Easy Southern Pecan Bread

Serve sweet pecan bread with a cup of coffee, as a delightful dessert, or even as a sweet side dish for BBQ.

Southern Pecan Bread is a delightful, nutty treat that’s perfect for any occasion, offering a taste of Alabama’s rich tradition in every bite.

three pieces of southern pecan bread on a white plate

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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread has a rich history that dates back generations.

This delightful treat is a staple in Southern kitchens, passed down from grandmothers to mothers, and now to us.

What makes southern pecan bread so unique is its simplicity and the use of pecans, which are abundant in Alabama.

Pecans have been a beloved ingredient in Southern cuisine for centuries, and this bread showcases their rich, buttery flavor perfectly.

I love to enjoy this delicious pecan quickbread after a hearty Southern meal.

It’s the perfect ending to a comforting, home-cooked meal that leaves everyone satisfied and smiling!

One of my favorite ways to enjoy Southern Pecan Bread is to serve it warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The combination of the warm, nutty bread and the cold, creamy ice cream captures the essence of Southern hospitality.

More Delicious Pecan Recipes:

a white plate serves squares of sweet Alabama pecan bread, with the remaining pan of bread in the background.

Old-Fashioned Pecan Bread

It’s super easy to make this pecan quickbread, because it’s not even baked in a loaf pan.

Instead, it’s baked in an 8×8″ baking dish, similar to cornbread.

Slice it into squares so you can easily top it with a scoop of ice cream. Add a drizzle of caramel and extra toasted pecans for a decadent treat.

But, this sweet bread isn’t just for dessert! It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it an excellent choice for a breakfast or mid-afternoon snack.

Some people even serve it as a side dish with some BBQ!

The versatility of Southern Pecan Bread is one of the reasons it’s so beloved.

Whether you’re enjoying it at a family gathering, a church potluck, or just a quiet afternoon at home, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

More Southern Desserts:

a square of Alabama pecan bread topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

How to Make Southern Pecan Bread

It’s really easy to make this tasty treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • Sugar
  • Brown Sugar
  • Vegetable Oil
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Self-rising Flour
  • Pecans
close-up view of three pieces of southern pecan quick bread on a white plate

How to Make It:

(Full printable recipe card is available below)

Mix the wet ingredients. First, you’ll beat together both sugars and vegetable oil.

Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated.

two photos; one shows sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl; the other shows the ingredients mixed together.

Add the dry ingredients. Next, you’ll add flour, mixing on low speed just until combined.

two photos; one shows flour added to the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl; the other shows the ingredients mixed together.

Add the pecan. Then, you’ll add chopped pecans, mixing by hand to fold them into the batter.

two photos; one shows pecans added to batter, the other shows batter mixed together.

Bake. Last, you’ll spread the pecan bread batter into prepared baking dish.

Bake for about 26-28 minutes, or until golden-brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

two photos; one shows batter in glass baking dish; the other shows pan of pecan bread after baking.

Notes and Adaptations:

  • If you don’t have vegetable oil on hand, you can use melted butter instead.
  • Feel free to double the recipe and bake in a 9×13″ pan if desired, but you’ll need to increase the baking time by a few minutes.
overhead view of an 8x8" baking dish of southern sweet pecan bread, made popular in Alabama.
Yield: 12-16 Servings

Southern Pecan Bread

slices of southern pecan bread served on a white plate

This delicious southern pecan bread is an Alabama staple! It's a flavorful treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, or can be served as a sweet side dish with BBQ.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 27 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup self-rising flour
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and grease an 8x8" baking dish.
  2. In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat together both sugars and vegetable oil. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated.
  3. Add flour, mixing on low speed just until combined.
  4. Add chopped pecans, mixing by hand to fold them into the batter.
  5. Spread batter into prepared baking dish. Bake for about 26-28 minutes, or until golden-brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Let cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

  • If you don't have vegetable oil on hand, you can use melted butter instead.
  • Feel free to double the recipe and bake in a 9x13" pan if desired, but you'll need to increase the baking time by a few minutes.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 245Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 107mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 1gSugar: 16gProtein: 3g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is not guaranteed for accuracy.

Want more delicious recipe ideas?

Check out even more mealtime inspiration on my Pinterest boards!

Be sure to save this recipe to your desserts board on Pinterest!

two photos; one shows a slice of Alabama pecan bread topped with ice cream; the other shows three pieces of southern pecan bread on a white plate.

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4 Comments

  1. Peggy McG says:

    Sounds delicious. Could this made in a loaf pan with a few modifications? Thank you.

    1. Chrysti Benner says:

      Hi Peggy! I’ve heard of people baking it in a loaf pan, though I’ve never tried it myself. I think you’d need to increase the bake time–probably to at least 45-60 minutes. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! 🙂

  2. I used a half a cup of nonfat Greek yogurt instead of the oil. It came out beautifully and saved me 973 calories!

    1. Chrysti Benner says:

      Oh, thank you for this great tip, Judy! I’m glad to hear it came out just as tasty! 🙂

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