Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
If you’re searching for a treat that bridges the gap between classic Southern hospitality and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness, Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a must-bake delight! Imagine a moist, tender crumb studded with buttery pecans, crowned with a golden, crackly top. It’s not just a bread—it’s one of those nostalgic desserts that feels like home in every bite, perfect for family gatherings, coffee breaks, or anytime you’re craving something special. And the best part? It comes together faster than you’d think, making it as easy as it is memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a celebration of simple pantry staples working their magic together. Each ingredient has a role to play in giving Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread its signature flavor, irresistible texture, and gorgeous color. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a quick tip for every item.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness for that classic Southern flavor.
- Light brown sugar: Gives a deeper, caramelized profile for a more complex taste.
- Large eggs: These provide structure and richness, ensuring the bread stays moist.
- Vegetable oil: Makes each bite tender and keeps the bread from drying out.
- All-purpose flour: This gives body to the bread and helps hold everything together.
- Baking powder: A must for lift; it keeps your pecan bread soft and fluffy.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and makes the other flavors pop.
- Vanilla extract: For that warm, bakery-style aroma and extra depth of flavor.
- Chopped pecans: The star of the show! For even more flavor, give them a quick toast before adding.
How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, so it’s hot and ready when your batter is mixed. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously—this ensures the bread will lift right out, with every edge perfectly golden.
Step 2: Mix the Sugars and Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and a bit frothy. This step is key for dissolving the sugars and setting up the right, chewy texture in your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread.
Step 3: Add the Oil and Vanilla
Pour in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, stirring well until everything is thoroughly combined. The oil is your secret weapon for a moist and luscious crumb, while the vanilla brings in that bakery-style perfume we all love.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these separately first keeps your bread airy and prevents any lumps of baking powder in the final bite.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated. Over-mixing can make the bread tough, so gentle is the way to go here.
Step 6: Fold in the Pecans
Add those glorious chopped pecans and gently fold them into the batter. They’ll be perfectly distributed for a nutty crunch in every slice.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan so it sets up nicely before slicing.
How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Garnishes
Dress up each square with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of creamy vanilla glaze for a little sparkle and sweetness. If you’re feeling extra decadent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side adds a dessert-lover’s flourish.
Side Dishes
Pair slices of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread with freshly brewed coffee or sweet tea for a true taste of Southern comfort. On special occasions, serve alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a citrus fruit salad to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bread into charming little bars for a potluck, or layer them parfait-style in a glass with whipped cream and fruit for a show-stopping dessert. You could even turn it into the base for a festive trifle—the versatility is endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread beautifully moist, simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual slices or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours and the bread will taste just as amazing as the day it was baked.
Reheating
If you love enjoying Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread warm, just microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven tenderness, especially nice with a little butter.
FAQs
Can I substitute walnuts for the pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts make a great alternative if that’s what you have on hand. The flavor will be slightly different, but just as delicious and nutty.
Is Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread more like bread or cake?
It’s definitely closer to a soft, moist cake bar than a traditional yeast bread. Think of it as a hybrid between dessert and a snack—sweet, tender, and just a touch chewy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap in your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend for the all-purpose flour. Just keep an eye on the texture; you may need to add a tablespoon more oil for extra moisture.
What’s the best way to toast the pecans?
Place the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring often, until they’re fragrant and lightly golden. Let them cool before adding to the batter for even more flavor.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
Check by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re good to go. The top should look golden and set, but resist overbaking to keep it moist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about sharing Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread fresh from your own oven—its warm, nutty aroma draws everyone to the kitchen, and every bite is pure comfort. If you’ve never tried it before, I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a go and make some sweet, nutty memories with your loved ones!
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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, sweet flavors of the South with this delectable Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. Loaded with pecans and a perfect balance of sugars, this dessert is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix sugars and eggs: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth.
- Add oil and vanilla: Stir in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in pecans: Fold in the chopped pecans. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can lightly toast the pecans beforehand for added flavor.
- This bread is more like a moist, sweet cake bar than a traditional loaf bread.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle with a simple glaze or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
