Guess what happened the first time I tried baking this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread? Honestly, it was a total disaster. The loaf came out hard as a rock and I thought well, that’s it, I’m never baking this again. But I couldn’t resist trying one more time.
Fast forward a few tries and finally, perfection. Soft buttery bread, loaded with crunchy pecans, and the aroma that fills the whole kitchen—you know that warm cozy feeling? That’s what this Alabama sweet pecan bread gives you every single time. Now it’s my go-to recipe for breakfast, tea time, or just a little sweet treat to enjoy with coffee.
Why We Love This Alabama Pecan Bread
- The first time I baked this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread, I was surprised at how soft and moist it turned out
- Crunchy pecans give every bite a perfect nutty texture
- Alabama sweet pecan bread is simple—no mixer needed, just basic ingredients
- Best pecan bread recipe I’ve tried—always tender and full of flavor
- Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s southern pecan bread for a holiday or a weekend treat
- Each slice of Alabama bread feels like a little comfort hug from the kitchen
- Fans of pecan cookies will love the same toasty, nutty flavor in this bread
- I’ve tried banana pecan bread and cranberry pecan bread, but this classic is my favorite
- Works great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert
- Once you try this Alabama sweet pecan bread recipe, you’ll bake it again and again. If you want to try pecans in cookies so try my pecan cookies recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Alabama Pecan Bread
- 1½ cups sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Step-by-Step Instructions (How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread)
Mix the Sugars, Eggs & Oil
Start with a big bowl and add white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. The first time I made this Alabama sweet pecan bread, I didn’t beat the sugar and eggs long enough. Trust me take your time and mix until smooth and creamy — no lumps. This is what makes your southern pecan bread soft and moist every time
Add Flour & Salt
Gently fold in all-purpose flour and salt. Don’t overmix! I learned the hard way that too much stirring makes the bread dense and dry. Measuring your ingredients accurately is key to perfect texture. This tip is gold if you want a flawless, sweet Alabama pecan bread recipe
Fold in the Pecans
Time to add the crunchy star — chopped pecans. Toss them gently so each slice has that nutty magic.
Expert tip: Lightly toast your pecans before adding them. It enhances the flavor and gives your pecan bread that bakery-level taste
Pour and Bake
Grease your pan with butter or use parchment paper if you like. Scrape every bit of the batter into the pan, trust me you don’t want to waste that buttery goodness. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Check the top — golden brown means it’s ready
Pro tip: insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean your Alabama bread is done perfectly
Cool and Serve
Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. I know it’s tough to wait! Slice and enjoy warm. The nutty pecans and buttery texture make this Alabama sweet pecan bread ideal for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. I love pairing it with morning coffee. The flavor combo is unbeatable.
Ingredient Variations You Can Try – Banana Pecan, Cranberry Pecan & More
- Banana Pecan Bread – One time I added mashed bananas to my sweet Alabama pecan bread batter and wow, it became extra moist with a natural sweetness. Trust me, banana lovers will thank you later
- Cranberry Pecan Bread – I once had leftover cranberries in the fridge, so I tossed them in. The tartness with the crunchy pecans turned my Alabama sweet pecan bread into a festive treat
- Chocolate Chip Pecan Bread – I tried a chocolate twist once. Adding a handful of chocolate chips made this southern pecan bread irresistible for kids and adults alike
- Nut Mix – Mix pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different crunch. I experimented, and it gave my sweet Alabama pecan bread recipe a more complex, nutty flavor
- Mini Loaves or Muffins – Sometimes I make mini versions for quick snacks. Perfect for gifting or a breakfast treat, and they bake just as moist as the big loaf
Pro tip: These variations don’t change the core recipe much. Just fold your additions gently to keep the bread soft and tender.
Expert Tips for the Best Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
- Don’t overmix the batter – When I first baked this Alabama pecan bread, I overmixed, and it came out dense. Mix just until everything comes together. This keeps your sweet Alabama pecan bread soft and tender every time
- Use fresh pecans – One of my early mistakes was using old pecans. For the best crunch and flavor in your southern pecan bread, always use fresh pecans. Lightly roasting them gives extra nuttiness that makes each bite amazing
- Grease the pan properly – Trust me, nobody likes bread stuck to the pan. I learned to butter my loaf pan really well and sometimes use parchment paper. This ensures your Alabama sweet pecan bread recipe comes out perfect every time
- Watch the baking time – Ovens bake differently. The first time I baked, I left it too long and the bread was hard. Start checking at 30 minutes. The top should be golden and a toothpick should come out clean. This tip saves your sweet Alabama pecan bread from overbaking
- Let it cool before cutting – I know it’s tempting to slice right away, but letting your Alabama pecan bread sit for a few minutes helps the slices set and keeps all that gooey pecan goodness inside
How I Love to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
- Warm with butter – Honestly, my favorite way to enjoy this Alabama pecan bread is warm with a little butter. It melts right in and makes each bite soft, sweet, and nutty
- With morning coffee, I usually have a slice with my coffee. Trust me, the buttery, nutty flavor of this southern pecan bread pairs perfectly with a hot cup
- As a dessert, sometimes I add a little cream or drizzle honey on top. This turns your sweet Alabama pecan bread recipe into a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert
- For family gatherings, I like to slice it up and serve it with fresh fruit on the side. It makes the Alabama sweet pecan bread look extra inviting, and everyone loves it
How to Store and Freeze Alabama Pecan Bread
- Room Temperature – Let the bread cool completely. Wrap the bread in foil or put it in a box with a lid to keep it soft and fresh. Stays soft and moist for 2–3 days. I always do this and it keeps the pecans crunchy.
- Refrigeration – For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate up to a week. I like to warm a slice for a few seconds before eating—it tastes almost fresh-baked.
- Freezing – Slice the bread, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and freeze up to 3 months. I love this trick for having quick breakfast or snack anytime.
- Glaze Tip – Freeze before adding glaze. Thaw and drizzle on top to keep glaze fresh and shiny. I always do this for a perfect bakery-style finish.
More Easy Bread Recipes You’ll Love
Nutrition Facts for Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Each slice of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread has around 190 calories, with a balance of healthy fat 9g, a little protein 5g, and just the right touch of sweetness (source: Nutritionix ).
FAQs About Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Can I make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread ahead of time?
Yes I usually bake it a day or two before I plan to serve it. Just wrap it in foil or keep it in an airtight container. It stays soft and moist. I like to add butter or drizzle a little honey right before serving
Can I use frozen pecans in this pecan bread?
Totally. I toss frozen pecans in a little flour first so they don’t sink. It keeps every bite nice and crunchy
How do I make my Alabama pecan bread extra moist?
The trick is simple. Don’t overmix the batter. Use room temperature eggs and oil and fold in the pecans gently. Sometimes I even add a few tablespoons of sour cream—it makes the bread super soft
Can I swap butter or sugar in this recipe?
Yes. Brown sugar gives a richer flavor and plant-based butter works if you want dairy-free. The texture might change a bit but it still tastes amazing
How long does Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread stay fresh?
I keep mine at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days. In the fridge, it lasts about a week. I also freeze slices sometimes for up to 3 months—they taste almost like freshly baked when thawed
Why didn’t my bread rise properly?
I used to leave my dough in a cold spot and it never rose. Now I keep it somewhere warm and cozy cover it lightly and it rises perfectly every time.
Can I use pecan flour instead of regular flour?
Pecan flour is just ground pecans. I sometimes mix it with all-purpose flour for extra nutty flavor. Totally optional, but it gives a nice bakery-style taste
Which flour is best for homemade pecan bread?
All-purpose flour works perfectly for a soft loaf. If you want it a bit firmer and more structured, bread flour is great too. Both taste delicious
Can I make mini loaves or muffins with this batter?
Yes I do it often. Just pour the batter into mini loaf pans or muffin tins. Bake a little less time, check with a toothpick and enjoy soft nutty treats perfect for breakfast or gifting.
Final Thoughts – Bake This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Today
This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is soft buttery and full of crunchy pecans. It’s perfect for breakfast snacks or dessert. Once you try this southern pecan bread recipe you’ll want to bake it again and again.
You can also try banana pecan bread or cranberry pecan bread for a little twist. Enjoy a slice warm with butter or honey and let me know in the comments how your bread turned out.
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread – A Soft, Sweet Southern Delight
Ingredients
- 1, ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 4 Large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add flour and salt, then mix gently just until combined.
- Fold in chopped pecans with a spatula or spoon.
- Grease a baking pan, then pour in the batter and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes, slice, and enjoy warm.
Tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter — it can make the bread dense.
- Lightly roasted pecans give extra flavor and crunch.
- Let the bread cool before cutting for clean slices.
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- Refrigerate up to 1 week.
- Freeze slices for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.
