Name: Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups chopped pecans; 1 ½ cups light brown sugar (packed); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; ¼ tsp salt; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ cup mini chocolate chips; 2 tbsp maple syrup

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What is Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread?

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is not your typical bread—it’s more like a dessert loaf. With a rich, buttery flavor, a moist crumb, and a generous helping of crunchy pecans, it strikes the perfect balance between cake and quick bread. The pecans caramelize as the loaf bakes, forming a crispy top layer that is simply irresistible.

This Southern classic has been passed down for generations, with minor tweaks that make it unique in each home. But one thing remains the same—it’s absolutely delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread:

Main Ingredients:

1 ½ cups chopped pecans
1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
½ cup melted unsalted butter
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt

Optional Add-ins:

½ tsp ground cinnamon for warmth
¼ cup mini chocolate chips for a twist
2 tbsp maple syrup for extra sweetness

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe: A Southern Classic You’ll Fall in Love With

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How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and salt.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients, stirring until fully blended.

Step 4: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Pecan Bread

Use fresh pecans – They make all the difference in flavor and crunch.
Don’t overmix – Mix until just combined to keep the bread tender.
Add a glaze – For a fancy touch, drizzle with a vanilla or maple glaze once cooled.
Let it rest – The flavors develop more after a few hours.

How to Serve It

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is versatile. Here are a few ideas:

With a hot cup of coffee or tea
As a dessert with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Toasted with butter for breakfast

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Gift-wrapped for holiday baskets

Storage & Reheating Tips

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Stays fresh for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store for up to 3 months.

To reheat, microwave for 15–20 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven.

Variations to Try

Chocolate Chip Pecan Bread – Add mini chocolate chips for a dessert-like treat.
Spiced Pecan Bread – Add nutmeg and cinnamon for a fall-inspired flavor.
Coconut Pecan Bread – Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

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Healthier Options

If you want a slightly healthier version:

Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour
Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce
Use coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this pecan bread gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
You can, but the flavor will change slightly. Pecans are sweeter and softer than walnuts.
Is this bread more like a cake or actual bread?
It’s more of a dessert quick bread—sweet, moist, and cake-like in texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use two loaf pans or one large bundt pan. Adjust baking time accordingly.
Why is my bread too dry?
Overbaking or not enough moisture (eggs, butter) can dry it out. Stick to the time and don’t overmix.
Can I add fruit to this recipe?
Yes! Try chopped apples or dried cranberries. Just don’t overload the batter.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter alternatives like Earth Balance or coconut oil.
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Absolutely! Pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 18–22 minutes.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can use white sugar with a tablespoon of molasses as a substitute.
How do I toast pecans before baking?
Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
Is this bread freezer-friendly?
Yes! Wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
What pan is best to use?
A non-stick or ceramic 9×5 loaf pan works best for even baking and easy release.
Can I make it in an air fryer?
If your air fryer is large enough, you can bake it in a heat-safe dish at 320°F for 25–30 minutes.
How do I keep the top from over-browning?
Loosely cover with foil halfway through baking if needed.

Final Thoughts

The Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe is more than just a treat—it’s a bite of Southern tradition. From its crunchy pecan crust to its buttery, moist center, this bread has everything a dessert lover could ask for. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy, forgiving, and incredibly rewarding.

Make it once, and it just might become your go-to sweet bread for every occasion.

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread — a Southern classic that boasts a perfectly moist crumb, a golden caramelized pecan topping, and just the right touch of sweetness. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a comforting snack, every bite melts in your mouth, delivering the nostalgic flavors of pecan-studded sweetness wrapped in a tender loaf. Perfectly paired with your morning coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Dessert, Quick Bread

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 8 slices

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

1 ½ cups chopped pecans
1 ½ cups light brown sugar packed
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
½ cup unsalted butter melted
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt

Optional:

½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup mini chocolate chips
2 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and salt (and cinnamon if using).
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Optionally, drizzle with maple syrup or glaze for extra indulgence.