Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is one of those recipes that transports me back to a summer afternoon in Harlem, when I visited a Southern baker who had moved north. She brought out a golden tray of pecan bread squares, the aroma of toasted pecans and brown sugar filling the room. I bit in, felt the sweetness, the nutty crunch, and thought: this is comfort in edible form.
This recipe captures that soulfulness — it’s simple to mix, bakes beautifully in a 9×13 pan, and makes a perfect treat for brunch, dessert, or any time. Let me guide you through how to make this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread just right: moist, nutty, and full of Southern charm.
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Table of Contents
What Makes Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Special
The role of pecans in Southern baking
Pecans are deeply rooted in Southern culinary tradition, celebrated for their buttery flavor and crunch. In Alabama and beyond, pecan dishes—pies, pralines, breads—are staples at family tables. This bread leans on those flavors, folding chopped pecans into a sweet, tender batter. Recipes like those on The Southern Lady Cooks use generous amounts of pecans to elevate simple ingredients.
Texture: moist crumb + crunchy pecans
What elevates this from “sweet loaf” to something memorable is the balance: a soft, moist interior and enough pecan texture so each bite gives nutty contrast. The top often forms a modest crust or “crispness” that keeps the edges from getting soggy. Many versions call for baking in a shallow 9×13 pan so it stays moist but bakes evenly.
Ingredients for Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Below is a reliable set of ingredients adapted from classic versions:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups self-rising flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt (if your self-rising flour doesn’t include salt)
- 2 cups chopped pecans (toasted or raw)
Notes on ingredient choices:
- Many versions use self-rising flour for convenience. Just A Pinch Recipes+1
- If self-rising flour isn’t on hand, you can mix all-purpose flour + baking powder + salt.
- Toasting pecans first enhances their flavor and prevents them from drawing moisture from the bread.
- Use fresh eggs and fresh pecans for the best flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Bake Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Mixing and preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan (or lightly line with parchment).
- In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Add the self-rising flour (and salt, if needed). Mix until just combined — do not over mix. A few tiny lumps are okay.
- Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Baking and finishing touches
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not raw batter).
- Remove from oven, and let the bread rest in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
- Cut into squares while still warm (or wait until cooled for cleaner slices). Serve plain or with butter, whipped cream, or ice cream.
Tips & Troubleshooting for Perfect Pecan Bread
Avoiding soggy or underbaked loaf
- Use fresh leavening or rely on self-rising flour.
- Don’t overmix — overworked batter leads to dense crumb.
- Test early with a skewer; bake a few minutes more if needed.
- Let it rest before slicing so the structure sets.
Ensuring even pecan distribution and crust
- Fold pecans in gently so they don’t all sink to the bottom.
- Grease the pan well to prevent sticking.
- Sprinkle a few whole pecan halves on top before baking for visual appeal and extra crunch.
Quick Tips Table
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| Interior too moist | Bake a few extra minutes, ensure center tests clean |
| Pecans sink | Fold in last, lightly coat nuts with flour |
| Sticking edges | Grease pan thoroughly or line with parchment |
Variations & Add-Ins for Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
- Cinnamon pecan: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon or a swirl of cinnamon sugar.
- Chocolate chip twist: Add ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Nut swap: Use walnuts or almonds in place of pecans.
- Caramel glaze: Drizzle a simple caramel or brown sugar syrup over slices.
- Mini loaves: Bake in smaller loaf pans or muffin tins — adjust bake time accordingly.
If you enjoy Southern sweets, be sure to check out Southern Quick Breads & Desserts
Serving, Storage & Make-Ahead Planning
- Serve warm or at room temperature — pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
- Garnish with whipped cream, butter, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days.
- To prolong shelf life, freeze individual squares wrapped in parchment and foil for up to 2 months.
- Reheat slices in a 325 °F oven for 5–8 minutes or microwave briefly (though crust softens).
Nutrition & Health Notes
Estimated nutrition per serving (assuming ~12 servings)
| Nutrient | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~ 320 kcal |
| Protein | ~ 4–5 g |
| Fat | ~ 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~ 3–4 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~ 32 g |
| Fiber | ~ 2 g |
| Sugar | ~ 20 g |
| Sodium | ~ 120 mg (varies with self-rising flour) |
Healthier ingredient swaps & tweaks
- Replace part of the oil with applesauce or Greek yogurt (reducing fat).
- Use half brown sugar, half sugar substitute.
- Use whole wheat pastry flour instead of all-purpose for more fiber.
- Reduce pecan quantity slightly if wanting less fat.
External link: For pecan health benefits and nutrition, check Healthline’s section on pecans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes — use 1½ cups all-purpose flour + 1½ tsp baking powder + ½ tsp salt to replicate.
How do I know when the bread is done?
A toothpick or skewer inserted in center should come out with only a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Why does my bread collapse in the middle?
Likely underbaked or opened oven too early. Bake fully before cooling.
Can I use another nut instead of pecans?
Yes — walnuts or almonds work well. The flavor changes slightly.
Can I make this in loaf pans instead of 9×13?
Yes, but increase bake time. Monitor closely and test with a skewer.
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread — A Southern Classic
Description
This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a classic Southern dessert loaf — golden on the outside, moist and buttery inside, and loaded with toasted pecans. Each bite brings cozy comfort with a nutty crunch and brown sugar sweetness. It’s quick to prepare, simple to bake, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a sweet gift during the holidays.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk or whole milk
- Optional (for topping):
- 2 tbsp chopped pecans
- 1 tbsp brown sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. - 2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pecans until evenly combined. - 3️⃣ Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, oil (or melted butter), vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth and slightly frothy. - 4️⃣ Blend Batter
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing — a few small lumps are fine. - 5️⃣ Pour & Top
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the top with the optional chopped pecans and brown sugar for an irresistible crackled crust. - 6️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - 7️⃣ Cool & Slice
Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Use toasted pecans for deeper flavor and extra crunch.
If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during baking.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
For a festive twist, drizzle a simple vanilla glaze or cream cheese icing over the top once cooled.
Conclusion & Internal Link
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a beloved dessert bread that captures Southern warmth and nutty richness in every bite. It’s simple to mix, satisfying to share, and forgiving enough for home bakers. Serve it at brunch, dessert, or family gatherings — it always leaves a crowd smiling.
If you enjoy Southern sweets, be sure to check out Alabama Lane Cake .
