Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

The Best Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Pecan bread embodies the rich, comforting essence of Southern baking traditions.

Warm kitchens buzz with anticipation when this delectable treat emerges from the oven.

Nutty aromas waft through the air, promising a delightful culinary experience that tantalizes the senses.

Soft, moist crumbs intertwine with crunchy pecan pieces, creating a harmonious texture that speaks to rustic charm.

Bakers appreciate how this recipe revolutionizes simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary.

The magic lies in careful technique and quality components that elevate a basic quick bread.

Each slice tells a story of heritage and home-style comfort.

Ingredients for This Buttery, Nutty Quick Bread

Sweet Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, White Sugar: Sweet base that provides rich, deep flavor and helps create a moist texture with caramel-like undertones.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile of the bread.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and creates a tender, soft bread texture with smooth consistency.
  • Eggs: Provide structure, bind ingredients, and contribute to rich, smooth batter.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Self-Rising Flour: Convenient flour blend that includes leavening agents for easy mixing and consistent rise.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
Nutty Addition:
  • Pecans: Southern-style nuts that add crunch, rich nutty flavor, and delightful texture to the bread, best when lightly toasted for deeper flavor.

How to Mix and Bake This Sweet Southern Loaf

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous butter or cooking spray coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Silky Smooth Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Brown sugar
  • White sugar
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs

Blend these ingredients until they transform into a creamy, dreamy mixture that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 3: Splash Of Flavor

Pour in the vanilla extract and stir gently. Let that rich, sweet aroma start dancing through your kitchen.

Step 4: Marry Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in:
  • Self-rising flour
  • Salt

Fold these dry companions into your wet mixture, stirring until everything melds together seamlessly.

Step 5: Embrace The Pecans

Toss in your toasted pecans, folding them through the batter with tender care. Ensure those nutty treasures are evenly scattered throughout.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Transfer your beautiful batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out with a gentle touch. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Your bread is ready when it turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Allow your bread to cool for about 10 minutes. Slice into delectable squares and serve. For an extra indulgent twist, top with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips for Toasty Pecans and Moist Crumb

  • Toast Pecans Perfectly: Gently toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the bread.
  • Check Moisture Level: Use room temperature eggs and oil to create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter that ensures a tender, moist bread texture.
  • Prevent Sinking Nuts: Lightly coat pecans in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
  • Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick at a slight angle near the center of the bread; if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is perfectly baked and will remain soft.
  • Storage Secret: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and freshness for up to 3-4 days at room temperature.

How to Store and Reheat Slices for Later

  • Refrigeration: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, preserving its moist texture and rich pecan flavor.
  • Room Temperature: Keep the bread covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring it stays soft and delectable by placing it in a sealed container or bread box.
  • Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, restoring the bread's warm, comforting taste and slightly crisp edges.

What to Serve with a Warm Slice of Pecan Bread

  • Pair with Creamy Coffee Companion: Serve a warm, smooth latte or cappuccino alongside the sweet Alabama pecan bread. The rich, velvety coffee balances the bread's nutty sweetness perfectly.
  • Complement with Chilled Dessert Wine: A glass of sweet Moscato or late-harvest Riesling enhances the bread's caramel notes and pecan crunch. The wine's fruity undertones create a delightful flavor harmony.
  • Elevate with Vanilla Bean Delight: Top the bread with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creamy texture and aromatic vanilla beautifully contrast the warm, nutty bread, creating an irresistible dessert experience.
  • Boost with Spiced Chai Warmth: Enjoy a fragrant chai tea alongside the bread. The tea's blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger adds a spicy complexity that wonderfully complements the bread's sweet, toasty pecans.

Add-Ins and Mix-Ins to Try

  • Nutty Chocolate Chip Edition: Replace some pecans with dark chocolate chips for a rich, decadent bread that combines nutty and sweet flavors.
  • Tropical Coconut Crunch: Mix in shredded coconut and swap half the pecans with macadamia nuts for a Hawaiian-inspired variation that adds tropical texture.
  • Cinnamon Spice Sensation: Incorporate ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg into the batter, creating a warm, aromatic bread with a cozy autumn feel.
  • Maple Glazed Version: After baking, drizzle a simple maple glaze over the top, enhancing the bread's sweetness and adding a luxurious finishing touch.

Why Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Is So Addictive

  • Elevate Southern Comfort: This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread captures the heart of Southern baking with its rich, nutty flavor and tender crumb that brings warmth to any gathering.
  • Quick and Easy Delight: Whip up this hassle-free recipe in under an hour, perfect for busy home bakers who want a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Enjoy this bread as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert- its adaptable nature makes it a go-to recipe for everything from casual family meals to potluck parties.
  • Textural Perfection: Experience the delightful contrast between the soft, moist bread and the crunchy, toasted pecans that add an irresistible nutty dimension to every bite.
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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

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

Description

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread delivers southern comfort with rich, nutty warmth. Pecans folded into moist, tender crumbs create a delightful treat you’ll savor with afternoon coffee or share with friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups chopped pecans, toasted

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups self-rising flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancer:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Warm the kitchen oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat a rectangular baking vessel with cooking grease, ensuring complete surface coverage.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together golden brown sugar, white granulated sugar, smooth vegetable oil, and fresh eggs until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, uniform cream with silky texture.
  3. Introduce pure vanilla extract, stirring gently to infuse the batter with rich, aromatic essence.
  4. Gradually incorporate sifted self-rising flour and a delicate pinch of salt, blending meticulously to create a harmonious, lump-free consistency.
  5. Carefully fold roasted, fragrant pecans throughout the batter, distributing them evenly to guarantee a delightful crunch in every single bite.
  6. Transfer the velvety batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer that will bake uniformly.
  7. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and testing doneness with a clean toothpick that emerges without wet batter.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to rest and settle for 10 minutes, enabling it to firm up and cool slightly before slicing into delectable squares.
  9. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by a refreshing scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finishing touch.

Notes

  • Perfectly toasts pecans beforehand to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and prevent sogginess during baking.
  • Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients like pure vanilla extract and locally sourced eggs for maximum taste impact.
  • Check bread’s doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs.
  • Allows cooling time to help the bread set and develop a more stable texture before slicing.
  • Versatile dessert that works great as a quick breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or elegant potluck contribution.
  • Stores wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, maintaining its soft, moist consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 382
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 56 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19.1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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