Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread – Moist Southern Dessert Loaf

This recipe is old-school. It comes from church cookbooks, passed down in spiral-bound collections with faded covers and splatters of vanilla extract. It’s the kind of dessert that shows up at every potluck and disappears before the banana pudding gets a second look. And the best part? It takes almost no effort.

You don’t need a mixer. You don’t need three kinds of flour or some hard-to-pronounce spice. You need eggs, sugar, butter, pecans, and about 45 minutes. What comes out of the oven is a golden, dense, sweet loaf that’s good warm, better cooled, and absolutely dangerous when slathered with a little extra butter.

If you’ve never had it, think of it like a blondie bar and banana bread had a baby—but with no banana and a hell of a lot of pecans.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deep Southern flavor in every bite
• Loaded with toasted pecans for maximum crunch
• Super moist and stays fresh for days
• No mixer, no fuss—just stir, pour, and bake
• Perfect for holidays, gifts, or afternoon coffee breaks

Ingredients

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9×5 loaf pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
3. In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped, toasted pecans.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan(s) and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 40–45 minutes (9×13 pan) or 50–55 minutes (loaf pans), or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, room temp, or cold—it’s good any way you cut it.

Tips & Variations

• Toast your pecans—this is non-negotiable for full flavor
• Swap oil for melted butter if you want a richer, more cake-like loaf
• Add a splash of bourbon for depth
• Top with a brown sugar glaze or drizzle of maple syrup
• Fold in white chocolate chips for a modern twist

Note

Don’t overmix—this is a quick bread, not a layer cake. Stir just until the flour disappears, then stop.

Serving Suggestions

• Warm with butter or cinnamon honey
• Next to a cup of coffee for a Southern breakfast
• Cut into squares and serve as dessert bars
• Wrap in parchment and give as a holiday gift

Nutrition Information (Per Slice – Based on 12 Slices)

• Calories: 420
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Sugar: 32g
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 120mg

User Reviews/Comments

Martha P. (Montgomery, AL):
“This is the recipe my aunt used to make every Christmas. I cried when I bit into it. Perfect.”

Ryan T. (Atlanta, GA):
“I made two loaves for my co-workers and they were gone before lunch. People keep asking for more.”

Kendra F. (Nashville, TN):
“Added a little bourbon and served it warm with whipped cream. This one’s going in my forever file.”

FAQs

Can I make sweet Alabama pecan bread ahead of time?
Yes! It keeps incredibly well for several days in an airtight container. In fact, the flavor gets even better after 24 hours.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp.

What’s the best way to toast pecans?
Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 7–8 minutes, stirring once. Or use a skillet over medium heat.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may change slightly, but it still holds together well.

Can I bake this in mini loaf pans?
Sure can. Great for gifting. Just reduce bake time to around 30–35 minutes.

Do I need a glaze or frosting?
Not at all. This bread is sweet and moist on its own, but a brown sugar glaze or maple drizzle is a nice bonus.

Conclusion

Sweet Alabama pecan bread isn’t trendy. It doesn’t need to be. It’s honest, it’s rich, and it shows up when you need something that feels like home. Whether you bake it in a loaf, a pan, or slice it into bars, this is the kind of dessert that sticks with you.

It’s Southern comfort in sugar, flour, and pecans. And once you try it, you’ll get why it’s been showing up at bake sales, church kitchens, and grandma’s table for generations.

Want to know more about the nut that gives this bread its soul? Check out Wikipedia’s article on pecans—a true Southern staple.

Now go grab a mixing bowl and get baking. Because this bread doesn’t make itself.

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