Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread a moist, buttery Southern-style pecan bread with a rich caramelized flavor and a crunchy pecan topping. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread has the perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. The brown sugar and pecans create a caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the moist texture of the bread. It requires simple pantry ingredients and comes together quickly, making it an excellent option for last-minute baking. Plus, the pecan topping adds a delightful crunch to every bite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans
½ cup whole pecans (for topping, optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
If desired, arrange whole pecans on top for decoration.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow to cool before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Variations
Cinnamon Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nut Mix: Swap out some pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different texture.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bread for an indulgent touch.
Coconut Crunch: Stir in ½ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Storage/Reheating
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated for up to a week. Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
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FAQs
How do I make this pecan bread extra moist?
Using fresh eggs and not overmixing the batter will keep the bread moist. Also, slightly underbaking it by a minute or two ensures a softer texture.
Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, melted butter can be used instead of oil, but the texture will be slightly denser.
What’s the best way to chop pecans for this recipe?
Use a sharp knife or a food processor with a few quick pulses to get evenly chopped pecans.
Can I make this in a smaller pan?
Yes, but the baking time may need to be adjusted. A smaller, deeper pan may require a few extra minutes in the oven.
Can I add a glaze or frosting?
Absolutely! A simple powdered sugar glaze or a drizzle of caramel sauce would complement the flavors beautifully.
Conclusion
This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a true Southern classic that’s easy to make and incredibly delicious. With its rich caramelized flavor, crunchy pecans, and soft texture, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, this pecan bread will quickly become a favorite in any home.
📖 Recipe:
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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a moist, buttery Southern-style treat with a rich caramelized flavor and a crunchy pecan topping. This easy-to-make pecan bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with coffee.
Ingredients
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
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.
- Mix Sugars & Oil – In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla – Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet & Dry – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in Pecans – Gently fold in chopped pecans to distribute evenly.
- Pour & Decorate – Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Arrange whole pecans on top if desired.
- Bake – Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve – Let cool before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For extra moisture, slightly underbake by 1-2 minutes.
Substitute melted butter for oil for a richer, denser texture.
A simple powdered sugar glaze or caramel drizzle makes a great finishing touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
