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Sweet Alabama Pecanbread Recipe

4.7 from 124 reviews

Sweet Alabama Pecanbread is a Southern-inspired moist and buttery treat, bursting with crunchy toasted pecans and a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. This easy-to-make dessert is dense and chewy, similar to a blondie, ideal for holidays, potlucks, or any casual snacking occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-Ins

  • 2 cups chopped pecans, toasted lightly for best flavor

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Butter: Melt the butter and let it cool slightly to ensure it blends smoothly without cooking the eggs during mixing.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy, ensuring good aeration for texture.
  4. Add Butter: Slowly pour in the cooled melted butter or vegetable oil while whisking continuously to combine evenly with the wet ingredients.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift or stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
  6. Fold Together: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain the soft and chewy texture.
  7. Add Pecans: Fold in the toasted chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  8. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
  9. Cool & Serve: Allow the pecanbread to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • Toasting pecans before adding enhances their natural oils and flavor but is optional.
  • Walnuts can be used as a substitute for pecans, though the flavor will be different.
  • This recipe can be halved and baked in an 8×8-inch dish; reduce baking time to 25–28 minutes.
  • Sweet Alabama Pecanbread is denser and chewier than traditional bread, resembling a blondie or nutty bar.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Freeze wrapped slices in plastic and foil for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Variations include adding ½ cup chocolate chips, ½ cup shredded coconut, swapping some sugar with maple syrup, or adding cinnamon and nutmeg for a holiday twist.

Keywords: pecan bread, sweet pecan bread, Southern dessert, pecan blondies, pecan bars, nutty dessert, sticky pecan bread, homemade pecan bread