If you are searching for a delightful treat that perfectly balances nutty richness and sweet comfort, the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This bread boasts tender crumb infused with the deep, toasty flavor of chopped pecans and the perfect sweetness from brown and granulated sugars. Whether you want a warm breakfast companion or a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe delivers moist, flavorful slices that feel like a hug from the South with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe is found in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role in creating its signature texture and taste. From the fluffy self-rising flour to the rich pecans, every element works together to produce a golden-brown loaf that’s both irresistibly moist and satisfyingly crunchy.
- 1 ½ cups self-rising flour: This provides a light, airy structure without extra leavening work.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds deep molasses notes and keeps the bread wonderfully moist.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps achieve a crisp crust.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Offers a delightful crunch and signature nutty flavor.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: Ensures a tender crumb and rich mouthfeel.
- 4 large eggs: Binds ingredients and contributes to a fluffy, moist texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic note that rounds out the flavors.
How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it well with butter or oil to prevent sticking while the bread bakes to a gorgeous golden crust.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the self-rising flour, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, and chopped pecans with a gentle stir. This helps evenly distribute the sweetness and the nuts, making sure every slice is bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This mixture is what will infuse richness and moisture into the bread’s tender crumb.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients, then stir gently until they are just combined. Over-mixing is the enemy here because it can toughen the bread. Keep it light and easy for best results.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the top has a lovely golden-brown hue.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for a bit—it makes slicing much easier and helps the flavors settle. When you’re ready, cut into 12 generous slices and get ready to enjoy a truly comforting experience.
How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can take your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe to the next level. If you love contrast, try a smear of cream cheese or a pat of butter that melts right into the warm slice for an indulgent treat.
Side Dishes
Pairing this bread with a fresh fruit salad or a bowl of creamy yogurt makes for a balanced breakfast or brunch setup. It also pairs wonderfully with coffee, iced tea, or a glass of cold milk for snack time usability.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the bread alongside a whipped cinnamon honey butter or create French toast using this pecan bread for a nutty, sweet twist on a classic breakfast. Wrapping slices in parchment with some fresh flowers turns it into a charming gift for neighbors or friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The best part is this bread keeps wonderfully well. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. It will retain its moisture and nutty crunch, making for easy grab-and-go bites.
Freezing
If you want to save this Southern treasure for longer, slice it and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe stays delicious for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To revive the just-baked taste, warm slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. This reawakens the bread’s softness and brings back that irresistible aroma.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, but you’ll need to add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt to mimic self-rising flour’s leavening power for the perfect rise.
Are there any good substitutes for vegetable oil?
You can swap vegetable oil for melted butter or coconut oil for a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the bread’s moisture.
Can I add other nuts or dried fruit along with pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or dried cranberries and raisins make lovely additions and complement the pecans wonderfully.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Definitely! The Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe is straightforward, forgiving, and perfect for even novice bakers eager to try a quick, rewarding baked good.
How sweet is this bread? Can I reduce the sugar?
It has a pleasant sweet balance but if you prefer less sugar, reduce either or both sugars by about ¼ cup without compromising texture too much.
Final Thoughts
Sharing the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe feels like inviting a little Southern warmth into your home, no matter where you are. It’s fuss-free, delicious, and loaded with heartwarming flavors that never fail to impress. I promise that once you try it, this bread will become a cherished staple for your family and friends, perfect for any occasion that calls for a little sweetness and a lot of love.
Print
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread combining the rich sweetness of brown and granulated sugar with crunchy chopped pecans. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack, this easy-to-make bread features a tender crumb with a nutty aroma and a hint of vanilla, baked to golden perfection in a 9×13-inch pan.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups self-rising flour
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the self-rising flour, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, and chopped pecans, stirring until evenly distributed.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Transfer the batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan before slicing into 12 pieces. Serve and enjoy your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure your self-rising flour is fresh for proper rising and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense bread.
- You can toast the pecans lightly beforehand for an extra nutty flavor.
- This bread stores well in an airtight container for 3-4 days at room temperature.
- For a dairy-free version, this recipe is already suitable as it contains no dairy products.
