Mouthwatering Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

Heavenly Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe – A Southern Delight

Warm, golden-brown sweet Alabama pecan bread holds the key to comfort baking that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Pecans scattered throughout this Southern classic deliver rich, nutty undertones that dance with every delectable bite.

Each slice promises a tender crumb with a delightful crunch from perfectly toasted nuts.

The recipe emerges from traditional Southern kitchens, where baking is an art form passed through generations.

Butter and brown sugar mingle to create a deeply satisfying sweetness that makes this bread absolutely memorable.

Home bakers will adore how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

One taste transports you to a cozy Southern porch, where hospitality and delicious treats reign supreme.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Calories: 305 kcal

Servings: 13

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Ingredient List

For Sweet Foundation:
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness with caramel undertones, choose dark and fresh for rich flavor.
  • White Sugar: Provides crisp sweetness and helps create tender texture, select fine-granulated sugar for smooth blending.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moist, tender crumb and prevents dryness, pick neutral-flavored oil for clean taste.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and create structure, use fresh room-temperature eggs for best integration.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Delivers warm, aromatic complexity, opt for pure extract over artificial versions for authentic taste.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies overall flavor profile, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
For Textural Elements:
  • Self-Rising Flour: Provides leavening and soft structure, ensure freshness by checking expiration date.
  • Pecans: Introduces nutty crunch and rich depth, select fresh, crisp pecans without any rancid smell and toast before adding for enhanced flavor.

Tools for Mixing and Baking Pecan Bread

  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for spreading and baking the bread evenly.
  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk or electric mixer: Helps blend sugars, oil, and eggs into a creamy consistency.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient amounts.
  • Spatula: Great for folding pecans and scraping batter into the baking dish.
  • Toothpick: Helps check if the bread is fully baked by testing the center.
  • Cooling rack: Allows bread to cool down and prevents soggy bottom.

Baking Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread with Ease

  • Warm Oven Prep

Get your kitchen cozy by heating the oven and preparing a baking dish for a delightful Southern treat.

  • Sugar Symphony

Whip together a creamy blend of sugars and oil, creating a smooth base that promises deliciousness.

  • Flavor Infusion

Add a splash of vanilla to elevate the bread’s magical aroma and depth of flavor.

  • Flour Power

Gently combine flour into the mixture, creating a silky-smooth batter that hints at the goodness to come.

  • Pecan Paradise

Sprinkle in toasted pecans, those crunchy Southern gems that bring a nutty richness to every bite.

  • Baking Magic

Pour the batter into the dish and let the oven transform it into a golden, heavenly bread that’ll make taste buds dance.

  • Sweet Finale

Allow the bread to cool slightly, then slice and serve. Optional: crown it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for pure Southern comfort.

Flavor Tips That Bring Out the Best in Pecan Bread

  • Gently heat pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3-5 minutes until they release a nutty aroma and turn golden brown. This technique enhances their rich, deep flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the bread.
  • Experiment with different sugar combinations by swapping some brown sugar for maple syrup or honey. These natural sweeteners can add depth and complexity to the bread's overall taste profile.
  • Elevate the bread by incorporating chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut. These additions bring exciting bursts of flavor and interesting textural elements to each bite.
  • Replace self-rising flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and add 1½ teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt to maintain the bread's light, tender texture. This simple swap makes the recipe accessible to those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer preservation, freeze individual slices for up to 2 months, ensuring a delicious treat.

How to Slice and Serve Alabama Pecan Bread

  • Sweet Breakfast Companion: Slice this bread and pair with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat that starts your day with southern charm.
  • Dessert Transformation: Crumble the bread over vanilla bean ice cream, creating a rustic, crunchy topping that adds texture and warmth to a classic dessert.
  • Afternoon Tea Delight: Cut into neat little squares and serve alongside fresh berries or a light cream cheese spread for an elegant midday snack that feels both casual and sophisticated.
  • Gift-Worthy Treat: Wrap slices in parchment paper with a ribbon, making it a perfect homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, or anyone who appreciates a touch of southern hospitality.

How to Store Pecan Bread Moist

  • Fridge Freshness Strategy: Store leftover bread slices in an airtight container, keeping them cool and moist for up to 4 days. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap to maintain softness and prevent drying out.
  • Freezer Friendly Approach: Slice bread into portions before freezing, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Sealed in freezer bags, the bread stays delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for the best texture.
  • Room Temperature Tip: Keep bread covered with a clean kitchen towel on the counter for 1-2 days if planning to enjoy soon. Ensure the area is dry and away from direct sunlight to maintain quality.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast briefly in a toaster oven. Add a small pat of butter for extra richness when serving slightly warm, enhancing the nutty pecan flavor.
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Mouthwatering Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

Mouthwatering Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe


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4.6 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Southern charm fills this irresistible sweet alabama pecan bread recipe, showcasing rich nutty flavors from classic southern baking traditions. Warm slices invite comfort and nostalgia with each delectable crumb you savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 cups (480 ml) chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1 ½ cups (180 g) self-rising flour
  • 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup (200 g) white granulated sugar
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) salt
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a rectangular baking pan, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
  2. Mixing Base: Combine brown sugar, white sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large mixing bowl, whisking vigorously until the mixture becomes a smooth, creamy emulsion with a uniform texture.
  3. Flavor Enhancement: Gently fold in vanilla extract, stirring to distribute the aromatic essence throughout the batter.
  4. Dry Ingredient Integration: Sift self-rising flour and salt into the wet mixture, blending carefully to create a consistent, lump-free batter without overmixing.
  5. Pecan Incorporation: Gently fold roasted pecans into the batter, ensuring an even distribution for maximum flavor and texture in each slice.
  6. Baking Preparation: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer that will bake uniformly.
  7. Baking and Testing: Bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring for a golden-brown crust. Insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
  8. Cooling and Serving: Allow the bread to rest for 10 minutes, then slice into squares. For an extra indulgent experience, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • Pecan Prep Tip: Lightly toast pecans before adding to batter to enhance their nutty flavor and crisp texture, creating deeper, more complex taste notes.
  • Moisture Magic: Vegetable oil helps keep bread incredibly soft and tender, preventing dryness and ensuring a delectable, moist crumb throughout.
  • Baking Precision: Check bread at 30 minutes to prevent over-browning; oven temperatures can vary, so start testing early for perfect golden-brown result.
  • Cooling Technique: Let bread rest exactly 10 minutes before cutting to allow structural setting and prevent crumbling, ensuring clean, beautiful slices.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 305
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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