If you’ve been on the lookout for a rich, moist, and irresistibly nutty treat that feels like a warm hug from the South, then you’re in for a real delight with the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe. This beloved Southern classic is packed with the perfect balance of sweetness and the crunchy goodness of pecans, making it an absolute showstopper for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. Whether you’re new to baking quick breads or a seasoned pro, this recipe brings together simple ingredients that create a loaf bursting with flavor and that hearty, comforting texture you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together effortlessly to build layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the sugars that provide depth and sweetness to the pecans that add a satisfying crunch and nutty aroma.
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds moistness and a subtle caramel note to the bread.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and enhances the bread’s crumb.
- 4 large eggs: Acts as a binder and gives the bread structure.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender without overpowering flavors.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the bread, providing substance.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise gently for a tender crumb.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all other flavors, balancing sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a hint of aromatic sweetness.
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans: Infuses every bite with a signature Southern crunch and rich nuttiness.
How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preparation and Preheating
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven reaches the right temperature so your bread bakes evenly. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or opt for two 9×5-inch loaf pans depending on the shape and thickness you prefer for your bread. Proper greasing is important to prevent sticking and to achieve those lovely golden edges.
Step 2: Mixing the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until you have a smooth and glossy mixture. This step ensures the sugars dissolve slightly and the eggs are well incorporated for a homogenous batter. Then add in the vanilla extract to inject that sweet, fragrant note that complements the pecans perfectly.
Step 3: Combining the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This not only blends them evenly but also helps to distribute the leavening agent throughout the flour, which will give you a consistent rise and texture.
Step 4: Bringing It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Overmixing can toughen the bread, so be gentle with your folding to keep that tender crumb intact. Finally, fold in the chopped pecans, making sure they’re evenly spread throughout the batter, which guarantees nutty surprises in every bite.
Step 5: Baking
Pour the batter into your prepared dish or pans, spreading it out evenly. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Leave it to cool slightly to set before slicing.
How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread shines on its own but you can elevate it with a simple pat of butter that melts into warm slices, or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. For a truly indulgent treat, serve it alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream that complements the warmth of the pecans beautifully.
Side Dishes
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect cozy breakfast companion. It also makes a lovely addition to brunch spreads alongside fresh fruit or creamy yogurt, balancing the sweeter notes with fresh, tart flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider slicing the bread and arranging it on a platter with small bowls of toppings like cream cheese, fruit preserves, or whipped honey butter. You could also turn it into a dessert by layering slices with mascarpone and fresh berries to create a Southern-inspired bread pudding parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain its moisture without becoming dense or stale.
Freezing
If you want to keep the bread longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring back its soft, tender nature. Adding a touch of butter before reheating can recreate that fresh-baked feeling you crave.
FAQs
Can I toast the pecans before adding them?
Absolutely! Toasting the pecans before folding them into the batter enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the bread.
Is this bread gluten-free?
Unfortunately, this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, you would need to substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that behaves similarly in baking.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
You can, but it may change the texture slightly, making the bread a bit denser. If you decide to use melted butter, use the same amount and mix it well with the wet ingredients.
How long does this bread keep fresh?
When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, the bread stays fresh for about three days, but it can be frozen for longer storage.
Is this recipe suitable for a holiday dessert?
Yes! The rich pecan flavor and sweet profile make the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe a fantastic addition to any holiday table, combining Southern charm with crowd-pleasing taste.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe is more than just a loaf; it’s a delicious slice of Southern hospitality that you can easily bring into your home kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy breakfast, a sweet snack, or a festive dessert, the wonderful blend of moist texture, buttery sweetness, and crunchy pecans is sure to warm hearts and satisfy cravings. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes one of your favorites!
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 American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a dense, moist, and flavorful quick bread rich in pecans and brown sugar. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, this Southern American classic combines the sweetness of two sugars with the crunch of chopped pecans for a satisfying treat. Enjoy it warm, plain, with butter, or even topped with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9×5-inch loaf pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the packed light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix well to incorporate the flavors evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift or stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and salt.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Add Pecans: Fold in the chopped pecans evenly throughout the batter, ensuring every slice will have that nutty crunch.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish or loaf pans. Place in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature. This bread pairs wonderfully with a pat of butter or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- The sweet bread is dense and moist with a strong pecan flavor.
- For richer flavor, toast the pecans lightly before folding them into the batter.
- Serve as a dessert or a sweet snack.
- Delicious on its own or topped with butter or vanilla ice cream.
