Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is the epitome of Southern baking—sweet, nutty, and utterly irresistible. With its dense yet moist texture and rich flavor, this bread is a dessert that feels like a warm hug. The finely chopped pecans lend a buttery crunch, while the hint of vanilla rounds out the sweetness. Whether served on a holiday dessert table, enjoyed with coffee during a lazy afternoon, or gifted to loved ones, this recipe is versatile and crowd-pleasing.
I can still remember the first time I made Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread for my family. It was a chilly fall evening, and the scent of pecans toasting in the oven filled the air. My mother told me how her own grandmother used to bake this for church gatherings, and that it was always the first dessert to disappear. With each bite, I felt like I was preserving a piece of family history, and now I’m sharing it with you so you can make your own memories with this timeless recipe.
Why Our Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Is the Best
Our Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread isn’t just any dessert—it’s a comforting Southern classic packed with features that make it unforgettable:
- Bursting with toasted pecans for a rich, nutty flavor.
- Quick to prepare with simple ingredients you likely already have.
- Perfect for every occasion, from festive holidays to casual family dinners.
Ingredients Notes for Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Each ingredient in Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread plays a vital role in creating its perfect flavor and texture.
- Pecans: Finely chopped to infuse every bite with nutty goodness. You can lightly toast them for an even deeper flavor.
- Self-Rising Flour: Simplifies the recipe by eliminating the need for separate leavening agents.
- Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Combine for balanced sweetness and a subtle caramel undertone.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread wonderfully moist and tender.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note to the batter.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Ingredients List for Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
- 2 cups pecans, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups self-rising flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Kitchen Tools Needed for Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Nonstick spray or butter for greasing
- Toothpick (for testing doneness)
How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Making Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is incredibly simple and will fill your kitchen with the most delightful aroma.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth and fully combined.
Add the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the self-rising flour and salt to the wet mixture. Gently stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Add Flavor and Pecans
Stir in the vanilla extract, then fold in the finely chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).
Cool and Serve
Let the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread cool in the dish for at least 15 minutes. Slice it into squares and serve warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.
How to Store Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to a week when stored in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Variations
This recipe is a great base for customization. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a touch of indulgence.
- Nut Alternatives: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Cranberry Twist: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries to complement the sweetness and add a tart bite.
- Cinnamon Spice: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute self-rising flour with a gluten-free blend.
What to Serve with Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Pair this sweet treat with a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or even hot cocoa for a comforting combination. For dessert, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elevated experience. If you’re feeling fancy, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans for a show-stopping presentation.
Top Tips for Perfect Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
- Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans before chopping enhances their flavor and adds a subtle crunch.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter until just combined to keep the bread soft and tender.
- Grease the Pan Well: Ensure easy removal by greasing the baking dish thoroughly.
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This helps the batter mix more evenly for a consistent texture.
- Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the bread is done. If it comes out with moist crumbs, it’s perfect!
Helpful Notes
- If you don’t have self-rising flour, substitute with 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped to preserve freshness.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Paula Deen: “Toasting your pecans adds a layer of depth to the flavor that makes all the difference.”
- Ina Garten: “Room-temperature eggs and oil will mix more evenly, ensuring a better texture.”
- Alton Brown: “Measure your ingredients by weight for precision, especially with flour.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use salted pecans?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid overpowering the sweetness. - What can I use instead of vegetable oil?
Melted butter or canola oil are excellent substitutes for vegetable oil. - Can I bake this recipe as muffins?
Absolutely! Divide the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes. - How do I know when it’s done?
The edges will pull away slightly from the pan, and a toothpick inserted into the center will come out mostly clean. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
More Delicious Southern Recipes
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a celebration of Southern flavors and hospitality. It’s easy to make, full of nutty goodness, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the original recipe or customize it to suit your preferences, this timeless dessert is sure to bring joy to your table. Happy baking!
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Ingredients
- – 2 cups pecans finely chopped
- – 1 ½ cups self-rising flour
- – 1 cup granulated sugar
- – 1 cup brown sugar
- – 1 cup vegetable oil
- – 4 large eggs beaten
- – 1 tsp vanilla extract
- – ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the self-rising flour and salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined (do not overmix).
- Add Pecans and Flavoring: Stir in the vanilla extract, then fold in the finely chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Pecan Tip: Lightly toast the pecans before chopping to deepen their flavor.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Customizations: Add ½ cup chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for variations.
