Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a Southern classic that’s rich, moist, and packed with nutty pecan flavor. This easy-to-make bread has a cake-like texture, making it the perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. With its sweet, buttery taste and crunchy pecans, it’s a true taste of Southern hospitality in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is quick and easy to whip up.
- Moist & Tender: The combination of sugar, eggs, and oil creates a soft, cake-like texture.
- Packed with Pecans: Every bite is loaded with finely chopped pecans for a nutty crunch.
- Versatile: Enjoy it warm with butter, as a dessert with whipped cream, or as a sweet breakfast bread.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1½ cups self-rising flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecans, finely chopped
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten eggs, and vegetable oil.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the self-rising flour to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Stir in vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.
4. Fold in Pecans
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool & Serve
- Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
- Servings: 12–16 slices
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute the pecans with chocolate chips or dried fruit for a different flavor.
- Add Spices: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist.
- Make it Extra Buttery: Brush the top with melted butter when it comes out of the oven for added richness.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free self-rising flour blend in place of regular flour.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy at room temperature.
FAQs
1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes! Use 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt as a substitute.
2. Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
Yes! Substitute 1 cup of melted butter for a richer flavor.
3. How do I prevent the bread from becoming too dense?
Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a denser texture. Mix until just combined.
4. Can I add other nuts besides pecans?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans, though pecans give the best classic flavor.
5. Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Absolutely! Pour the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Is this bread more like a cake or a traditional bread?
It has a moist, cake-like texture, similar to a quick bread (like banana bread).
7. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe contains no dairy, making it naturally dairy-free.
8. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can reduce the granulated sugar to ¾ cup and the brown sugar to ¾ cup for a slightly less sweet version.
9. What can I serve with this pecan bread?
Serve it warm with butter, honey, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavor.
10. Can I add a glaze on top?
Yes! A simple powdered sugar glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tablespoons milk + ½ teaspoon vanilla) drizzled on top adds extra sweetness.
Conclusion
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a classic Southern treat that’s easy to make and incredibly delicious. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, the rich pecan flavor and moist texture make it a family favorite. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy afternoon, this bread is a must-try for any pecan lover!
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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a moist, cake-like Southern classic packed with rich pecan flavor. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, this easy-to-make bread is irresistibly soft, buttery, and full of crunchy pecans. A must-try for any pecan lover!
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 slices
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1½ cups self-rising flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecans, finely chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten eggs, and vegetable oil.
- Stir until smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the self-rising flour to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Stir in vanilla extract until evenly incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Fold in Pecans
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
- Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with chocolate chips or dried fruit.
- Add Spices: Stir in ½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced twist.
- Extra Buttery: Brush the top with melted butter after baking for added richness.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free self-rising flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Category: Bread Desserts
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
