Name: Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 cup light brown sugar (packed); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour; 4 large eggs; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups chopped pecans; nonstick cooking spray or butter for greasing pan

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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is that delightful Southern gem you’ll find yourself craving at all hours—it’s richly sweet, loaded with toasty pecans, and comes together with very little fuss. The magic happens when brown sugar and pecans meet a tender, buttery crumb; each bite feels like a cozy gathering wrapped in nostalgia. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this classic is a must-try that brings the warmth and hospitality of Alabama right to your kitchen table.

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with a handful of pantry staples, each chosen to shine in both flavor and texture. The end result is the irresistible Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread—moist, golden, and brimming with pecan goodness.

Light brown sugar: Adds deep molasses undertones and moisture, making the crumb incredibly tender.
Granulated sugar: Brightens the overall sweetness and helps balance the richness of the brown sugar.
Large eggs: Provide structure and richness for a soft, sliceable bread.
Vegetable oil: Keeps each square deliciously moist and ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Self-rising flour: Lends lift and lightness without extra leavening agents—just measure, pour, and go!
Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors, adding a lovely aromatic note that makes the pecans sing.
Chopped pecans: The heart of the bread—crunchy, buttery pecans in every bite simply make it unforgettable.
Nonstick cooking spray or butter: Greasing the pan ensures easy removal and perfectly golden edges.

How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a generous swipe of butter. This simple step guarantees your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread will release effortlessly and keeps those edges perfectly tender.

Step 2: Mix Sugars, Eggs, and Oil

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil. Take a moment to blend everything until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. This is where the luscious, caramel undertones begin to form, promising a moist crumb in every square.

Step 3: Add the Flour

Sprinkle the self-rising flour into your sugar and egg mixture. Gently stir until just combined—overmixing can make the bread tough, so stop as soon as there are no visible streaks of flour left. It’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy; that’s the secret to fluffy bars.

Step 4: Flavor Boost with Vanilla and Pecans

Stir in the vanilla extract, then fold in those glorious chopped pecans. If you have a few extra minutes, toasting the pecans first will take your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread to a whole new level, infusing the entire loaf with a deep, nutty aroma.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Evenly spread the batter into your prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen is about to smell heavenly—let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing into generous, gooey squares.

How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Garnishes

The classic way to serve is warm, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar or a little drizzle of honey. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for pure dessert bliss—the contrast of cool and warm is simply irresistible.

Side Dishes

For a true Southern spread, pair Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread with fresh berries or a bright fruit salad. If you’re serving brunch, it cozies up beautifully next to crispy bacon, creamy scrambled eggs, or a fresh citrus salad. It also plays well with a mug of strong coffee or freshly brewed tea.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your bread into bite-sized cubes for a party platter, or stack them in rustic jars for edible gifts. For a showstopping touch at any gathering, layer cubes with mascarpone and seasonal fruit for instant pecan trifle cups.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap extra squares tightly in foil or pack them in an airtight container. Kept at room temperature, Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread stays fresh and moist for up to three days—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Arrange completely cooled pieces on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to zip-lock bags for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter just before serving.

Reheating

For that just-baked experience, warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven until they return to that perfect softness. If serving a crowd, tent with foil and gently reheat the whole pan at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising?

If you only have all-purpose flour, just add 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt for every 1 1/2 cups flour. This will ensure your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread bakes up just as light and fluffy.

Do I have to toast the pecans?

While not required, toasting the pecans brings out an extra layer of nutty flavor. It’s an easy step, but if you’re pressed for time, raw pecans will still make this bread delicious.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

Look for a golden brown top and check with a toothpick in the center; it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Over-baking can dry it out, so keep an eye on it after 30 minutes.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add a teaspoon of baking powder—it should turn out just as decadent as the original.

Can I use other nuts or add mix-ins?

Feel free to swap in walnuts or hazelnuts, or mix in a handful of chocolate chips for an even richer treat. Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is wonderfully adaptable to your tastes and what’s in your pantry.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s pure comfort in every bite, Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread truly fits the bill. It’s easy, dependable, and brimming with Southern charm—one of those treats you’ll want to share with everyone you love. Give it a try, and get ready for warm compliments and big smiles all around!

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, sweet flavors of the South with this delectable Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. Perfect for dessert or a sweet treat any time of day, this easy-to-make bread is guaranteed to impress with its nutty pecan crunch and moist texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour

Wet Ingredients:

4 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional:

2 cups chopped pecans
nonstick cooking spray or butter for greasing pan

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine sugars, eggs, and oil. Mix in flour, then add vanilla and fold in pecans.
Bake: Pour batter into the dish and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before cutting into squares.