There’s something magical about Southern baking, and Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is one of those treasured recipes that tastes like a warm hug from Grandma’s kitchen. Despite its name, this classic dessert is more like a dense, chewy cake than traditional bread. Loaded with chopped pecans and kissed with buttery brown sugar, it forms a golden, crackly crust while staying moist and rich inside. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or wrap it up as a holiday gift, this recipe is guaranteed to steal hearts and leave plates clean.
Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, brunches, or simply as an afternoon treat with a hot cup of coffee, Alabama Pecan Bread is an easy yet irresistible Southern staple that you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Ingredients:
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1 cup vegetable oil
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2 cups granulated sugar
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4 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 ½ cups chopped pecans
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 55–60 minutes
Servings: 12 squares
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This cake tends to stick due to its gooey texture, so greasing well is important.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil and sugar. Whisk them together until well blended. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix—this will keep your bread tender and soft.
Step 4: Fold in Pecans
Gently fold the chopped pecans into the batter. They should be evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The batter will be quite thick—this is exactly what you want.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. It firms up as it cools, making it easier to cut clean squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Optional Serving Tips:
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Add a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
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Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
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Drizzle with a light caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is more than just a dessert—it’s a taste of Southern tradition, baked with love and packed with flavor. With its crisp top, nutty richness, and cake-like interior, it’s the kind of treat that brings people together and keeps them asking for more. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a cozy night at home, this old-fashioned favorite delivers sweetness and comfort in every bite. Try it once, and you’ll understand why it holds such a special place in so many kitchens across the South.