Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
If you’re craving a slice of pure Southern sweetness with a cozy, nutty crunch, this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe will become your new favorite. Brimming with toasted pecans and caramel notes from brown sugar, each bite offers just the right balance of soft crumb and irresistible crisp edges. It’s a simple, heartwarming treat that channels Alabama charm, perfect for both potlucks and lazy weekend mornings. One taste, and you’ll understand why this dish is beloved all across the South!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just eight simple ingredients come together to create the magic in this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe. Each one delivers a unique note—whether it’s richness, tenderness, or that signature pecan flavor—so don’t be tempted to skip or substitute!
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a subtle molasses richness that gives the bread its signature caramel flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Blends with brown sugar for just the right sweetness and helps create a perfectly moist crumb.
- Large Eggs: Act as the binding powerhouse, contributing to the bread’s light, tender structure.
- Vegetable Oil: Gives a lovely moistness—you’ll notice the difference in every bite.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the loaf, keeping everything together while providing that satisfying, delicate texture.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors and ensures the sweetness doesn’t overwhelm.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and complements the pecans with a warm, aromatic note.
- Chopped Pecans: The true star of this recipe; for extra flavor, lightly toast them before adding to the batter.
How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s nice and hot for even baking. While the oven warms, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with your favorite nonstick spray or a bit of vegetable oil so the bread will release easily after baking.
Step 2: Whisk Sugars and Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs. Whisk until everything is well blended and smooth. This creates a lovely sweet base and ensures an even texture for your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe.
Step 3: Add Oil and Vanilla
Pour in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, then stir to incorporate. The oil keeps your bread moist and tender, while the vanilla brings warmth and aroma to the batter.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Add the all-purpose flour and salt to your wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—you want everything evenly incorporated, but don’t overmix! This helps ensure the bread stays soft and tender.
Step 5: Fold in Pecans
Finally, gently fold in the chopped pecans. If you want even more flavor, take a moment to toast them first. Their nutty crunch is what makes this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe really stand out.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish and pop it into the oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool slightly before slicing—it’s hard to wait, but this helps the bread set for the best texture.
How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Give each warm square of pecan bread a flourish by dusting with powdered sugar, drizzling with a touch of honey, or serving with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this treat into true Southern decadence.
Side Dishes
This bread shines alongside a hot cup of coffee or sweet tea, making breakfast feel downright celebratory. Serve with fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or scrambled eggs for a brunch spread that’ll wow your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re gifting or serving a crowd, try baking this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe in mini loaf pans or muffin tins. Wrap up cooled loaves with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift that anyone would love to receive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pecan bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors deepen and mingle beautifully by the second day, making each slice even tastier.
Freezing
This bread freezes like a dream! Once fully cooled, wrap individual squares or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to three months; just thaw overnight at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or in a low oven until just heated through. The pecans will regain some crunch and the bread will taste freshly baked every time.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While traditional, pecans are the classic choice in this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe, but feel free to swap in walnuts or even slivered almonds for a unique twist.
What type Dessert
Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or even light olive oil work beautifully—all give that moist, tender crumb without competing with the pecan flavor.
Can I make it gluten free?
Yes, simply use your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour. The results are still deliciously rich and satisfying!
Do I need to toast the pecans?
While toasting isn’t strictly necessary, it does heighten the nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch that takes your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe to the next level.
Is this bread more like a cake or a quick bread?
This pecan bread straddles the line—a little denser than cake, but moist and sweet enough to feel like dessert! It’s perfect as a breakfast treat or a Southern-style afternoon snack.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making pecan bread at home, this is the time to treat yourself! The Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe is warm, easy, and always impressive—share a slice and spread a little Southern joy to everyone at your table.
Print
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciously sweet and nutty flavors of the South with this delectable Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. Perfect for breakfast or as a dessert, this easy-to-make bread is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs until well combined. Stir in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
- Add dry ingredients: Incorporate the flour and salt into the mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish, spread it evenly, and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra crunch, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter.
- This bread can also be baked in mini loaf pans for a charming gift idea.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
