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

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If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing classic dessert with sweet Southern flair, this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe deserves a place in your personal collection. Golden, buttery, and loaded with crunchy pecans, it’s both easy enough for a spontaneous baking fix and impressive enough to serve at gatherings or bring to potlucks. The delicate crumb, nutty richness, and irresistible caramel notes from two kinds of sugar make this dish lovingly memorable—every slice feels like sharing a cherished family secret.

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe keeps things comfortingly simple, but each ingredient truly shines and serves a delicious purpose. From the rich brown sugar to the crunchy pecans, you’ll find that every component brings depth of flavor and perfect texture to every bite.

Light Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel sweetness and a moist, tender texture that you just can’t get from white sugar alone.
Granulated Sugar: Boosts overall sweetness and helps achieve that signature crackly crust on top.
Large Eggs: Bind everything together, ensuring the bread is rich and fluffy every time.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the crumb super moist and light—no dry bread here!
All-Purpose Flour: Provides a sturdy base for the loaf, while letting the pecans and sugars shine through.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and lets every other flavor pop brilliantly.
Vanilla Extract: Infuses rich aroma and rounds out the overall flavor.
Chopped Pecans: The Southern star—add crunchy texture and unbeatable nutty taste to every bite. Toast them for even more depth!

How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Pan Ready

Start strong by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a good coating of grease—nothing fancy needed, just be generous, which will make it so easy to lift out soft, golden pieces later.

Step 2: Mix the Sugars and Eggs

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs. Keep at it until the mixture is smooth and a little lighter—this simple combo is what gives your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe that gorgeous caramel color and fluffy structure.

Step 3: Add Oil and Vanilla

Pour in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is silky and combined. This step is where the batter starts to smell heavenly—think of that signature Southern baking aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 4: Fold in Flour and Salt

Add your all-purpose flour and salt to the bowl, then gently mix just until no flour streaks remain. Don’t overwork the batter—stir until the ingredients are barely combined for the most tender crumb.

Step 5: Blend in the Pecans

This is where love comes in: fold those chopped pecans into the batter. Feel free to give them a light toast first for even more crunch and flavor! Every scoop should catch some of these beauties for that authentic Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe taste.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it evenly. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 30–35 minutes. The top should turn golden brown and a toothpick in the center should come out clean. Patience, friend—it’s worth every minute.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool slightly in the pan so it sets up and is easier to cut. Slice into squares while still slightly warm, and get ready for those sighs of delight at the first bite!

How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

Garnishes

For a festival-worthy finish, dust your pecan bread squares with a little powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze. You can also scatter a few extra toasted pecans on top for added crunch and visual flair.

Side Dishes

This bread is lovely alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It pairs wonderfully with strong coffee or sweet tea, making it the perfect treat for any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, bake the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe in mini loaf pans for adorable (and giftable) single servings. Wrap slices with twine and tuck into pretty bags for bake sales, hostess gifts, or holiday cookie platters. It’s also impressive served in rustic style on a wooden board for a charming Southern breakfast spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cool, cover your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors actually intensify after a day or two, making leftovers a real treat.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap individual squares or loaves in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight on the counter, and you’ll have ready-to-go homemade goodness any time a craving strikes!

Reheating

Pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a low oven wrapped in foil for 5-10 minutes. This brings back the just-baked softness and releases that amazing pecan aroma all over again.

FAQs

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?

Yes, you absolutely can use dark brown sugar if that’s what you have on hand! It will give the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe a deeper molasses flavor and an even richer color—just what you want if you love that extra caramel kick.

Can I substitute a different nut for pecans?

While pecans are classic and give that unmistakable Southern flavor, you can swap in walnuts or even chopped hazelnuts. The bread will still be delicious, but the signature taste of the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe comes from pecans, so use them if you can!

Why toast the pecans before adding them?

Toasting pecans before folding them in draws out their oils and intensifies their flavor, giving the bread a more complex, nutty profile. It’s a simple step that really sets your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe apart from the crowd.

Can I bake this recipe in a different pan?

Definitely! You can use mini loaf pans for individual servings or even a bundt pan for a different look. Just be sure to adjust the baking time—smaller pans will bake faster, and larger or deeper pans may need extra time.

What’s the best way to tell if the bread is done?

The classic toothpick test is your friend—insert a toothpick or thin knife into the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe is ready to come out of the oven. The top should also look golden and set.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to Southern baking or it’s already in your blood, the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe is a sweet, simple pleasure you’ll want to share with everyone you love. So grab those pecans, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of this classic comfort treat fill your kitchen—one bite, and you’ll see why it’s truly unforgettable!

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in the sweet, nutty goodness of this delectable Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. Perfect for brunch or as a dessert, this moist and flavorful bread will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 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 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs. Stir in vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Add flour and salt, mix until just incorporated.
Add Pecans: Fold in chopped pecans.
Bake: Pour batter into the baking dish, spread evenly, and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.