Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

Try Our Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe: Tasty Southern Charm

Crafting a delectable sweet alabama pecan bread brings pure joy to any kitchen adventure.

Nutty aromas will dance through your home as butter melts and pecans toast gently.

Southern comfort shines bright in this classic recipe that connects generations of baking traditions.

Warm spices mingle with rich, golden batter creating a sensational treat.

Crisp edges and soft, tender crumbs promise a delightful experience for anyone who loves homestyle baking.

Rustic and comforting, this bread celebrates simple ingredients with extraordinary flavor.

Why Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Is a Southern Classic

  • Stress-Free Baking: Perfect for novice bakers with simple ingredients and straightforward mixing steps that anyone can master without culinary expertise.
  • Quick Southern Comfort: Delivers classic Southern charm with minimal prep work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Versatile recipe works wonderfully for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend treats that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Nutty Texture Delight: Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch and rich flavor, transforming an ordinary bread into a memorable Southern-style dessert that feels special.

Ingredients for Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

For the Core Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Light Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a moist, tender texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the bread.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures a rich, moist consistency and helps prevent dryness.
  • Self-Rising Flour: Creates the base of the bread and provides necessary leavening.
  • Pecans: Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the sweet bread.
For the Flavoring:
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.
For the Baking Preparation:
  • Baking Dish, Cooking Spray or Butter: Allows for easy removal of the bread and prevents sticking.

How to Bake Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Batter Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, toss together:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Light brown sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil

Whisk these ingredients until they form a silky smooth mixture that looks like liquid gold.

Step 3: Blend in the Flour

Slowly sprinkle the self-rising flour into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently, making sure not to overmix. You want the batter to be just combined and free of lumps.

Step 4: Add Flavor Boosters

Pour in the vanilla extract and give the batter a quick stir. This will send delightful aromas dancing through your kitchen.

Step 5: Incorporate Nutty Goodness

Fold in the chopped pecans, making sure they’re evenly scattered throughout the batter. These little nuggets will provide a delicious crunch in every bite.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Once baked, pull the bread out of the oven and let it rest in the pan for about 15 minutes.

This helps it set and makes cutting easier. Slice into squares and serve either warm or at room temperature for a sweet Southern treat.

Tips for Moist and Flavorful Alabama Pecan Bread

  • Toast pecans briefly before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent sinking.
  • Swap vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer taste and more depth in the bread.
  • Use room temperature eggs to ensure smoother batter consistency and even mixing.
  • Dust chopped pecans with a little flour before folding into batter to prevent them from settling at the bottom during baking.
  • Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and freshness.

Variations to Customize Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

  • Gluten-Free Pecan Bread: Replace self-rising flour with gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon baking powder for rise.
  • Vegan Pecan Delight: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, and use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.
  • Maple Pecan Bread: Swap half the sugar with maple syrup and add ground cinnamon for extra warmth.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated and brown sugar, reducing overall sugar content.

What Goes Well with Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

  • Savor Creamy Coffee Companions: Pair this sweet pecan bread with a smooth, rich cappuccino or latte to complement its nutty texture and enhance the warm, comforting flavors.
  • Elevate Dessert Wine Moments: Select a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or a Late Harvest Riesling, which will harmonize beautifully with the bread's caramel-like sweetness and pecan crunch.
  • Create Vanilla Ice Cream Magic: Top a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cold, creamy texture to contrast delightfully with the bread's warmth and create a decadent dessert experience.
  • Brew Southern-Style Tea Delight: Serve alongside a classic sweet tea or a delicate herbal chai, which will highlight the bread's Southern roots and provide a refreshing counterpoint to its rich, nutty profile.

Best Storage for Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.

Slice the bread, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving its delicious flavor and texture.

Store at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days, ensuring the bread stays moist and soft. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly toast in a preheated oven at 325F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.

FAQs

  • Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?

Yes, but you’ll need to add 1½ teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt per cup of all-purpose flour to replicate self-rising flour’s properties.

  • Are pecans necessary for this recipe?

No, you can omit pecans or substitute with walnuts if desired. The nuts add texture and flavor, but the bread will still taste delicious without them.

  • How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the bread is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe


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4.9 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent sweet alabama pecan bread emerges as a Southern comfort classic, blending rich nutty flavors with a moist, tender crumb. Rich pecans and sweet notes create a delightful dessert slice you’ll savor down to the last delectable morsel.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups self-rising flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil

Sugars:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar

Nuts and Flavoring:

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until the mixture becomes silky and well-blended.
  3. Gradually incorporate self-rising flour into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to prevent overmixing and maintain a smooth consistency.
  4. Enhance the batter’s flavor profile by introducing vanilla extract, stirring until completely integrated.
  5. Carefully fold chopped pecans throughout the batter, ensuring an even distribution of nutty texture.
  6. Transfer the prepared batter into the greased baking dish, using a spatula to spread it uniformly and create an even surface.
  7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and dry.
  8. After removing from the oven, allow the bread to rest and cool within the pan for approximately 15 minutes, enabling it to set and stabilize.
  9. Slice into square portions and serve either warm or at room temperature, showcasing the bread’s rich, nutty characteristics.

Notes

  • Toast pecans before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a deeper, richer taste profile.
  • Swap vegetable oil with melted butter for a more luxurious and traditional baking texture.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free self-rising flour blend, ensuring the same tender crumb.
  • Reduce sugar content by 25% if you prefer a less sweet dessert, maintaining the bread’s delightful moistness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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