Short Description

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a moist, dense, and buttery dessert bar—more like a pecan-studded cake than a traditional bread. Packed with toasted pecans and rich Southern flavor, it’s a beloved treat often served warm with coffee or as a sweet addition to gatherings and potlucks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Southern Comfort: A traditional recipe with timeless appeal, especially for pecan lovers.
One-Bowl Simplicity: Minimal cleanup and quick preparation make it great for busy days.
Rich and Moist Texture: The combination of oil, eggs, and sugar gives the bread a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Perfect for Sharing: Makes a large batch, ideal for entertaining or gifting.
Customizable Base: Easily adaptable with add-ins like coconut, cinnamon, or chocolate chips.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups finely chopped pecans
1½ cups self-rising flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

Substitute for Self-Rising Flour (if needed):

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in the self-rising flour (or substitute mix) and salt. Stir just until incorporated—do not overmix to avoid a dense texture.
Fold in Pecans & Vanilla
Add the vanilla extract and gently fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool Before Serving
Let the bread cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12–16 slices
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Add Coconut: Stir in ½ cup of shredded coconut for extra texture and sweetness.
Chocolate Twist: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips.
Spiced Version: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
Glaze It: Top with a simple vanilla glaze or cream cheese drizzle for a dessert-style finish.
Nut-Free Option: Substitute the pecans with chopped dried fruit like cranberries or dates for a nut-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

Is this a bread or a cake?

Though called “bread,” this recipe yields a dessert bar or cake-like texture rather than a traditional loaf bread.

Can I use a loaf pan instead of a 9×13?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time. Use two standard loaf pans and bake for 40–50 minutes.

Do I need to toast the pecans?

It’s optional, but toasting them lightly beforehand enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend and adjust with baking powder and salt as needed. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What type of oil is best?

Vegetable oil or canola oil works well for this recipe. Avoid oils with strong flavors like olive oil.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce each sugar by ¼ cup, but it may affect the texture and sweetness of the final product.

Is it okay to use dark brown sugar?

Yes, but expect a slightly deeper molasses flavor and a darker color.

Can I add fruit to this bread?

Yes, chopped apples or dried cranberries make great additions—add about ½ cup.

What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

Allow the bread to cool completely and use a sharp knife. Wipe the blade clean between cuts for neat slices.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Yes, divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes.

Conclusion

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a delightful Southern-style treat that’s rich, nutty, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you serve it as a snack, dessert, or even a breakfast indulgence, this tender, flavorful bread is sure to become a favorite. Keep it on hand for holidays, potlucks, or whenever you crave a slice of old-fashioned comfort.

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

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Author: Olivia
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12–16 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a rich, buttery Southern treat loaded with chopped pecans and brown sugar flavor. Moist like a cake, but sliced like bread—perfect for holidays, gifting, or anytime snacking.

Ingredients

2 cups finely chopped pecans
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
Substitute: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour + 1 1/2 tsp baking powder + 1/2 tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs, beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten eggs, and oil. Stir until well blended.
Add dry ingredients: Gradually add self-rising flour (or substitute) and salt. Stir just until combined—do not overmix.
Fold in pecans: Stir in vanilla extract, then fold in the chopped pecans.
Bake: Pour batter into prepared dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature

Notes

For extra texture, toast pecans before folding in.
This freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
Delicious with a smear of butter or cream cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American