Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

Homemade Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe: Irresistible Delight

When the craving for a delectable sweet Alabama pecan bread recipe strikes, nothing satisfies quite like this Southern comfort classic.

Buttery pecans and rich, golden batter merge into a heavenly treat that whispers of warm kitchens and cherished memories.

Each slice promises a moist, tender texture with nutty undertones that dance across your palate.

Generations have passed down this beloved recipe, ensuring its place in Southern culinary tradition.

The aroma of freshly baked bread fills the kitchen, drawing everyone near with its irresistible warmth.

Studded with crunchy pecans and kissed with a hint of sweetness, this bread transforms an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to slice into this delightful creation and savor every single bite.

Why Alabama Pecan Bread Is a Southern Favorite

  • Conquer Comfort Food: Dive into a hearty one-pot wonder that combines the classic cheeseburger flavors with the warmth of a creamy soup, making dinner a delightful and satisfying experience.
  • Simplify Cooking: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-pot recipe that transforms ground beef, pasta, and cheese into a mouthwatering meal that requires minimal effort and maximum flavor.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Capture everyone's taste buds with a crowd-pleasing dish that brings the beloved cheeseburger essence to the dinner table, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
  • Quick Weeknight Savior: Rescue busy evenings with a fast-to-prepare meal that comes together in minutes, providing a delicious solution for hectic schedules and hungry families.

What’s Needed for Sweet Pecan Bread Batter

Sweeteners:
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender texture in the bread.
  • Light Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like flavor and moisture to the bread.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread's structure and richness.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the bread remains moist and tender while adding a subtle background flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic essence.
Dry Ingredients and Mix-Ins:
  • Self-Rising Flour: Contains leavening agents and provides the primary structure for the bread.
  • Pecans: Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweet bread.

Steps for Baking Alabama Pecan Bread Easily

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix the Sweet Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Light brown sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil

Whip these ingredients until they transform into a silky smooth mixture that looks like liquid gold.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour Magic

Gently sprinkle in the self-rising flour, stirring with a light touch.

You want the batter to come together without getting tough – think gentle whispers, not aggressive mixing.

Step 4: Add Flavor Boost

Pour in the vanilla extract and give the batter a quick swirl.

This is where the background flavor starts to sing.

Step 5: Fold in Nutty Goodness

Scatter the chopped pecans throughout the batter.

Make sure these crunchy treasures are evenly distributed so every bite is a nutty adventure.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter to your greased dish, spreading it out evenly.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean – no gooey evidence left behind.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bread rest in the pan for about 15 minutes. This allows it to set and makes cutting easier.

Slice into squares and serve – warm is wonderful, room temperature is terrific.

Tips for Sweet and Nutty Pecan Bread

  • Chop pecans uniformly to ensure even distribution and consistent texture throughout the bread, preventing clumping or uneven baking.
  • Use room temperature eggs and oil to create a smoother, more cohesive batter that yields a tender, moist bread with better crumb structure.
  • Stir self-rising flour gently and minimally to prevent developing tough gluten, which can make the bread dense and chewy instead of light and soft.
  • Test bread with a toothpick inserted near the center – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs to indicate perfect baking.

Fun Mixes for Pecan Bread Lovers

  • Gluten-Free Pecan Bread: Replace self-rising flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon of baking powder for proper rising.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap vegetable oil with coconut oil or olive oil to maintain moisture and accommodate dairy restrictions.
  • Nutty Alternative: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile while keeping the bread's core texture.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated and brown sugar to reduce overall sugar content and create a healthier option.

What Pairs With Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

  • Pair Sweet Caramel Coffee: Brew a rich, medium-roast coffee with subtle caramel notes that complement the sweet pecan bread's nutty and sugary profile. The warm coffee enhances the bread's deep flavors and provides a delightful morning or afternoon treat.
  • Serve Bourbon Vanilla Cream: Whip a light vanilla cream with a splash of bourbon, creating a decadent accompaniment that adds sophistication and smoothness to each slice of pecan bread. The bourbon's warmth matches the bread's sweet, toasty undertones.
  • Enjoy Southern Muscadine Wine: Select a local Alabama muscadine wine with its sweet, fruity character that harmonizes perfectly with the pecan bread's sugary texture. This wine brings a regional touch and enhances the dessert's Southern charm.

How to Keep Pecan Bread Fresh Longer

  • Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and maintain freshness.
  • Slice bread, place parchment paper between each slice, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Seal completely to prevent freezer burn.
  • Keep bread in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture and maintain texture.
  • Warm individual slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm entire bread in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes until slightly crisp and heated through.

FAQs

  • What makes self-rising flour different from regular flour?

Self-rising flour already contains baking powder and salt, which means you don’t need to add these ingredients separately. It provides a convenient and consistent leavening effect for baked goods.

  • Can I use different types of nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or chopped almonds work great as substitutes. Just make sure to use the same quantity of nuts called for in the original recipe.

  • Why do I need to mix wet ingredients first before adding flour?

Mixing wet ingredients thoroughly ensures even distribution of sugar, eggs, and oil. This creates a smoother batter and helps prevent lumps when you add the flour.

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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread delivers southern comfort with rich, nutty layers of pure delight. Homemade goodness beckons you to savor each moist, warm slice that celebrates classic southern baking traditions.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups self-rising flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil

Sugars:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar

Flavor and Nuts:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Position the oven rack in the center and heat to 350F (175C), creating an ideal baking environment for the sweet alabama pecan bread.
  2. Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
  3. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until the mixture transforms into a silky, homogeneous blend.
  4. Gently incorporate self-rising flour into the wet ingredients, stirring with minimal agitation to maintain the batter’s delicate texture.
  5. Infuse the batter with rich vanilla extract, stirring until the aromatic essence is evenly distributed.
  6. Delicately fold chopped pecans throughout the mixture, creating a harmonious blend of nutty crunch and sweet batter.
  7. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it into an even, smooth layer that promises uniform baking.
  8. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden surface and testing doneness with a toothpick that emerges clean.
  9. After removing from the oven, let the bread rest in the pan for 15 minutes, allowing it to set and develop a tender crumb.
  10. Slice into generous squares and serve, enjoying the bread while it’s warm or at room temperature for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

  • Toast pecans lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile for the bread.
  • Substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer, more indulgent texture that adds depth to the sweet Alabama pecan bread.
  • Use gluten-free self-rising flour to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful treat.
  • Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top before baking to balance the sweetness and create a more sophisticated flavor contrast.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 444
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 142 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 47 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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