Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
If you’re searching for a comforting, nostalgic treat that brings a little Southern charm to your kitchen, look no further than this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe. This delightful bread combines a rich, buttery sweetness with the satisfying crunch of pecans, creating a perfect balance that’s utterly addictive. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers warm, golden slices that are moist, tender, and packed with deep flavors — a true Southern classic reimagined for your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together beautifully to create the rich, tender crumb and irresistible nutty flavor of this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe. Each element plays an important role in building the perfect texture and taste, from the sweetness of brown sugar to the crunch of freshly chopped pecans.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep molasses notes and moisture for richness.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps with browning.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender without overpowering flavors.
- Eggs: Provide structure and help bind everything together.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, comforting aroma.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone for a soft, fluffy crumb.
- Baking powder: Gives the bread its lovely rise and lightness.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- Chopped pecans: Distribute a delightful crunchy texture throughout the bread.
- Whole pecans (optional): Perfect for a decorative and tasty topping.
How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by warming your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the stage for perfectly even baking. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper — either way works well to prevent sticking and help deliver easy slices.
Step 2: Whisk Sugars and Oil
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and slightly glossy. This step ensures that the sugars dissolve well into the oil, creating a luxurious base for the bread.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, beat in the eggs to the sugar and oil mixture, incorporating each fully before adding the next. The eggs add body and richness. Then, pour in the vanilla extract for that unmistakable sweet, aromatic hint that will make this bread so irresistible.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step distributes the leavening agent evenly, which is key for a light rise without any unpleasant clumps.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until everything comes together. Over-mixing can make the bread tough, so a few lumps are perfectly fine and actually desirable for tender results.
Step 6: Fold in Chopped Pecans
Delicately fold the chopped pecans into the batter, ensuring they’re scattered throughout without deflating the mixture. These nuts are the star crunchy addition that bring a wonderful texture and unmistakable nutty flavor.
Step 7: Pour Batter and Decorate
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. If you’re using whole pecans, arrange them on top in rows or a pattern for a beautiful finishing touch that adds extra crunch and charm.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. This step is key for that perfectly moist and tender crumb.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread to cool in the pan before slicing it into squares. Serving it warm or at room temperature makes it superbly versatile — enjoy it fresh out of the oven with a pat of butter or later as a sweet snack.
How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey enhances the rustic sweetness and looks stunning. You can also spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting or warm butter to complement the nutty, caramel notes.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries for a refreshing contrast. For a more indulgent option, serve alongside creamy vanilla ice cream or a scoop of spiced butter for a decadent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread into elegant finger bites by cutting it into smaller squares and topping each with a dollop of whipped cream and a pecan half. For breakfast, toast individual slices and spread with nut butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain moisture. Stored this way, it will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days, making it perfect for quick snacks or breakfast treats.
Freezing
To keep your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread longer, freeze it in a sealed freezer bag or wrapped securely in foil. It can stay frozen for up to three months without losing its delicious flavor or texture.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to revive that freshly baked feeling. Adding a touch of butter when reheating enhances the bread’s moistness and flavor spectacularly.
FAQs
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
Absolutely! Melting butter adds a lovely richness and slight nuttiness. Just use the same amount, and your bread will come out delicious, though the texture might be a tad denser.
What type of pecans works best in this recipe?
Fresh, raw pecans are ideal because they provide the best flavor and crunch. You can toast them lightly before folding into the batter to deepen the nuttiness even more.
Is this bread gluten-free or can it be made so?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. You can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary. Always check the blend’s baking properties for best success.
How do I know when the bread is perfectly baked?
The golden rule is when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to keep the moist, tender crumb characteristic of this bread.
Can I make this bread into muffins or smaller portions?
Yes! You can pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake for about 18-22 minutes at the same temperature. Smaller portions bake faster, so keep an eye on them to prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting about the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe — it’s like a warm hug from the South baked into every bite. With its easy-to-source ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a joy to make and impossible not to love. Give it a try, share it with those you care about, and let this delicious bread become one of your favorite go-to recipes for any occasion.
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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a moist and rich quick bread bursting with the warm flavors of brown sugar and vanilla, complemented by crunchy pecans both inside and on top. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this easy-to-make bread combines a tender crumb with nutty texture and a sweet, buttery taste.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup whole pecans (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Sugars & Oil: In a large bowl, whisk together the packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the sugar-oil mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for fragrance and flavor.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in Pecans: Carefully fold in the chopped pecans to evenly distribute them throughout the batter without breaking them up too much.
- Pour & Decorate: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Optionally, arrange the whole pecans on top for decoration and extra crunch.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread moist and tender.
- Using parchment paper makes it easier to remove the bread from the pan.
- The whole pecans on top are optional but add a nice aesthetic and crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- This bread freezes well; wrap tightly and thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
