Name: Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil; 4 large eggs; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups chopped pecans

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If you’re looking for a comforting and ultra-satisfying Southern classic that never fails to get rave reviews, Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is the answer. This irresistible dessert blurs the line between a chewy bar and a moist cake, brimming with deeply toasted pecans and hints of vanilla all wrapped up in a decadent, caramel-like crumb. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat but special enough to share at the holidays, and every bite just melts in your mouth, delivering all the charm of Southern baking in one pan!

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the beauties of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is how it transforms a handful of everyday ingredients into something truly memorable. Each item plays its part in creating that perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and golden textures.

Light Brown Sugar: This is the secret to that irresistible caramel flavor in every bite.
Granulated Sugar: Adds pure sweetness and helps with the structure of the bread.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the crumb moist and tender without adding heaviness.
Large Eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness and a slightly cakey texture.
All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base that holds all those delicious pecans and flavors.
Baking Powder: Gives the bread a gentle lift, just enough to keep things light.
Salt: Just a pinch heightens all the sweet, nutty notes.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of warmth that ties the brown sugar and pecans together beautifully.
Chopped Pecans: The star of the show—rich, toasty, and full of Southern charm.

How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously—either with butter or nonstick spray—to guarantee that beautiful pecan bread lifts out in perfect, golden bars.

Step 2: Combine Sugars and Oil

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until everything looks smooth, shiny, and almost caramelly. This step creates the ultra-moist, chewy base that makes Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread so addictive.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs, one at a time, letting each one blend in fully before adding the next. Stir in that vanilla extract—it doesn’t look like much, but it makes the flavors pop and perfumes the kitchen like pure comfort.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, gently whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This makes sure the leavening is distributed evenly, so every piece gets the perfect lift.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until everything is incorporated—overmixing will make your bread tough, so gentle is the way to go.

Step 6: Fold in the Pecans

Add those chopped pecans and fold them in until they’re just evenly spread through the batter. You’ll see gorgeous speckles of nutty goodness all through the mixture.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes—your kitchen will smell incredible! The bread is done when the top is golden and a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread cool completely in the pan before you attempt to slice—this helps the bars firm up just enough to cut cleanly, and it’s worth the (agonizing!) wait.

How to Serve Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar can make your Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread look like something straight from a country bakery. For a special occasion, try drizzling a thin vanilla or bourbon glaze over the top, or even scatter a few extra toasted pecans for crunch and style.

Side Dishes

This decadent treat is right at home with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. If you want a little contrast, serve slices alongside a fresh fruit salad—especially with berries or sliced peaches for a classic Southern pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread into neat bars for a grab-and-go snack tray, or slice them into larger squares for a plated dessert with a drizzle of caramel sauce. They also shine as part of a festive dessert board with cookies, chocolates, and candied nuts—a guaranteed hit at any gathering!

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 three days. The bars stay tender and chewy and seem to get even richer with a bit of time.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully: slice them, wrap individually in plastic wrap or parchment, and tuck into a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just perfect for when a sweet craving strikes!

Reheating

Allow frozen bars to thaw at room temperature, then enjoy as-is or pop a piece in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds for a warm, just-baked flavor. If you like a little crisp edge, try reheating in a toaster oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

Absolutely! Dark brown sugar will give the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread an even deeper molasses flavor and a slightly richer color—delicious if you love caramel-y notes.

What’s the best way to chop pecans for this recipe?

A knife works just fine, or you can pulse the pecans gently in a food processor for a quick chop. Aim for pieces about the size of a pea for the best texture throughout your bread.

Can I make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be a little different, but the flavors will still be amazing.

Do I have to use vegetable oil, or can I substitute another oil?

You can swap vegetable oil with another neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil. Even light olive oil works, but steer away from strongly flavored oils so the sweet, nutty notes shine through.

Can I add chocolate chips or dried fruit?

Definitely! While it’s not traditional, a handful of chocolate chips or dried cranberries will add a fun twist—just fold them in with the pecans before baking.

Final Thoughts

If you adore classic Southern desserts or just crave a buttery, nut-studded sweet, Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is one of those recipes you’ll want to bookmark and revisit often. Give it a try the next time you need something irresistibly shareable, and be ready for lots of requests for the recipe!

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in the rich, sweet flavors of the South with this delectable Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread. This dessert bread is packed with crunchy pecans and a perfect balance of sugars, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

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For the bread:

1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups chopped pecans

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix sugars and oil: In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and oil until smooth.
Add eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Fold in pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish, spread evenly, and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool before slicing and serving.