Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Sweet, dense, and loaded with toasty pecan flavor, this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe is the ultimate Southern treat for any occasion. Imagine a tender, brown-sugar crumb with crisp edges and buttery bits of pecan in every bite—perfect for breakfast, snack time, or as a simple dessert. Once you taste this comforting classic, you’ll understand why it’s a cherished family favorite passed from kitchen to kitchen across Alabama and beyond!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe comes together with a handful of humble staples, each playing a key role in its irresistible flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a thing!
- Chopped pecans: The heart of this bread adds crunch and a warm, nutty richness that makes each bite memorable.
- Light brown sugar (packed): Brings deep caramel notes and keeps the bread perfectly moist—don’t skimp on this ingredient.
- Granulated sugar: Balances out the brown sugar, adding a subtle sweetness and golden color.
- Self-rising flour: Guarantees tender, fluffy bread by providing just the right amount of rise; no need to measure baking powder or salt!
- Large eggs: Bind everything together while creating a soft, cake-like structure.
- Vegetable oil: Makes the crumb extra moist and tender; any neutral oil works well here.
- Vanilla extract: The secret to an unforgettable aroma and warmth that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish well—this step ensures your bread comes out with crisp sides and doesn’t stick to the pan. Taking a minute here saves you from any heartbreak later!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine the chopped pecans, packed light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and self-rising flour in a large bowl. Stir gently so the pecans get lightly dusted and every bit of sugar lovingly mingles with the flour—it sets the foundation for that perfect, flavorful crumb.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Crack your eggs directly into the bowl, then add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Stir just until the batter is thick and no streaks of flour remain. If it looks dense, that’s exactly right—this isn’t a typical bread but a rich, almost brownie-like treat!
Step 4: Bake
Pour the thick, pecan-studded batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the center of your oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden and a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Resist the urge to dig in right away—let your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe cool completely in the pan. This helps it set and makes slicing into perfect squares a breeze. Now, all that’s left is to gather your favorite people and enjoy!
How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Dress up each slice with a generous dusting of powdered sugar or a gentle drizzle of warm caramel sauce. For a festival-worthy finish, scatter a few extra toasted pecans or even a dollop of whipped cream on top—little touches that make the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This pecan bread pairs like a dream with fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For brunch, serve slices alongside scrambled eggs or a cold glass of milk—the sweetness and nuttiness are bold enough to play nice with both hearty and light companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bread into elegant triangles or hefty bars for lunchboxes. Turn it into the star of a dessert board with chocolate pieces, berries, and mini marshmallows. You can even slice and layer it in a trifle with whipped cream and bananas for a show-stopping Southern sundae.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is especially warm or humid, you can refrigerate it to preserve freshness and keep those pecan bits crisp.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Wrap cooled slices or the whole slab tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to two months. Defrost on the counter, still wrapped, to avoid condensation making it soggy.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked magic, reheat individual squares for 10-15 seconds in the microwave or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes. The bread will regain its softness and the pecans will smell extra toasty.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, but you’ll need to add 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt per cup to mimic self-rising flour’s leavening power.
Is it possible to use dark brown sugar?
Absolutely! Dark brown sugar will give the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe a deeper, more molasses-forward flavor and a slightly darker color—go for it if you love bolder sweetness.
What’s the best way to chop pecans?
Roughly chopped pecans provide great texture, but if you like a more subtle crunch, use a food processor for a finer chop—just be careful not to over-process them into meal.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Try swapping self-rising flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and add the necessary baking powder and salt. Make sure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free too.
Why is my pecan bread dry?
Overbaking or measuring flour by volume rather than weight can dry out your bread. Always check for doneness early and use packed brown sugar to help lock in moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe is the kind of treat that brings people together, fills your kitchen with sweet, nutty scents, and makes you grateful for the simplest, best things in life. Give it a try—you might just make a lifelong favorite in your own home!
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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious and nutty goodness of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread with this easy-to-follow recipe. A perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup self-rising flour
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, combine pecans, sugars, and flour.
- Add Wet Ingredients – Stir in eggs, oil, and vanilla until a thick batter forms.
- Bake – Pour batter into the prepared pan, spread evenly, and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool and Serve – Let cool before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread, Pecan Bread Recipe, Sweet Bread Recipe
