Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
If you’re searching for a Southern classic that never fails to delight, look no further than Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. Imagine a moist, tender crumb laced with toasted pecans, hints of vanilla, and a buttery richness that makes every bite extra special. This is the kind of loaf you can whip up with pantry staples, and the results feel like an instant celebration—without any fuss. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, as an afternoon treat, or as the highlight of dessert hour, this recipe guarantees smiles around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple but absolutely essential ingredients to make your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. Each one brings something unique, from sweetness and structure to that signature nutty crunch. Don’t skip a thing—the magic really lies in the balance!
- Granulated sugar: Gives a delicate sweetness and helps create that irresistible golden crust.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a touch of molasses, which deepens the flavor and keeps the bread extra moist.
- Large eggs: Offer richness and help bind everything together for that perfect, cakey texture.
- Vegetable oil: Provides moisture and a tender crumb without overwhelming with flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation—gives the bread just the right body and structure.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the bread with warmth and a hint of aromatic sweetness.
- Chopped pecans: The star player! Their buttery crunch gives the bread its signature personality.
How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring your 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch loaf pans ensures you’ll lift out perfect slices of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread without any sticking drama. This little bit of prep work makes all the difference for a successful bake.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In your largest mixing bowl, combine both sugars, eggs, and vegetable oil. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy; you’re looking for a wonderfully glossy base with all the sugars dissolved. Once that’s ready, stir in the vanilla extract for a fragrant boost.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the all-purpose flour and salt together—a quick mix here ensures even distribution so you don’t get random bites of salt or flour. Gradually add your dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. This helps keep the bread from turning tough or dense.
Step 4: Fold in the Pecans
Now comes the best part—those beautiful chopped pecans. Gently fold them into your batter, making sure they’re evenly scattered throughout. Pecans not only add their trademark crunch but also make every bite taste unmistakably Southern.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Transfer your batter into the prepared pan(s), spreading it out with a spatula for an even layer. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Resist the urge to dig in right away—let it cool in the pan so the bread sets up perfectly before slicing.
How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Garnishes
Give your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread a little boost with simple garnishes. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey, or even a pat of creamy butter while it’s still warm. Fresh whipped cream adds a dessert touch without overpowering the homey flavors.
Side Dishes
This sweet, nutty bread pairs beautifully with classic breakfast sides like scrambled eggs, fruit salad, or yogurt. For dessert, serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of stewed berries. The bread’s flavor is so flexible you’ll never run out of delicious matches!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make things extra memorable, cut your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread into cubes for bread pudding, or stack thin slices with sweetened cream cheese for teatime finger sandwiches. For gift-giving, wrap mini loaves in parchment and twine—it’s a homemade present nobody will forget.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread tasting fresh, store it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen runs warm, a quick transfer to the fridge can help the bread stay moist and flavorful for even longer.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread! Wrap whole loaves or individual slices in plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a slice.
Reheating
To enjoy your bread warm, simply microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds or pop them in a low oven until heated through. The flavor will bloom, and the pecans regain a hint of crunch, making it feel just-baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While pecans are classic for Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread, walnuts or even chopped almonds can work well. Just know the flavor profile will shift a little, but it will still be deliciously nutty.
What’s the best way to toast pecans for this recipe?
Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes, shaking occasionally, until fragrant. Let them cool before folding into the batter for the best flavor and texture.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Swap in your favorite one-to-one gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture may change slightly, but the bread will still be moist and full of flavor.
How will I know when the bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is ready. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the crumb to stay moist.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe doubles easily—just use a larger baking dish or make extra loaves. Keep an eye on the baking time, as larger pans might take a few extra minutes to fully bake through.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly cozy about baking up a loaf (or two) of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. It’s simple, packed with Southern charm, and perfect for sharing—whether it’s at a family brunch, tucked into a lunchbox, or gifted to a friend. Gather your ingredients and enjoy the little touches that make this bread a timeless treat!
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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet, nutty goodness of this Southern classic, Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this moist and flavorful bread is sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch loaf pans.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and oil until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, stirring until just combined.
- Add Pecans: Fold in chopped pecans. Pour batter into prepared pan(s) and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let bread cool in pan before slicing and enjoying!
Notes
- This bread is more like a dense cake and pairs well with butter. Toasting the pecans before adding enhances their flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
