If the South had to pick the ultimate comfort treat, Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread would be right at the top of that list. Imagine a golden, buttery bar with all the richness of blondies, packed with toasty pecans, and finished with a crackly, caramelized top. This beloved dessert is pure Southern nostalgia in every bite, simple to whip up, and impossible to resist—whether you’re making it for a family gathering, cozy afternoon, or just because you needed something sweet today.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread comes from a handful of essential, everyday ingredients—each one plays a special role, guaranteeing that signature flavor, chewy texture, and nutty crunch. Let’s break them down, so you know exactly why each matters!
- Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Lends a rich, caramel flavor and gives the bars a lovely chewiness reminiscent of classic blondies.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Boosts sweetness and helps achieve that crisp, golden crust on top.
- Large Eggs (4): Bind everything together and add structure, for those thick, fudgy squares you’ll crave.
- Vegetable Oil (1 cup): Keeps the bread ultra-moist and light, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups): Just the right amount to give body without making things dry; simple pantry flour works perfectly.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle lift, so your pecan bread isn’t dense but rather perfectly soft.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the warm, buttery notes—don’t skip it!
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor, giving a cozy, homestyle aroma.
- Chopped Pecans (2 cups): The star of the show, offering crunchy texture and rich, nutty flavor in every bite—toast them first for even more depth.
How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
First things first: set the scene for success. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), which ensures your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread bakes up evenly and perfectly golden. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—use a bit of oil, nonstick spray, or butter for good measure, making those sticky-sweet slices a breeze to serve later.
Step 2: Whisk the Sugars, Eggs, and Oil
In a large mixing bowl, add both your brown sugar and granulated sugar, then crack in the eggs and pour in the vegetable oil. Whisk this mixture until it’s completely smooth and well-blended; this is what forms the sweet, moist backbone of the bread. Once you see that glossy sheen, stir in the vanilla extract for a hint of warmth.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt—this helps distribute the leavening and seasoning evenly, so you never end up with little pockets of baking powder or salt in your final treat.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture gradually, stirring just enough to bring everything together. Over-mixing can mean tougher bread, so stop as soon as you see no more pockets of flour. You’ll have a thick, glossy batter that smells like heaven already!
Step 5: Fold in the Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped pecans, making sure they’re distributed evenly throughout the batter. If you want an extra layer of flavor, try toasting the pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them—trust me, it takes this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread to the next level.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Spread your batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly to the edges. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine). The top should be rich golden brown, with those tempting pecans peeking out.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
It’s hard, but let your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread cool completely in the pan—this helps it set up perfectly and makes for easy slicing. Once cool, cut into squares and get ready to enjoy a taste of pure Southern comfort.
How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Garnishes
Dress up each square of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for those with a serious sweet tooth. A sprinkle of flaked sea salt can also be delightful, adding a beautiful contrast to all that caramelized richness.
Side Dishes
This Southern classic loves good company! Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a chilled glass of sweet tea, or a mug of coffee for the ultimate afternoon pick-me-up. At brunch, it’s especially perfect nestled alongside a fresh fruit salad or sliced strawberries.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests, try cutting your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread into bite-sized cubes for a party platter, or layer crumbles with ice cream and whipped cream for a pecan bread parfait. It also makes a fabulous edible gift, wrapped in parchment and tied with twine for a homemade surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread keeps well covered at room temperature for up to four days, maintaining its rich flavor and chewy texture. Simply place the cooled slices into an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap—no need for refrigeration unless your kitchen tends to run especially warm.
Freezing
To freeze, let the bread cool completely, then wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, or use a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three months. When a craving hits, just pull out a piece or two—you’ll be thanking past-you for thinking ahead!
Reheating
For the ultimate just-baked vibe, pop a slice of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or warm several squares in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 8 minutes. If you’re serving with ice cream, slightly warm bread will melt those chilly scoops beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts can work as a substitute for pecans if that’s what you have on hand, though the flavor will be a touch more earthy. The signature Southern taste of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread comes from pecans, but feel free to experiment.
Is it supposed to be soft like a cake or chewy like a blondie?
This recipe lands right in the delicious middle: think chewy, moist bars with a texture similar to blondies, thanks to the high egg and sugar content. It’s less fluffy than cake, more decadent than your typical bread!
Can I add chocolate chips or dried fruit?
Yes, you can! A handful of chocolate chips, white chocolate, or even dried cranberries make fun additions for a twist on the classic. Just don’t overload the batter—keep it to about 1/2 cup, so the pecan goodness still shines through.
What’s the best way to toast pecans for this recipe?
Simply spread chopped pecans on a dry skillet over medium heat or bake them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once or twice. Watch closely, as they can go from golden to burnt in a flash!
Can I halve this recipe?
Definitely! For a smaller batch, simply halve all ingredients and bake in an 8×8-inch or similar-sized pan. Keep an eye on the bake time—start checking for doneness after about 18 to 20 minutes.
Final Thoughts
I hope your kitchen is filled with the warm, nutty aroma of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread soon—there’s just nothing quite like it. Treat yourself to this Southern gem; it’s easy, supremely satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. Seriously, once you try a square, you’ll want to bake it again and again!
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
Indulge in the rich, nutty goodness of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread, a delightful Southern dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This moist and flavorful pecan bread is a real treat for pecan lovers!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and oil until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Add Pecans: Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the dish and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool before slicing.
Notes
- This bread has a blondie-like texture.
- For enhanced flavor, consider toasting the pecans before adding them.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
