Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

Irresistible Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe for Cozy Bakers

Baking sweet alabama pecan bread can transport you to a cozy Southern kitchen with its rich, nutty aroma.

Memories of grandma’s warm kitchen drift through this delightful recipe.

Each slice promises a delectable journey into comfort and tradition.

Pecans bring a delicious crunch that elevates every bite of this classic treat.

Crumbly textures and deep caramel notes dance together in perfect harmony.

Southern bakers have long cherished this simple yet incredible bread.

You’ll fall in love with how easily these ingredients come together.

Prepare to savor a slice of pure Southern comfort.

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Highlights

Savor Southern Comfort: A Pecan Bread Delight

  • Foolproof Baking Bliss: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal technical expertise and delivers delectable results every single time.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Whip up this sweet treat in under an hour, making it ideal for spontaneous gatherings, potlucks, or unexpected guest visits without extensive preparation.
  • Family-Friendly Indulgence: Packed with toasted pecans and a rich, sweet flavor profile, this bread appeals to both kids and adults, creating a delightful dessert that brings everyone together around the table.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this bread plain, topped with ice cream, drizzled with caramel, or served alongside coffee, transforming it from a simple dessert to a versatile culinary experience that suits multiple occasions.

Ingredients for Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Main Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:
  • Self-Rising Flour: Soft wheat flour with leavening agents already mixed in.
  • Salt: Helps enhance the overall flavor of the bread.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar: Rich, molasses-like sweetener that adds depth.
  • White Sugar: Classic sweet granulated sugar.
  • Vegetable Oil: Light, neutral oil that keeps the bread moist.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure and richness.
Mix-In Ingredients:
  • Pecans: Classic Southern nuts with a buttery, toasted flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Warm, sweet flavoring that complements the pecans.

How to Bake Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven

Preheat the oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it generously with cooking spray or butter to ensure your bread doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Create a Sweet Sugar Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar and white sugar with vegetable oil.

Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, creamy mixture that looks like golden sunshine.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.

This technique helps create a silky, well-integrated batter that will make your bread incredibly tender.

Step 4: Enhance with Vanilla

Pour in the vanilla extract and mix it completely through the batter, allowing its rich aroma to spread throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Blend Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the self-rising flour and salt.

Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated – avoid overmixing, which can make your bread tough.

Step 6: Add Nutty Goodness

Carefully fold in the toasted pecans using a spatula.

Ensure they’re evenly distributed for a delightful crunch in every bite.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the batter to your prepared baking dish.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a smooth surface.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown color and check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool and Set

Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

This crucial step helps the bread set and makes cutting into neat squares much easier.

Step 10: Serve and Indulge

Slice into squares and serve!

For an extra special touch, pair with vanilla ice cream, add a dollop of whipped cream, or drizzle with caramel sauce for a truly decadent Southern treat.

Pro Tips for Sweet Pecan Bread

  • Gently toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and enhance their rich, nutty flavor.
  • Sift self-rising flour before adding to the batter to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing and a more consistent texture throughout the bread.
  • Use the toothpick test sparingly – a few moist crumbs are okay, but completely clean means the bread might be slightly overdry.
  • For a more dense and moist bread, reduce flour by 2 tablespoons and add an extra egg to create a richer, more decadent dessert experience.
  • Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain maximum freshness and softness.

How to Store and Reheat Pecan Bread

  • Store leftover Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Carefully wrap bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture and flavor.
  • Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Add a small pat of butter before reheating to refresh the bread's richness.
  • If bread seems slightly dry, sprinkle a few drops of water before reheating or serve with a dollop of whipped cream to add moisture and enhance taste.

Pairing Ideas for Alabama Pecan Bread

  • Pair with Caramel Coffee: Brew a rich, medium-roast coffee with a drizzle of caramel syrup to complement the sweet, nutty flavors of the pecan bread.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a cold, creamy scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside a warm slice to create a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
  • Enhance with Bourbon Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream with a splash of bourbon and a touch of vanilla, creating a sophisticated topping that elevates the bread's southern charm.
  • Enjoy with Chai Tea Latte: Steep a warm, spicy chai tea latte with hints of cinnamon and cardamom to balance the bread's sweetness and add a comforting layer of flavor.

Creative Takes on Sweet Pecan Bread

  • Gluten-Free Pecan Bread: Replace self-rising flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon of baking powder to maintain the bread's texture and rise.
  • Vegan Pecan Delight: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and swap white sugar for coconut sugar for a plant-based version.
  • Keto-Friendly Nutty Bread: Use almond flour instead of regular flour, replace sugar with erythritol or stevia, and add extra pecans for a low-carb, high-fat alternative that fits ketogenic dietary needs.
  • Reduced-Sugar Pecan Treat: Cut sugar quantities by half, use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener, and add cinnamon for extra flavor without increasing calories.

FAQs

  • What are self-rising flour's main characteristics?

Self-rising flour already contains baking powder and salt, which helps create a lighter, softer texture in baked goods without separately adding leavening agents.

  • How do I toast pecans for this recipe?

Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and slightly darker. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

  • Can I substitute vegetable oil with another type of oil?

Yes, you can use canola oil or melted butter as direct substitutes. Each will slightly change the bread’s final flavor and texture, but will work similarly in the recipe.

  • Why is it important not to overmix the batter?

Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the bread tough and dense instead of tender and soft. Mix just until ingredients are combined for the best texture.

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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe


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4.5 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent sweet alabama pecan bread delivers a Southern comfort wrapped in nutty richness, promising delightful moments of pure culinary pleasure. Rich layers of flavor and warm pecan essence invite you to savor each delectable slice with pure Southern hospitality.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed

Flour and Nuts:

  • 1 1/2 cups (240 grams) self-rising flour
  • 2 cups (226 grams) chopped pecans, toasted

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and thoroughly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with grease to prevent adhesion.
  2. Combine brown and white sugars with vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl, whisking until the mixture becomes uniform and silky.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually into the sugar mixture, thoroughly blending after each addition to create a smooth, consistent texture.
  4. Introduce vanilla extract, stirring carefully to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the batter.
  5. Gently fold in self-rising flour and salt, mixing just until dry ingredients are incorporated without overworking the batter.
  6. Carefully fold toasted pecans into the mixture, ensuring even distribution using a spatula.
  7. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer.
  8. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until the bread achieves a golden-brown color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with minimal moist crumbs.
  9. Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, which helps it set and facilitates cleaner cutting.
  10. Slice into squares and serve. For an extra indulgent experience, consider pairing with vanilla ice cream, topping with whipped cream, or drizzling with caramel sauce.

Notes

  • Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent them from becoming soggy during baking.
  • Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter integration and more consistent texture.
  • Check bread doneness by gently pressing the center – it should spring back slightly when fully baked.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute self-rising flour with gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon baking powder.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 0.1 g
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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