Go Back

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

A rich, moist, and buttery Southern-style pecan bread loaded with toasted pecans and a caramelized golden crust. Simple to make, impossible to resist.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pecan Bread Batter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups pecans roughly chopped, toasted if preferred
  • 0.25 tsp cinnamon optional

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if using.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
  5. Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Press extra pecan halves on top if desired.
  7. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool in pan for 15–20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes before adding to batter. Browning the butter instead of just melting it adds a deep caramel note. Do not overbake — the center should look just barely set when removed from the oven, as it firms up while cooling. Leftovers keep at room temperature for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.