If you’re on the hunt for a delightfully rich and nutty treat that feels like a warm hug from the South, look no further than this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe. It’s packed with the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, boasting finely chopped pecans woven through moist, tender bread that’s straight-up irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just craving something homey and comforting, this recipe delivers every time with flavors that will have you coming back for seconds and even thirds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each bringing a crucial element to the final masterpiece. From the sugars that create a caramelized crust to the pecans adding that signature crunch, these basics come together to make something truly special.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps develop a lovely golden crust.
- Brown sugar, packed: Gives moisture and a deep, caramel flavor to the bread.
- Large eggs, beaten: Provides structure and richness to the batter.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender without overpowering the other flavors.
- Self-rising flour: The perfect flour choice to give the bread a light rise without extra leavening agents.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, sweet aroma and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Pecans, finely chopped: The star ingredient offering crunch, nutty flavor, and a bit of southern charm.
How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish carefully to make sure your bread releases easily after baking. Nothing’s worse than a sticky bread battle!
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir these ingredients together until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. This is the base that creates the moist texture everybody loves in this bread.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add the self-rising flour to the wet mixture. Stir just until the flour has disappeared into the batter—don’t overmix or the bread could turn out dense. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, which lends a sweet hint that perfectly balances the nuts and sugars.
Step 4: Fold in Pecans
Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans, making sure they’re spread evenly throughout your batter. This step is where the bread gets its signature crunch and a lovely nutty flavor that’s absolutely characteristic of this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe.
Step 5: Bake
Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. Bake it in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and a clean toothpick test to know it’s done to perfection.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Once your bread comes out of the oven, give it at least 15 minutes to cool in the pan. This resting time helps it set up nicely so your slices are neat and not crumbly. Then, slice and get ready to enjoy the comforting goodness of this southern classic.
How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light spread of butter or a drizzle of honey just takes this bread to the next level. For extra indulgence, try a smear of cream cheese or a dusting of powdered sugar to add visual appeal and a hint of sweetness that complements the pecans beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or afternoon snack. It also serves as a fantastic side alongside creamy soups or fresh fruit salad, making every meal feel a little more special with its warm, nutty flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider turning slices of this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe into decadent French toast or layering it with whipped cream and berries for a quick dessert. You can also toast slices lightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy southern-inspired treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it will stay moist and delicious for up to three days, perfect for enjoying at a leisurely pace.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Just wrap individual slices or the whole loaf securely in freezer-safe wrap or foil, then place in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to three months without losing its wonderful flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave until warm. For the best texture, warming it slightly brings back that freshly baked feeling, and you’ll have that same nutty aroma filling your kitchen once again.
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 to mimic self-rising flour’s leavening and seasoning qualities for the best result.
Are there any nut-free alternatives to pecans in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute chopped walnuts or even sunflower seeds if you want a bit of crunch without nuts. Just keep the texture in mind, as it may slightly change the flavor profile.
Can I make this bread vegan?
To make it vegan, replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (three tablespoons flaxseed + nine tablespoons water for four eggs) and swap vegetable oil for a plant-based oil if needed. The bread may be a bit denser but still tasty!
What’s the best way to get pecans finely chopped?
Use a sharp knife to roughly chop the nuts, then go over them a few more times until you achieve small, even pieces. A food processor can work, but pulse carefully to avoid turning nuts into a paste.
Is this bread sweet enough to be a dessert?
Thanks to the combination of granulated and brown sugars, plus the vanilla extract, this bread has a rich sweetness that works well as a dessert or a sweet snack. Add a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of ice cream to elevate it even more.
Final Thoughts
If you want to bring a little taste of Southern hospitality into your kitchen, the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. Its tender crumb, buttery flavor, and crunchy pecans make every bite a joy, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own. Go ahead and give it a whirl—you’re going to love how it fills your home with warmth and sweet memories.
Print
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a moist, nutty quick bread perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack. This classic Southern-style bread combines rich brown and granulated sugars with crunchy pecans, all baked to golden perfection in a simple and straightforward recipe.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1½ cups self-rising flour
Other
- 2 cups pecans, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the self-rising flour to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Stir in vanilla extract until evenly incorporated, being careful to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute self-rising flour by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt if unavailable.
- For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly before folding them into the batter.
- This bread is best served slightly warm, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar upon serving adds a nice touch of sweetness.
