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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a rich, moist Southern classic loaded with chopped pecans and warm, buttery flavor. It's more like a dessert than a traditional bread, thanks to its cake-like texture and sweet, nutty taste. I love how simple it is to prepare—no yeast or special equipment needed. This bread pairs perfectly with coffee or makes a delightful gift during the holidays. With a crunchy top and soft, chewy center, every bite melts in your mouth. It's the kind of recipe that brings back memories and creates new ones with every batch.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 16
Course: Sweet bread / Dessert / Snack
Cuisine: Southern American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1  cup granulated sugar
  • 1  cup packed brown sugar
  • 4  large eggs beaten
  • 1  cup vegetable oil
  • ½  cup melted butter optional, swap ½ cup oil if you prefer
  • 1½  cups self‑rising flour
  • 1  tsp vanilla extract
  • 2  cups finely chopped pecans
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • 9×13‑inch baking dish (or loaf pan for a thicker loaf)
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Toothpick for doneness test

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the baking dish using butter or non-stick spray.
Blend Sugars & Wet Ingredients
  1. In your mixing bowl, stir together both sugars, eggs, oil, and melted butter until smooth. Add vanilla and mix.
Fold in Flour & Pecans
  1. Add flour gradually until just combined—don’t overmix. Gently fold in chopped pecans until evenly dispersed.
Bake
  1. Spread batter into dish and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool & Serve
  1. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then slice into squares while still warm.

Notes

Feel free to tinker—this bread is forgiving. If using a loaf pan, watch the bake time. And don’t skip pecans—they’re the true magic.