Name: Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

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If you have a soft spot for gooey, nutty Southern treats, you’re in for the loveliest surprise with this recipe for Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. Imagine all the gooey richness of a blondie, paired with the crunch of fresh pecans and the toasty notes of brown sugar, all in one unforgettable bite! This golden, brownie-like dessert barely needs an introduction at potlucks or family gatherings; it vanishes almost as quickly as you can slice it. Whether you serve it straight from the pan or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is about to become your new favorite way to satisfy a sweet craving.

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread lies in its simplicity: a pantry-friendly lineup of just a few essential ingredients that each play a starring role. From the caramel depth of brown sugar to the buttery crunch of pecans, every item in this recipe is crucial for that Southern charm and texture.

Light Brown Sugar, packed (1 cup): Brings a warm, caramel-like richness that’s key to the bread’s chewy texture.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Balances the brown sugar and ensures that delicate crumb.
Large Eggs (4): Provide structure and bind everything together, while keeping the bread moist.
Vegetable Oil (1 cup): Adds richness and an extra-tender, almost fudgy interior.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The sturdy foundation of the batter, giving it body without heaviness.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors and keeps them from tasting flat.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and fragrant warmth you’ll notice in every bite.
Chopped Pecans (1½ cups): The undisputed stars—bring crunchy, nutty personality and classic Southern flair.

How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’ll be ready to work its magic. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This step ensures your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread comes out with beautifully intact edges.

Step 2: Mix the Sugars, Eggs, and Oil

In a large mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil. Beat everything together until you have a smooth, glossy mixture. This step is where you’re laying the foundation for that unforgettable moist crumb.

Step 3: Add Flour and Salt

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and salt. Gently mix until just combined—don’t overwork the batter or you’ll lose that signature tenderness. You’re looking for everything to come together, but a few streaks are absolutely fine at this stage.

Step 4: Stir in Vanilla and Pecans

Fold in the vanilla extract and those glorious chopped pecans. The nuts dot the batter and get nice and toasty as they bake, giving each bite a little sweet crunch. Be generous and make sure they’re evenly distributed!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared dish and spread it out evenly. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Resist the urge to overbake—this bread is best left a little gooey in the middle.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread cool in the pan so it sets up nicely and is easier to slice. Once cool, cut into squares and prepare yourself for plenty of compliments (and maybe even a few requests for seconds)!

How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar is all it takes to dress up this rustic dessert, but you can get fancier with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. For an extra-special Southern touch, crown each square with a dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream.

Side Dishes

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is rich enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or sweet tea. If you’re serving it as dessert at a larger gathering, fresh berries or a citrus salad on the side add brightness to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

To turn this into an eye-catching potluck centerpiece, cut the bread into small rectangles and stack them on a rustic wooden platter. For parties, try cutting the cooled bread with a cookie cutter into fun shapes, or serve warm squares in individual ramekins topped with ice cream for a deconstructed Southern sundae.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays soft and delicious for up to four days, making it perfect for snacking all week long.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for a rainy day, simply wrap individual squares or the whole, unsliced bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Tuck them into the freezer, where they’ll keep beautifully for up to three months.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked warmth and aroma, pop individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm larger portions in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes. Don’t be surprised if the kitchen fills with that signature nutty, caramel fragrance all over again.

FAQs

Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?

While pecans are what make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread so distinctively Southern, you can swap in walnuts or even hazelnuts if you’d like, though the flavor will shift a little. For nut-free households, consider using chopped toasted sunflower seeds for crunch.

Is it supposed to be cake-like or more like a bar?

Great question! Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread has a texture that lands right between a cake and a blondie. It’s dense, chewy, and rich, almost like a brownie, but with a lovely crackly top and a soft, just-set center.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or a binding agent so the bread holds together just as beautifully as the classic version.

What size pan should I use if I want thicker bars?

If you’d like your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread thicker and extra gooey, try baking it in a 9×9-inch square pan. Just be sure to increase the baking time a bit and keep a close eye toward the end so it doesn’t overcook.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in two 9×13-inch pans or a giant sheet pan if you have one. It’s a fabulous make-ahead dessert for picnics, parties, or holiday gatherings.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something downright magical about the first bite of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread—it’s comforting, a little nostalgic, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re new to Southern baking or have baked pecans into just about everything, let this recipe be your gentle nudge to try or revisit a timeless classic. Share it with loved ones and watch how fast it disappears!

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, sweet flavors of the South with this delectable Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. Loaded with pecans and brown sugar, this dessert bread is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional:

1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine sugars, eggs, oil. Add flour and salt, then stir in vanilla and pecans.
Bake: Pour batter into the dish and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and serve: Let it cool before cutting into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.