Name: Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 cups chopped pecans; Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm Southern hug, Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is the answer. This classic treat bakes up into a golden, chewy loaf studded with toasted pecans, laced with cinnamon, and sweetened with a perfect blend of brown and white sugars. Each bite brings the irresistible crunch of pecans and a rich, buttery flavor that makes it impossible to have just one slice. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or sneaking a piece with your morning coffee, Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for every occasion.

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is how it transforms everyday pantry staples into something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays an important role: from the caramel notes of brown sugar to the nutty richness of pecans, nothing is here by accident. Gather these items before you start and you’ll be amazed at how quickly this Southern favorite comes together.

Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds deep caramel flavor and keeps the bread moist and chewy.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Boosts sweetness and gives a light, tender crumb.
Vegetable oil (1 cup): Makes the bread extra moist and gives it that irresistible, almost blondie-like texture.
Large eggs (4): Bind everything together and add richness to the batter.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the warm flavors and brings out the best in the pecans.
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides structure without making the bread too dense.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives just the right lift for a chewy, satisfying bite.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the other flavors.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a cozy warmth that complements the nuts perfectly.
Chopped pecans (2 cups): The star of the show—rich, buttery, and full of Southern charm.
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): A light sprinkle on top makes each slice look as good as it tastes.

How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, generously grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9×5-inch loaf pans. This ensures your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread releases easily and comes out with beautiful, golden edges.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. You’re aiming for a smooth, glossy mixture—this is the base for that signature chewy texture.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This simple step guarantees even distribution, so every bite of your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is perfectly spiced and rises evenly.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the bread tender. Fold in the chopped pecans last—they’re the crowning glory of this recipe.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and the aroma will fill your kitchen with sweet, nutty goodness.

Step 6: Cool and Finish

Let the bread cool slightly before slicing, so it holds together beautifully. If you’d like, dust the top with a little powdered sugar for a picture-perfect finish. Your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is now ready to wow everyone at the table!

How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar is all you need to elevate each slice, but you can also top it with a pat of butter for extra richness or drizzle with a little honey for a touch of Southern flair. If you’re feeling festive, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a warm slice is pure bliss.

Side Dishes

Pair Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread with a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk for a comforting snack. For brunch, serve it alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful Southern spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread into bars for a casual dessert table, or cut into cubes and use as the base for a decadent trifle layered with whipped cream and berries. You can even wrap individual slices in parchment and tie them with twine for sweet homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays wonderfully fresh for up to four days, and the flavors deepen as it sits—making it just as good on day three as it was fresh from the oven.

Freezing

If you want to make your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread ahead of time, you’re in luck: it freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Store in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw on the counter whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked flavor, warm slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes. Add a pat of butter while it’s warm and let it melt right in for an extra special treat.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?

Absolutely! While pecans are classic for Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread, you can swap in walnuts or even almonds for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to use the same amount and chop them coarsely.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture might change slightly, but the bread will still be delicious and chewy.

Why is my bread more like a blondie than a loaf?

That’s exactly how it should be! Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is famous for its moist, chewy, nearly blondie-like texture rather than being light and fluffy like traditional bread. It’s part of its Southern charm.

How can I tell when the bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. The top should be golden and set, but still soft to the touch.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! You can double all the ingredients and bake in two pans or a large sheet tray. Just keep an eye on the baking time—it may need a few extra minutes, depending on the thickness.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread, now is the perfect time to start baking. This recipe is a true Southern classic that brings warmth to any table and smiles to anyone who tastes it. Share it with family, gift it to friends, or simply savor a slice all to yourself—you’ll be glad you did!

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a rich, chewy dessert bar with a blondie-like texture, packed with chopped pecans and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for a cozy snack or a sweet treat alongside coffee, this Southern American classic combines the warmth of cinnamon and the crunch of pecans into a moist, flavorful bread dusted optionally with powdered sugar.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Add-ins

2 cups chopped pecans
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9×5-inch loaf pans to prevent sticking.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to ensure an even distribution of leavening and spice.
Blend Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the texture tender.
Add Pecans: Fold in the chopped pecans thoroughly so that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the greased and floured pan(s), spreading it evenly to the edges to ensure uniform baking.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center— it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly in the pan before slicing. Optionally, dust the top with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness before serving.