Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

ByLaura

There’s something about the first bite of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread that feels like coming home. The tender crumb, the nutty crunch of toasted pecans, and the rich sweetness combine into a slice of pure Southern comfort. Fresh from the oven, it fills the kitchen with a warm, buttery aroma that makes it impossible to wait until it cools. Whether enjoyed with morning coffee or served as an after-dinner treat, this bread has a way of wrapping you in a cozy, nostalgic hug.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe carries with it a deep sense of Southern tradition. Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread has long been a staple at family gatherings, church socials, and holiday feasts. I remember visiting a neighbor’s house on Sunday afternoons, and she would always have a fresh loaf waiting on the table, perfectly golden and dotted with pecans. It was more than just dessert, it was hospitality on a plate, a sweet symbol of sharing and togetherness.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Pecans are at the heart of Southern cuisine, especially in Alabama where pecan groves flourish. The bread itself is a cousin to classic nut breads, but this one leans sweet enough to be considered a dessert while still humble enough for a breakfast treat. Some say it originated as a thrifty way to use up excess pecans during harvest season. Over time, it became a beloved local specialty, passed down through families and cherished at community gatherings.

Why You’ll Love Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

This recipe is as comforting as it is versatile, and there are plenty of reasons it will win your heart.

Versatile: Enjoy it as breakfast, dessert, or even as a sweet snack with tea.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and a handful of pecans, making it affordable and accessible.

Quick and Easy: Comes together with simple steps and minimal equipment.

Customizable: Add spices, swap nuts, or drizzle with glaze to make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for potlucks, brunches, or gifting to friends and family.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it the night before and have it ready for the next day.

Great for Leftovers: Toast a slice, add butter, or even crumble it into parfaits for a second life.

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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 1 loaf, about 10 slices 1x
  • Category: Quick Bread, Dessert, Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

A tender, moist Southern quick bread studded with buttery pecans and scented with vanilla. Perfect warm with coffee, delightful as dessert, and easy enough for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (lightly toasted for extra flavor)
  • Butter or nonstick spray, for greasing the pan

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with a parchment sling for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in the chopped pecans, reserving a tablespoon to sprinkle on top if desired.
  6. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, smooth the top, and sprinkle with the reserved pecans.
  7. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
  9. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature, plain or with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.

Notes

  • Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes to deepen their flavor.
  • Measure flour by spooning into the cup and leveling for accurate results.
  • If your oven runs hot, begin checking for doneness at 40 minutes.
  • Wrap the cooled loaf tightly to keep it soft and moist for days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 170 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg

Keywords: Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread, pecan bread, Southern dessert, quick bread recipe, easy loaf cake, vanilla pecan loaf, brunch baking

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To get bakery-quality bread every time, a few insider tricks go a long way.

  1. Toast the Pecans First: A light toast deepens their flavor and adds an irresistible nuttiness.
  2. Do Not Overmix the Batter: Gentle folding ensures a tender crumb instead of a tough loaf.
  3. Check Early for Doneness: Every oven runs a little differently, so keep an eye during the last 10 minutes.
  4. Cool Before Slicing: Letting it rest helps the bread set and prevents crumbling.

ding">Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You won’t need much, just a few essentials to bring this bread to life.

Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
Whisk: Helps incorporate air and keep the batter light.
Spatula: Ideal for gently folding in pecans.
Loaf Pan: Standard 9×5-inch pan works best for an even bake.
Cooling Rack: Keeps the bread from getting soggy after baking.

Ingredients in Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

The magic of this bread lies in the harmony between simple ingredients and rich pecans.

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  1. All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups – Provides the structure for the bread.
  2. Granulated Sugar: 1 cup – Sweetens the loaf and balances the nuttiness.
  3. Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons – Helps the bread rise and stay fluffy.
  4. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – Enhances all the flavors.
  5. Eggs: 2 large – Add richness, color, and binding power.
  6. Whole Milk: 1 cup – Keeps the bread moist and tender.
  7. Vegetable Oil: 1/2 cup – Adds moisture without heaviness.
  8. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Provides a warm, aromatic depth.
  9. Pecans: 1 cup, chopped – The star ingredient, adding crunch and flavor.

    10. Ingredient Substitutions

    Sometimes you need to adapt. Here are easy swaps that still deliver delicious results.

    All-Purpose Flour: Substitute with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
    Sugar: Brown sugar works for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
    Milk: Swap with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
    Vegetable Oil: Melted butter can be used for extra richness.
    Pecans: Walnuts or almonds make a fine replacement if needed.

    ding">Ingredient Spotlight

    Pecans: Native to North America, pecans bring a natural buttery sweetness and satisfying crunch. They’re also packed with healthy fats and minerals, making them as nutritious as they are delicious.

    Vanilla Extract: A small splash of vanilla enhances sweetness and adds a fragrant warmth that ties everything together.

    Instructions for Making Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

    This recipe is simple enough for beginners yet rewarding for seasoned bakers. Here’s how to do it step by step.