Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a sweet, moist bread that’s easy to make and tastes great. It has a nice mix of sugar and chopped pecans that give it a crunchy, nutty flavor. This bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, and your family will enjoy it every time.
Why We Love This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
You’re going to love this recipe for all the right reasons. It brings together pantry staples in a way that feels both familiar and special. The use of both white and brown sugar adds a layered sweetness, with the brown sugar giving a subtle molasses note that perfectly complements the pecans.
The texture is another major win. It has that slight crispness on top — the kind you only get from baking sugar to perfection — while the inside stays tender and almost cake-like. Every bite is filled with pecans, so you get a good crunch along with the soft crumb.
What makes it even better is how fast and easy it is. No mixer needed, no resting time, and no unusual ingredients. Just stir, pour, bake, and enjoy. You won’t need any fancy equipment or baking expertise. And once you’ve tried it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to recipe for bake sales, family gatherings, or simple weeknight desserts.
Ingredients for Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
If you’ve got a few baking basics in your kitchen, you’re already halfway there. This recipe is wonderfully simple, with each ingredient playing an important role in creating flavor and texture that feels both rustic and rich. No frills, no fluff — just solid, good baking.
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup of melted butter
- 1 1/2 cups of self-rising flour
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla
- 2 cups of chopped pecans
How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Directions
You won’t believe how quick and effortless it is to put together this incredible pecan bread. From start to finish, you’ll be done in under an hour, and most of that time is just letting it bake in the oven. Here’s how you can make it:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, take a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat it with nonstick spray. You want the bread to lift out easily after baking, and a good spray ensures no sticky corners.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and oil. Mix well until the texture becomes smooth and the sugar is mostly dissolved. This blend of fats — both butter and oil — gives the bread its moist, rich consistency.
Next, add in your self-rising flour and vanilla extract. Stir gently, just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix — that can make your bread tough. The flour should be fully incorporated, but the batter can still look slightly lumpy. That’s okay.
Now it’s time for the star ingredient: pecans. Fold in the chopped pecans using a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure they’re evenly distributed so every bite has some crunch and flavor.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula so it bakes uniformly. Slide it into the preheated oven and let it bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. This step helps it set and makes slicing cleaner. If you cut too soon, the bread may fall apart. After that, slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
The result? A golden, sugary crust on top with a soft, nutty center that holds together beautifully. You don’t need icing, glaze, or any toppings — it’s perfect just as it is.
How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
One of the best things about Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is how versatile it is when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it warm, straight from the oven, or let it cool and savor it later. Either way, you’re in for a treat.
Serve it plain for a classic Southern snack or slice it thick for breakfast with a hot cup of coffee or tea. You can also pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert that feels like something from a homey diner menu.
Want to dress it up a bit? A dusting of powdered sugar gives it a nice touch without overpowering the flavor. For special occasions, try adding a dollop of whipped cream on the side. But honestly, it’s so flavorful on its own that you won’t need anything extra.
This bread travels well too. Bring it to potlucks, picnics, or holiday gatherings. Just wrap the slices individually or layer them in a container with parchment paper. You’ll find people asking for the recipe wherever you go.
Expert Tips: Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Even though this recipe is beginner-friendly, a few smart tips can make it even better:
- Use room temperature eggs. They mix more easily and help your batter come together without overworking.
- Chop your pecans finely. Bigger chunks can make slicing difficult, and smaller bits distribute more evenly in the batter.
- Let the bread cool fully before storing. This keeps the top from becoming soggy and helps the flavor settle.
- Don’t skip the self-rising flour. It contains the perfect balance of baking powder and salt, making the bread rise just enough.
- Don’t overbake. Start checking around the 30-minute mark. Overbaking can dry it out, and you want a moist interior.
- For added texture, toast your pecans before folding them in. Just a quick few minutes in a dry pan brings out their natural oils and enhances the flavor.
These small adjustments don’t take much extra time, but they can make a noticeable difference in the final result.
How to Store Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
This bread stores beautifully, making it ideal for baking ahead or saving leftovers. After cooling completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it from drying out. You can also place it in an airtight container.
Store at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge — it’ll stay fresh for about a week that way. Just let it come to room temperature before serving, or warm individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring back that just-baked softness.
For freezing, slice the bread and wrap each piece individually. This way, you can pull out a single serving whenever you like. Frozen slices will last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Variation of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
While the original version is hard to beat, you can absolutely make this recipe your own with a few simple changes:
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced version.
- Mix in chocolate chips for a sweeter take that pairs beautifully with the pecans.
- Substitute walnuts if you don’t have pecans on hand, or use a mix of both for a different texture.
- Try a drizzle of maple glaze on top for a festive feel — especially around the holidays.
- Make it mini. Use muffin tins instead of a 9×13 pan for portable, single-serving pecan bread muffins.
- Swap in coconut oil for vegetable oil for a subtle tropical flavor twist.
Each variation brings a unique flair while staying true to the rich, nutty goodness that defines this recipe.
FAQ about Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
What makes Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread different from regular sweet breads?
This recipe uses a combination of white and brown sugar for deeper flavor and includes chopped pecans in every bite, giving it a distinct Southern flair and a unique texture.
Can I make this bread without self-rising flour?
Yes, you can substitute with all-purpose flour and add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. But for best results, self-rising flour keeps the texture light and reliable.
Is Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread supposed to be dense or fluffy?
It’s meant to be slightly dense, rich, and moist — similar to a brownie texture but with a nutty, cake-like crumb.
Can I use whole pecans instead of chopped?
Chopped pecans work best. Whole pecans make the bread harder to slice and may not distribute evenly.
How long does Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread last?
At room temperature, it lasts 2–3 days. In the fridge, it keeps for up to a week. You can freeze it for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover slices?
Warm slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, stir together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and oil until smooth.
- Add self-rising flour and vanilla extract, stirring gently until combined; batter may be slightly lumpy.
- Fold in chopped pecans, ensuring even distribution.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
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