Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet Alabama Pecanbread is a beloved Southern-style dessert that sits somewhere between a cake and a quick bread. It is rich, buttery, and packed with toasted pecans, delivering deep nutty flavor in every bite. Unlike traditional breads that rely heavily on flour for structure, this pecanbread is wonderfully moist and tender, with a soft crumb that almost melts in your mouth.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is its simplicity. There is no yeast, no complicated techniques, and no special equipment required. I tested this recipe several times, and it consistently delivers a perfectly balanced sweetness with a lightly crisp top and a soft interior. It works beautifully as a dessert, an afternoon treat with coffee, or even a holiday addition to the table. If you enjoy classic Southern baking with rich flavor and minimal effort, this pecanbread is a recipe you will return to again and again.
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Sweet Alabama Pecanbread – A Southern Classic That Feels Like Home
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Southern-style Sweet Alabama Pecanbread that’s ultra-moist, rich with brown sugar, and packed with crunchy pecans—somewhere between cake and bread.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in chopped pecans.
- Pour batter evenly into prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Excellent with coffee or as a simple dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pecans
Pecans are the star of this recipe. Chopped pecans add crunch, richness, and that unmistakable Southern flavor that defines this bread.
Granulated sugar
Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps create the slightly crisp top while keeping the interior moist.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar adds depth and a light caramel note, enhancing the nutty flavor of the pecans.
All-purpose flour
All-purpose flour provides structure while still allowing the bread to remain tender and soft.
Eggs
Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the rich, cake-like texture.
Butter
Butter adds richness and moisture, giving the bread its signature indulgent flavor.
Milk
Milk helps loosen the batter and ensures a smooth, evenly baked crumb.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances the sweetness and rounds out the overall flavor.
Salt
Salt balances the sweetness and sharpens the nutty notes of the pecans.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a baking dish. In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt, then gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Allow the pecanbread to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 9 to 12 people, depending on slice size. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a baking time of 45 minutes. Total time required is roughly 55 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store Sweet Alabama Pecanbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or enjoy at room temperature.
Variations and Customizations
Sweet Alabama Pecanbread is easy to adapt. For extra richness, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the top adds a decadent finish. If you prefer a slightly less sweet version, reduce the granulated sugar slightly and rely more on the brown sugar for depth.
Chocolate chips can be added for a sweeter, dessert-style variation, while a pinch of cinnamon enhances warmth without overpowering the pecans. For a holiday version, a splash of bourbon or maple extract adds complexity and a Southern-inspired twist.
You can also serve this pecanbread with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a simple yet elegant dessert. These small adjustments allow you to tailor the recipe while keeping its classic character intact.
FAQs
Is pecanbread more like cake or bread?
It is closer to a moist cake but served like a quick bread.
Can I use pecan halves instead of chopped?
Yes, but chopped pecans distribute more evenly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day.
How do I know when it is fully baked?
The top should be golden and the center just set.
Can I freeze pecanbread?
Yes, freeze tightly wrapped slices for up to two months.
Does this recipe require baking powder?
No, the eggs provide enough structure.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce added salt slightly.
Is this very sweet?
It is sweet but balanced by the pecans.
What pan works best?
A square or rectangular baking dish works well.
What pairs best with pecanbread?
Coffee, tea, or vanilla ice cream pair beautifully.
Conclusion
Sweet Alabama Pecanbread is a timeless Southern dessert that delivers rich flavor, tender texture, and comforting simplicity. Packed with toasted pecans and warm sweetness, it is the kind of recipe that feels familiar from the very first bite. Easy to make and endlessly satisfying, this pecanbread deserves a permanent place in your baking rotation.
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