Name: Sweet Alabama Pecanbread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488171H47M51S
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 cups pecans, finely chopped; 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil; 4 large eggs, beaten; 1 tsp. vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp. salt

If you’re craving a taste of the South that’s as homespun as a summer porch swing, Sweet Alabama Pecanbread is the recipe you need. This beloved dessert is the ultimate combination of rich brown sugar, crunchy pecans, and luxuriously moist crumb, all kissed with a hint of vanilla. Every bite transports you to a table surrounded by friends, family, and endless laughter. Whether it’s for a casual gathering or just an afternoon cup of coffee, this Sweet Alabama Pecanbread always brings a little extra warmth to any moment.

Sweet Alabama Pecanbread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Sweet Alabama Pecanbread is all about simple staples coming together with delicious results. Each ingredient earns its spot in the pan, making this quick bread a home-baked classic full of irresistible flavor and texture.

Pecans, finely chopped: Packed with flavor and crunch, these become the true stars of our bread.
Self-rising flour: This simplifies things by blending rise and structure in one scoop, giving your bread perfect lift.
Granulated sugar: Adds light, classic sweetness that balances the nuttiness.
Brown sugar: Brings depth and subtle caramel notes that always delight.
Vegetable oil: Guarantees the moist, tender crumb that Sweet Alabama Pecanbread is famous for.
Large eggs, beaten: Help bind everything together and give structure to your bake.
Vanilla extract: A splash rounds everything out with comforting aroma.
Salt: Just a pinch, to enhance every sweet and nutty note.

How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecanbread

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Oven

Start your journey to pecanbread bliss by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a thorough coating with butter or nonstick spray. Don’t skip this step—nothing’s sadder than perfect pieces that refuse to release!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, blend together your granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until the mixture is creamy and smooth—this creates the luscious foundation for that signature moist crumb in Sweet Alabama Pecanbread.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Gently sprinkle in the self-rising flour and salt. Stir just until everything is incorporated—no overmixing! This keeps your bread tender and light, just the way it should be.

Step 4: Flavor and Fold

Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for that inviting aroma, then delicately fold in your chopped pecans. Take your time—each pecan brings a burst of Southern charm to the finished bread!

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour your batter into the waiting baking dish, spreading it evenly. Slide it onto the center rack and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye out: once a toothpick poked into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are just right), you’re golden!

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let your Sweet Alabama Pecanbread cool in the dish for at least 15 minutes. This not only makes slicing easier, but lets all those irresistible flavors settle together. Now dig in and enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecanbread

Garnishes

The top of this bread loves a little finishing flair! A dusting of powdered sugar is classic, or try a drizzle of honey for extra Southern sweetness. For a showstopper touch, add extra chopped pecans right before serving.

Side Dishes

Serve warm slices with a mug of coffee, a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. For brunch, pair alongside tangy citrus segments or a savory breakfast casserole—the sweet, nutty flavors complement almost any spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Once cooled, cut your Sweet Alabama Pecanbread into neat squares for easy sharing at potlucks or gatherings. Dress each piece with a swirl of cream cheese frosting for a dessert-bar twist, or layer slices with yogurt and berries to turn leftovers into an indulgent breakfast parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This bread keeps exceptionally well! Store any leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to three days. The flavor only deepens, and the texture remains tender, making it great for snacking all week.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Once completely cooled, wrap your Sweet Alabama Pecanbread tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. You can either freeze the whole slab or portion into slices for single-serving treats.

Reheating

To refresh leftover slices, warm them briefly in the microwave (about 10–15 seconds) or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes. This revives the characteristic moistness and brings forward the pecan aroma all over again.

FAQs

Can I make Sweet Alabama Pecanbread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the self-rising flour with a gluten-free self-rising blend. Just keep an eye on the batter—if it seems too thick, a touch more oil will restore the perfect moist crumb.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

Your bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Overbaking can make it dry, so start checking at the 30-minute mark.

Can I use different nuts in this recipe?

Pecans really define the Sweet Alabama Pecanbread, but feel free to experiment with walnuts or chopped almonds if needed. Just note the true Southern flavor shines brightest with pecans!

What type of pan works best?

A classic 9×13-inch baking dish is just right for even baking and easy serving. A metal or glass dish both work—just remember to grease it well so nothing sticks behind.

Is Sweet Alabama Pecanbread more like bread or cake?

Think of it as the delicious crossroads between the two! It’s denser and moister than a cake, with the tenderness of a quick bread, and just sweet enough to work for dessert or a breakfast treat.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a pan of Sweet Alabama Pecanbread, whether you’re reminiscing about family gatherings or just looking to brighten your day. I hope this recipe brings joyful, pecan-filled warmth to your kitchen—a treat you’ll want to make for years to come!