Golden, nutty, and unbelievably moist, Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is the ultimate Southern treat you didn’t know you needed. Don’t let the name fool you—this isn’t a yeasted bread, but rather a dense, rich dessert bar packed with toasted pecans and sweet, buttery flavor. It bakes up beautifully in a single bowl and comes together in less than 10 minutes of prep.

Perfect for potlucks, brunch spreads, or cozy weekends at home, this recipe is a hidden gem in Southern baking. Every slice offers a crunchy pecan top and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center, like pecan pie meets blondies in the most satisfying way.
What Kind of Pecans Should I Use?
Freshly shelled pecans are always best, especially if you can toast them slightly before folding into the batter. Toasting enhances their natural nuttiness and gives your pecan bread an irresistible depth of flavor. You can use pecan halves or chopped pecans depending on the texture you prefer.
Ingredients for the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Pecans
These are the stars of the show. Their earthy, buttery crunch complements the sweet batter perfectly.
Granulated Sugar
Provides structure and sweetness that balances with the nutty pecans.
Brown Sugar
Adds a hint of molasses richness and chewiness to the bread.
All-Purpose Flour
The backbone of the batter, giving body and form to the bread.
Eggs
They bind everything together and contribute to the rich texture.
Butter
Melted and mixed in, it brings moisture and richness to each bite.
Vanilla Extract
Adds warmth and rounds out the sweetness.
Salt
Just a pinch to balance out the flavors and make everything pop.
How To Make the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Fold in the flour and salt, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
Step 4: Fold in the Pecans
Gently stir in the chopped pecans, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top before baking.
Step 5: Bake It Up
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining pecans over the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars or squares. Serve at room temperature.

How to Store and Serve This Buttery Southern Classic
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread keeps wonderfully at room temperature for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for a quick sweet snack or serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
This is a versatile treat: serve it as a coffee companion, after-dinner indulgence, or even alongside savory brunch dishes.
What to Serve With Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread?
Classic Southern Iced Tea
Balance the sweetness with a tall glass of lightly sweetened black tea.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Top warm pecan bread with a scoop of vanilla for a dreamy dessert.
Fresh Fruit Salad
Add brightness and acidity to contrast the rich, buttery bread.
Salted Caramel Drizzle
Enhance the nutty flavor with a decadent drizzle of caramel.
Espresso or Cold Brew
A rich coffee brings out the toasty depth of the pecans.
Whipped Cream Cheese
Spread a little on top for a tangy-sweet twist.
Crispy Bacon
For a bold brunch plate, pair slices with crispy bacon.
Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?
If you love this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread, don’t miss out on these other crave-worthy creations:
- Try Twix Cookie Cups for a chocolatey, caramel twist in every bite.
- Praline Crunch delivers crispy sweet magic in snackable form.
- These Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are thick, gooey, and completely irresistible.
- Looking for a nostalgic classic? Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies bring it home.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toast the pecans or skip that step? Serve it warm or chilled?
I love hearing how others bring these Southern gems to life. Share your twist or ask away—we’re all here to bake better.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more comfort classics on ChefAlchemy’s Recipes and find your next sweet obsession!
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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, buttery, and loaded with toasted pecans, this Southern classic is more dessert bar than bread. Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is the perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion—from quick breakfasts and afternoon snacks to holiday dessert spreads. With just one bowl and a few pantry staples, you’ll have a golden, nutty treat that’s chewy in the center and crisp on the edges. A must-try for lovers of easy recipes, food ideas with Southern charm, and deliciously nostalgic dessert bars.
Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter, melted
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups chopped pecans (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs until frothy.
3. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Fold in flour and salt, stirring until just combined.
5. Gently fold in chopped pecans, reserving some for topping.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Sprinkle reserved pecans over batter.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
9. Cool completely before slicing into bars.
10. Store in an airtight container or freeze individually wrapped slices.
Notes
Toasting the pecans before adding enhances their flavor dramatically.
Do not overmix the batter—stir just until combined for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: sweet pecan bread, easy dessert bar, Southern recipe, pecan dessert, buttery cake
