A Southern classic that tastes like home—moist, buttery, and bursting with toasted pecan flavor.
There’s something timeless and comforting about Southern baking. It’s honest, rich, and always made with love—and this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is no exception. Technically a quick bread, this recipe bakes up so moist and sweet, it could easily pass for cake. With its crisp edges, buttery crumb, and nutty richness, every bite is a little slice of the South.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
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No mixer required—just a whisk and a bowl.
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Rich pecan flavor in every bite.
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Perfect for gifting, holidays, or cozy weekend baking.
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Freezes beautifully, making it great for make-ahead treats.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need:
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½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup granulated sugar
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½ cup brown sugar, packed
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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½ tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
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1 cup chopped pecans, toasted if desired
Optional Add-ins:
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½ tsp ground cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth
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½ cup mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence
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A splash of bourbon or maple extract for a twist
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth and glossy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bread tough.
4. Fold in Pecans
Add the chopped pecans and fold them into the batter gently. You can toast them ahead of time for deeper flavor, but it’s delicious either way!
5. Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm, or at room temperature.
How to Serve
This pecan bread is so flavorful it doesn’t need anything extra—but if you want to dress it up:
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Add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple vanilla glaze.
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Serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese.
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Enjoy alongside a cup of coffee or sweet tea.
Storage & Freezing
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Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Fridge: Keep for up to 1 week, but let it come to room temp before serving.
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Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Tips for Success
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Use fresh pecans—stale nuts can ruin the flavor.
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Melted butter = richer flavor and slightly denser crumb, which we want here.
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Don’t skip the salt—even a little makes a big difference.
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Let it cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is more than a recipe—it’s a little piece of Southern tradition. Whether you bake it on a quiet Sunday morning or gift it during the holidays, it brings warmth, sweetness, and a whole lot of comfort to the table.
