Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?

Yes! While pecans give this bread its signature Southern charm , you can use walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts if you prefer.

Can I make this into muffins instead of a loaf?

Absolutely! Just divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at the same temperature. Check for doneness around 15-18 minutes.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can slightly reduce the sugar, but keep in mind that brown sugar adds moisture to the bread. If you cut back too much, the texture may be affected.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit?

Definitely! Chocolate chips, raisins, or even shredded coconut can take this bread in a fun new direction. Just be mindful of balancing the flavors.

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe – 5-Minute Easy Treat!

Name: Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure and stability.; 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bread rise and stay light.; 2 large eggs – Give structure and moisture.; 1 cup (200g) brown sugar – Adds deep caramelized sweetness and keeps the bread soft.; ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted – Brings rich, buttery flavor and moisture.; ½ cup (120ml) milk – Helps create a smooth batter and keeps the texture tender.; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.; 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans – The star of the recipe! Adds crunch, nuttiness, and flavor. Toasting them enhances their richness.

Description

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a rich, moist, and buttery quick bread packed with crunchy pecans and warm vanilla flavor. It’s easy to make, requires no mixer, and comes together in one bowl. With a texture somewhere between a tender coffee cake and a pecan-studded blondie, every bite is soft, nutty, and utterly irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert, this is one Southern treat you’ll find yourself making again and again!

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure and stability.
1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bread rise and stay light.

Wet Ingredients

2 large eggs – Give structure and moisture.
1 cup (200g) brown sugar – Adds deep caramelized sweetness and keeps the bread soft.
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted – Brings rich, buttery flavor and moisture.
½ cup (120ml) milk – Helps create a smooth batter and keeps the texture tender.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.

Mix-Ins

1 cup (120g) chopped pecans – The star of the recipe! Adds crunch, nuttiness, and flavor. Toasting them enhances their richness.

Instructions

Prep the oven & pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch (or similar) baking dish to prevent sticking. Lightly flouring the pan can also help with easy removal.
Toast the pecans (optional but recommended!)
For enhanced flavor, toast the pecans in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool before adding to the batter.
Mix the wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
Combine the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder to ensure even distribution.
Bring it all together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the bread dense. Fold in the pecans.
Bake to perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Cool & serve
Let the bread cool slightly before slicing—this helps it hold together better. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Toasting the pecans before adding them enhances their flavor and gives them a deeper, nuttier taste.
Don’t overmix the batter, as it can make the bread tough instead of tender. Stir until just combined.
For extra sweetness, drizzle the finished bread with honey or maple syrup.
This recipe works well as muffins! Just adjust the baking time to around 15-18 minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern, American

Keywords: sweet alabama pecan bread, pecan bread, southern pecan bread, quick bread, easy pecan bread, pecan dessert