Sweet Alabama Pecanbread Recipe

Sweet Southern Alabama Pecanbread Recipe: Homestyle Bliss

Southern kitchens buzz with comfort and nostalgia, where the delightful alabama pecanbread recipe weaves magic through simple ingredients.

Soft, golden crumbs mingle with rich, toasted pecans in every delectable slice.

Generations have cherished this beloved Southern classic that sparks memories of warm family gatherings.

Butter melts into delicate batter, creating a tender texture that melts in your mouth.

Warm spices dance through the bread, promising a symphony of flavors with each heavenly bite.

This humble yet extraordinary recipe transforms ordinary moments into delicious celebrations.

Bake this pecanbread and watch as your kitchen fills with irresistible aromas that beckon everyone to the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 11

All Ingredients For Alabama Pecanbread

For Sweeteners and Oils:
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep, molasses-like richness and helps create a moist, tender texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides balanced sweetness and helps with caramelization.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures a soft, tender crumb and keeps the bread incredibly moist.
For Binding and Structure:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together, add structure, and contribute to the bread's rich, smooth texture.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates the foundational structure of the bread with perfect protein content.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, airy texture.
For Flavor and Texture Enhancement:
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, aromatic depth and complements the nutty pecan flavor.
  • Pecans: Deliver a delightful crunch, buttery taste, and signature Alabama bread character.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

What You’ll Use To Bake Alabama Pecanbread

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining sugars, oil, eggs, and mixing batter thoroughly.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients and creating smooth, lump-free mixtures.
  • 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Crucial for baking and shaping the pecanbread perfectly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring batter and folding in pecans gently.
  • Toothpick: Helps check if the bread is fully baked by testing the center.
  • Parchment Paper (optional): Useful for easy bread removal and quick cleanup.

How To Make Alabama Pecanbread Step By Step

  • Warm Oven Prep

Get your kitchen ready by heating the oven to a cozy temperature. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or line with parchment paper for hassle-free serving.

  • Sweet Sugar Blend

In a roomy mixing bowl, dance together brown and white sugars with silky vegetable oil. Whip this mixture until it’s smooth and glossy.

  • Egg Magic

Crack eggs into the sugar mixture one by one, giving each a vigorous whisk to create a luxurious, creamy base.

  • Flour Power

In a separate bowl, marry flour with baking powder and a pinch of salt. Gently fold this dry team into the wet ingredients, stirring with a light touch.

  • Flavor Boost

Splash in vanilla extract and sprinkle in those crunchy pecans. Stir just enough to weave them throughout the batter.

  • Baking Moment

Pour the velvety batter into your prepared dish, spreading it evenly like a soft blanket. Slide into the waiting oven.

  • Golden Finish

Bake until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean – about 30-35 minutes of pure anticipation.

  • Cool and Slice

Let the pecanbread rest and cool completely before cutting into squares. Serve and watch smiles spread!

Tips For Perfect Alabama Pecanbread Texture

  • Pecan Perfection Hacks
  • Moisture Magic: Add a splash of buttermilk or sour cream to the batter for an incredibly soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
  • Nutty Upgrade: Toast the pecans before mixing into the batter to intensify their rich, deep flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make this recipe friendly for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Twist: Replace vegetable oil with coconut oil and use almond milk instead of regular milk to create a delicious dairy-free version that doesn't compromise on taste.
  • Flavor Boost: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or drizzle a simple vanilla glaze on top for an extra layer of deliciousness that takes this pecanbread from great to absolutely irresistible.

Serving Suggestions For Alabama Pecanbread

  • Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair this warm, nutty pecanbread with a steaming cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate for a delightful morning treat.
  • Sweet Dessert Twist: Transform the pecanbread into a decadent dessert by topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling with warm caramel sauce.
  • Afternoon Tea Delight: Slice the pecanbread into thin pieces and serve alongside a refreshing cup of Earl Grey tea for an elegant mid-afternoon snack that's perfect for sharing with friends.
  • Breakfast Parfait Layering: Crumble the pecanbread over Greek yogurt and add a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans for a protein-packed breakfast parfait with delightful texture and crunch.

Keeping Alabama Pecanbread Soft And Moist

  • Quick Chill Zone: Let the pecanbread cool entirely at room temperature for 1-2 hours before slicing to maintain perfect texture and prevent crumbling.
  • Fridge Fresh Trick: Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them moist and delicious.
  • Freezer Stash Strategy: Wrap individual pecanbread squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months, perfect for future snacking.
  • Revive & Refresh Method: Gently warm refrigerated or thawed slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that fresh-baked softness and enhance the nutty pecan flavor.
Print
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Sweet Alabama Pecanbread Recipe

Sweet Alabama Pecanbread Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Homemade Alabama pecanbread delivers a delightful Southern comfort classic with rich, nutty flavors. Warm slices pair perfectly with coffee, inviting nostalgic memories of family gatherings and sweet culinary traditions.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 cups (225 g) chopped pecans
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1.5 cups (360 ml / 12 fl oz) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.25 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Heat oven to 350F (175C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease thoroughly to prevent adherence.
  2. Create Wet Foundation: Whisk brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth and fully integrated, creating a uniform base.
  3. Egg Integration: Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a consistent, silky texture.
  4. Combine Dry Components: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together, eliminating potential clumps and ensuring even distribution of leavening agents.
  5. Merge Mixtures: Gently fold dry ingredients into sugar mixture, stirring minimally to preserve a tender, delicate crumb structure.
  6. Flavor Enhancement: Introduce vanilla extract and roughly chopped pecans, stirring to distribute evenly throughout the batter, infusing depth and nutty character.
  7. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading uniformly, and place in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and edges turn golden brown.
  8. Cooling and Serving: Allow pecanbread to cool completely within the pan, enabling proper setting, then slice into delectable squares and serve at room temperature to fully appreciate its rich, Southern-inspired essence.

Notes

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients minimally to maintain a soft, tender texture and avoid developing tough gluten strands.
  • Pecan Precision: Toast pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunchiness to the bread.
  • Temperature Timing: Check bread around 30-minute mark to prevent over-browning, as oven temperatures can vary slightly between kitchen appliances.
  • Storage Strategy: Wrap cooled pecanbread tightly in plastic wrap or store in airtight container to preserve moisture and freshness for 3-4 days at room temperature.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 60 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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