If you have a craving for something irresistibly moist, nutty, and a little bit sweet, the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe is about to become your new go-to treat. This classic Southern delight combines the rich flavors of toasted pecans with the perfect balance of brown and granulated sugar, all nestled within a tender crumb that’s just begging to be shared. Whether you’re baking for a cozy morning breakfast, a comforting snack, or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe hits all the right notes with its simple ingredients and delightful texture. Trust me, once you make this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is a breeze for this recipe, and each element plays a crucial role in making the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread burst with flavor and texture. From the sweetness brought by sugars to the nuttiness of pecans, it’s all about harmony in every bite.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a clean, sweet flavor that balances the deeper molasses notes of brown sugar.
- Brown sugar, packed: Gives moisture and a subtle caramel undertone that makes the bread rich and flavorful.
- Large eggs, beaten: Bind everything together, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread wonderfully moist without overpowering other flavors.
- Self-rising flour: Acts as the perfect leavening agent so your bread rises to golden perfection.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the overall sweetness.
- Pecans, finely chopped: The star of the show—offering crunch, nuttiness, and that unmistakable Southern charm.
How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s thoroughly warmed up. Meanwhile, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good greasing followed by a light dusting of flour. This simple step prevents any sticky situations later and helps your bread come out of the pan clean and intact.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and beautifully blended. This creates the base that will make your bread delectably moist without feeling greasy.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually sprinkle in the self-rising flour while gently stirring to combine. Stir just until the flour disappears — overmixing here can lead to a tougher crumb, which we definitely want to avoid. Next, mix in the vanilla extract for that lovely aromatic hint that makes this bread feel like a warm hug.
Step 4: Fold in Pecans
Now comes the fun part: folding in the chopped pecans. Do this gently and make sure they’re spread evenly through the batter. These nuts will give the bread its signature Southern crunch and add a toasty nuttiness you’ll savor with every bite.
Step 5: Bake
Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top so it bakes evenly. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on the color — a golden brown top signals that this treat is ready. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, confirming a perfectly baked loaf.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread cool for at least 15 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and makes slicing easier. Then, cut into generous pieces and get ready to enjoy every moist, nutty bite.
How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can add a lovely finishing touch to your slices. If you’re feeling indulgent, a spread of softened butter or cream cheese complements the sweetness and crunch beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or snack time. For dessert, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate your treat into something truly special.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn slices into mini sandwiches by layering cream cheese and fruit preserves, or toast the bread lightly for a warm, crisp alternative. You can even cube it up and use it as decadent croutons on a salad with tangy goat cheese and mixed greens.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread covered tightly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This ensures the bread stays moist and fresh without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this pecan bread later, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to savor your stored bread, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Warm individual slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave to bring back that fresh-baked feeling with a bit of a crisp edge.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular flour for self-rising flour?
Yes, but you’ll need to add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt per cup of all-purpose flour to mimic self-rising flour. This ensures your bread rises properly.
How do I chop pecans finely without a food processor?
You can use a sharp knife and a steady hand to chop the pecans finely. Place them on a cutting board and carefully slice them into small pieces for even mixing.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the self-rising flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes a leavening agent. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will still be delightful.
Is this bread sweet enough to be a dessert?
Absolutely! The combination of brown sugar, granulated sugar, and pecans create a naturally sweet bread that works beautifully as a dessert, especially when served with ice cream or whipped cream.
Can I add other nuts or dried fruits?
Of course! While pecans are traditional, chopped walnuts, almonds, or dried cranberries can add interesting flavors and textures. Just fold them in with the pecans or replace pecans entirely if desired.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting and satisfying about homemade bread, and the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe captures that feeling perfectly. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and has the kind of moist, nutty texture that makes you want just one more slice. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or keeping it all to yourself, this bread is sure to bring smiles around the table. Give it a try and watch your kitchen fill with that warm Southern aroma that feels like home.
Print
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a moist, nutty quick bread combining the rich flavors of brown and granulated sugar with crunchy pecans. This easy-to-make recipe yields a deliciously soft bread perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, with a golden crust and tender crumb.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups self-rising flour
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additions
- 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, ensuring your bread will come out cleanly after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended for a uniform consistency.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the self-rising flour into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Then stir in the vanilla extract carefully, avoiding overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold the finely chopped pecans into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed to give every slice a satisfying crunch.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the batter after adding flour and vanilla to keep the bread light and tender.
- For added flavor, you can toast the pecans before folding them in.
- This bread stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute self-rising flour with a gluten-free baking mix and adjust leavening agents accordingly.
- Use fresh eggs for best texture and rise.
