If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the South, you need to try this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe. It’s everything you want in a sweet treat—moist, buttery, with the irresistible crunch and flavor of toasted pecans woven throughout. Imagine biting into a soft, blondie-like square with the subtle caramel hints of brown sugar and the rich nutty aroma that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy Southern kitchen. Whether you’re sharing it with family or treating yourself, this recipe delivers pure comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this delicious dish. The beauty of the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe lies in its simplicity, where each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel sweetness and moisture essential for that tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps the bread achieve a golden top crust.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the batter.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and soft without overpowering the flavors.
- All-purpose flour: The base that creates the perfect texture, not too dense, not too cakey.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet and nutty flavors, making each bite pop.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet fragrance that complements the pecans perfectly.
- Chopped pecans: The star ingredient, delivering delightful crunch and classic Southern flavor.
How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large loaf pan to ensure your pecan bread comes out cleanly, with crisp edges perfect for slicing.
Step 2: Mix Sugars and Eggs
In a large bowl, beat together the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and just a bit fluffy—this is where the magic starts as the sugars begin to dissolve and blend into the eggs.
Step 3: Add Oil
Slowly pour the vegetable oil into your sugar-egg mixture while stirring gently. This gradual incorporation keeps the batter from separating and helps maintain that luscious moist texture.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Next, stir in the all-purpose flour, salt, and vanilla extract carefully until they’re just mixed together. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so stop when you no longer see dry flour streaks.
Step 5: Fold in Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped pecans to distribute them evenly throughout the batter. These pecans will toast beautifully in the oven, adding a crunchy contrast to the tender bread.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your greased pan, smoothing the top so it bakes evenly. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool completely before slicing it into squares or bars.
How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle warm caramel sauce over the slices for a decadent touch. A few extra raw or toasted pecan halves on top make the presentation pop and add a bit of texture.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. For a breakfast spin, serve it alongside fresh fruit and a cup of strong coffee or creamy hot chocolate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe as mini loaves or bars wrapped in parchment paper and tied with rustic twine for charming homemade gifts. It also works great cut into bite-sized pieces on a dessert platter, perfect for parties or afternoon tea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep the bread moist and flavorful. If your kitchen is warm, popping it in the fridge is fine too, just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezing
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil or a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to three months, ready for a quick thaw on a countertop or in the fridge.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked softness, reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Adding a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey amplifies the cozy warmth.
FAQs
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
Yes, you can replace the vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor, but be mindful that it might slightly alter the bread’s moist texture and tenderness.
What makes this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread different from regular pecan bread?
The combination of both light brown and granulated sugars creates a perfect balance of sweetness and moisture, while the simple method keeps the texture moist and tender, reminiscent of a comforting pecan praline dessert.
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can be delicious substitutes, but pecans provide that classic Southern flavor which really defines this recipe.
Is this bread suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat or gelatin—just wholesome baking ingredients.
How long will the bread stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this pecan bread stays fresh and tasty for about 3 days at room temperature, and up to a week if refrigerated.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe is one of those rare finds that feels homemade but effortless, bringing a little bit of Southern charm right into your kitchen. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and experience that perfect blend of tender crumb and nutty sweetness that makes this bread a forever favorite. Whether for a special occasion or a weekday treat, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe box.
Print
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a moist, rich dessert with the texture of a blondie and the distinct flavor of pecan praline. This Southern-inspired treat combines the warmth of brown sugar and vanilla with crunchy chopped pecans, baked to golden perfection and perfect served warm with ice cream or caramel sauce.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Sugars and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs until the mixture is well combined and slightly fluffy to incorporate air and ensure a light texture.
- Add Oil and Flavor: Slowly add the vegetable oil to the mixture while continuing to mix. Stir in the vanilla extract for added aroma and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender and soft.
- Fold in Pecans: Carefully fold the chopped pecans into the batter to distribute them evenly without deflating the mixture.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pecan bread to cool before slicing into squares or bars. Serve warm optionally with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Notes
- This sweet, moist pecan bread has the texture of a blondie and the flavor of a pecan praline.
- Great served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Can also be baked in mini loaf pans for gifting or portion control.
