If you dream about desserts that combine gooey caramel notes, a toasted crunch, and that irresistible homemade aroma, Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is about to become your new go-to treat. With a tender crumb reminiscent of your favorite blondies and pockets of buttery pecan in every bite, this Southern gem perfectly balances nostalgia and comfort. Whether you’re new to baking or looking to win rave reviews at your next gathering, Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread delivers incredible flavor with minimal fuss, making every slice a memory in the making.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread lies in its simplicity: just a handful of pantry staples come together to create magic. Each ingredient has a starring role, bringing essential sweetness, richness, and crunch that defines this classic dessert.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps keep the bread extra moist.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Boosts classic sweetness and ensures a perfectly golden, caramelized top.
- Large eggs (4): Bind everything together for a tender, lightly chewy interior.
- Vegetable oil (1 cup): Keeps the texture super soft and lends richness without overpowering the nutty flavors.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Gives structure, but just enough to let the bars stay blondie-like and soft.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the sweetness and brings out the pecans’ natural flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds comforting aroma and a warm background note that ties everything together.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): Star ingredient! Adds wonderful crunch and classic Southern flair; toast them lightly for even more flavor.
How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—a crucial step for even baking. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures that your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread releases easily, keeping those golden edges intact.
Step 2: Mix Sugars, Eggs, and Oil
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs. Whisk until the mixture is smooth, pale, and slightly fluffy, which creates a soft, pliant crumb when baked. Slowly drizzle the vegetable oil into the bowl while mixing; this keeps the batter silky and helps incorporate air for lift.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Vanilla
Stir in the all-purpose flour and salt, then add the vanilla extract. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix! Overworking the batter can make the bread dense, and you want every bite to feel soft and just the right amount of chewy.
Step 4: Fold in the Pecans
Gently fold the chopped pecans into the batter with a spatula. Even distribution is key here, so every slice gets plenty of that classic Southern crunch. If you love an extra punch of nutty flavor, toast the pecans beforehand for a few minutes on the stovetop or in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to all corners so your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread bakes up beautifully. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are just right). Allow the bread to cool in the pan before slicing into squares or bars—if you can wait that long!
How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Garnishes
Dress up each serving with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel or a dusting of powdered sugar. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some additional chopped pecans or a tiny pinch of flaky salt on top just before serving. These simple garnishes make the warm, buttery notes of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread shine even brighter.
Side Dishes
A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a tall glass of cold milk is the perfect sidekick for Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread, especially at brunch or after dinner. For a real Southern spread, pair it with fresh fruit salad, whipped cream, or a little dollop of tangy Greek yogurt.
Creative Ways to Present
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is just as fun to give as it is to eat! Try baking it in mini loaf pans, wrapping them with ribbon, and sharing with friends during the holidays. You can also cut the bread into bite-sized cubes for an easy dessert platter at parties, or layer warm slices with ice cream and caramel for a decadent trifle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This dessert stays moist and flavorful thanks to the balance of sugars and oil, so you can enjoy a little treat whenever the cravings hit!
Freezing
To freeze, let the bread cool completely, then wrap it snugly in plastic wrap followed by foil, or store individual slices in freezer-safe bags. Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread freezes well for up to 2 months—just remember to label and date your package for easy snacking later.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked moment all over again, gently reheat slices in a microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. This revives the soft texture and boosts those irresistible pecan aromas, making every bite just as dreamy as the first.
FAQs
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
Definitely! Using dark brown sugar will give your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread an even richer flavor and a deeper color. The extra molasses can intensify the praline-like taste—just expect a slightly darker, more caramelized result.
Why does my bread turn out dense?
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread should be tender and a little chewy, not heavy. Overmixing the flour or baking it too long can make it dense. Always stir the batter until just combined, and check for doneness a minute or two before the timer goes off.
Can this recipe be made gluten free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking mix. The texture may be slightly different, but you’ll still capture all the classic flavors of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread without the gluten.
How do I toast pecans for this recipe?
Toasting pecans is easy: Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes, giving them a little shake halfway through. Let them cool before folding into your batter for optimal crunch and flavor.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is just as delicious the next day. Make it a day ahead for parties or gatherings; the flavors continue to meld beautifully as it rests.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread has found a place in so many kitchens, and I hope it becomes a treasured favorite in yours as well. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, sharing with family, or just treating yourself, don’t miss out on the rich, nutty goodness of this iconic Southern dessert. Give this recipe a try—you’re in for a sweet (and very memorable) surprise!
Print
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, sweet flavors of the South with this delectable Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. Loaded with pecans and brown sugar, this easy-to-make treat is perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large loaf pan.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs until well combined. Slowly add oil while mixing. Stir in flour, salt, and vanilla until just combined. Fold in chopped pecans.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared dish, spread evenly, and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool before slicing.
Notes
- This bread has the texture of a blondie and the flavor of a pecan praline.
- Enjoy warm with ice cream or caramel sauce. Can be baked in mini loaf pans for gifting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
