Name: Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup chopped pecans; 1 cup light brown sugar (packed); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup self-rising flour; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Get ready to fall in love with Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread—a stunning Southern treat that brings together crunchy pecans, rich brown sugar, and a tender, buttery crumb. Whether you’re serving it up as an afternoon snack, sweet breakfast, or the centerpiece of your dessert table, Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a crowd-pleaser that manages to be both comforting and deeply satisfying. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is reason enough to try it, but the taste—nutty, sweet, and just the right amount of chewy—will keep you coming back for more.

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is short and sweet, which means every item truly matters. Each component adds its own unique flavor and texture, coming together to create that signature Southern charm we all crave in a homemade baked good.

Chopped pecans: The heart of this bread, pecans add buttery crunch and a taste of Southern tradition to every bite.
Light brown sugar: This brings depth and a gentle, molasses-like sweetness that makes the crumb extra moist and flavorful.
Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar with a touch of brightness and helps create a lovely crisp top.
Self-rising flour: Guarantees a tender, airy texture without the fuss—if you don’t have any, you can quickly make your own (see below!).
Large eggs: Essential for structure and richness, they bind everything together while keeping the bread soft.
Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and ensures the bread stays wonderfully tender, even days later.
Vanilla extract: Infuses every slice with warm, fragrant sweetness—it’s subtle, but you’d miss it if it were gone.

How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get out an 8×8-inch baking dish or a loaf pan, and grease it lightly—just enough so your beautiful Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread releases effortlessly after baking. This little bit of prep sets you up for stress-free slicing later on.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your chopped pecans, packed light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and self-rising flour. Toss these together until everything is evenly mixed. This not only distributes the flavor but also ensures every bite is packed with nutty, sweet goodness.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Crack in the eggs, pour in the vegetable oil, and add the vanilla extract directly into your dry mix. Use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon to blend everything together just until a thick batter forms. Be gentle—overmixing isn’t your friend here! You want the batter smooth but still rich and full-bodied.

Step 4: Spread and Bake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula so the bread bakes up nice and level. Slide it into the oven, set your timer for 30 to 35 minutes, and let the magic happen. The bread is done when the top turns golden and a toothpick comes out mostly (not completely!) clean—the last little bit of moisture makes for an ultra-tender crumb.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes. Not only does this make it easier to slice into neat bars or squares, but it also helps the flavors settle and deepen. When ready, cut into 9 hearty squares—or smaller bites if you’re feeling generous—and serve up that undeniable Southern hospitality.

How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Garnishes

This bread is absolutely dreamy with a simple pat of salted butter melting into its nooks and crannies. For something extra-special, try a drizzle of honey, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re feeling ambitious, a scoop of vanilla ice cream will transform your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread into an irresistible plated dessert.

Side Dishes

Since this bread rides the line between snack and dessert, it pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, a crisp green salad, or even yogurt for a sweet-and-savory breakfast. For a classic Southern breakfast spread, serve alongside crispy bacon and scrambled eggs—the sweet and salty combo never fails to impress.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread into bars for easy snacking at potlucks and picnics, or slice into elegant fingers for a tea party platter. For brunch, consider layering slices with thick Greek yogurt and fruit compote in parfait glasses. If you want to gift it, wrap individual squares in parchment and tie with twine—the perfect homemade treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread ultra-fresh by storing slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For maximum flavor, let the bread cool fully before sealing it up—this keeps the crust just the right amount of crisp and prevents sogginess.

Freezing

Yes, this bread freezes like a dream! Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, and you’ll have fresh-tasting pecan bliss on demand.

Reheating

To restore that just-baked taste, reheat squares in a 300°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. You can also pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if you’re short on time. Either way, a quick warm-up brings out the buttery aroma and revives the bread’s irresistible texture.

FAQs

Can I use walnuts or another nut instead of pecans?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional and bring that signature Southern flavor to Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread, you can swap in walnuts or even almonds if that’s what you have on hand. Each nut will give a slightly different character, but the recipe remains delicious!

What if I don’t have self-rising flour?

No problem at all—just make your own by combining 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix it well and use it exactly as you would store-bought self-rising flour in this recipe.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time will be similar—just check for that golden top and a mostly clean toothpick at about 30–35 minutes. Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks!

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

You can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes leavening agents, or add baking powder and salt if your blend is plain. Just be sure to check for doneness a few minutes early, as gluten-free flours can bake a bit differently.

Can I add chocolate chips or dried fruit?

Definitely! Feel free to fold in mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or raisins for a fun twist. Just add up to 1/2 cup of extras after mixing in the wet ingredients, and keep an eye on the bake—they may need an extra few minutes in the oven.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about pulling a fresh pan of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread out of the oven—the crackly top, the nutty aroma, and the knowing smiles of everyone waiting for a slice. Whether you bake it for yourself or to share with friends and family, don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to treat. You deserve a little Southern sweetness in your life, so grab those pecans and get baking!

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 9 squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, nutty sweetness of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. This easy-to-make dessert combines the crunch of pecans with the moist, flavorful base of a traditional bread, creating a treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup self-rising flour

Wet Ingredients:

2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine pecans, sugars, and flour in a bowl.
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in eggs, oil, and vanilla until a thick batter forms.
Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan, spread evenly, and bake for 30–35 minutes.
Cool and Serve: Let cool before slicing into squares.