect the rise.
Skipping the Grease: Not greasing your pan well enough might result in sticking, making it hard to get perfect slices.
Overbaking: This is key—too long in the oven will dry out your pecanbread.
Underbaking: On the flip side, taking it out too early can leave the center undercooked and gummy.
Wrong Pan Size: A different pan size may alter the cooking time and texture. Stick to the recommended 9×13-inch pan.

What to Serve With Sweet Alabama Pecanbread?

1. A Cup of Hot Coffee

The nutty sweetness of the bread pairs beautifully with a rich cup of freshly brewed coffee.

2. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Serve it slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an easy dessert.

3. Fresh Fruit Salad

The lightness of a fruit salad contrasts the dense, sweet bread for a balanced brunch or snack.

4. Whipped Cream or Mascarpone

Top it with lightly sweetened whipped cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese for a creamy complement.

5. Drizzle of Maple Syrup or Caramel Sauce

Adding a drizzle over the top turns it into a decadent treat.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store leftover pecanbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It stays moist and delicious if kept sealed properly.

Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5–6 days. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly to avoid drying out.

Freezer: Yes, this freezes well! Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. It will last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently warm in the oven.

Estimated Nutrition (per slice, assuming 12 servings)

Calories: ~290
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugar: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 140mg
Cholesterol: 35mg

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Sweet Alabama Pecanbread different from cake?

The texture is slightly denser than cake but still very tender. It has a moist, chewy bite due to the oil and pecans, unlike fluffy sponge cakes.

Can I make this without nuts?

Yes! While it won’t have the same flavor profile, you can omit the pecans or replace them with something like chocolate chips or coconut flakes.

Can I use butter instead of oil?

You can substitute melted butter for oil if you prefer a richer flavor, but the bread may be slightly less moist.

How do I know it’s done baking?

The top should be golden and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just use two 9×13-inch pans or one larger baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Sweet Alabama Pecanbread is everything a homemade treat should be: simple, nostalgic, and irresistibly good. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family breakfast, a potluck, or just because you need something sweet and satisfying, this recipe delivers. The rich, nutty flavor and moist texture make it unforgettable—and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. Keep it in your recipe box; it’s bound to become a household favorite.