Sweet Alabama Pecanbread

Name: Sweet Alabama Pecanbread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil or melted butter; 4 large eggs; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups chopped pecans

December 14, 2025 by Daniel Carter

Delicious Sweet Alabama Pecanbread with pecans and sweet glaze

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Sweet Alabama Pecanbread: A Slice of Southern Comfort

There’s something incredibly special about a freshly baked Sweet Alabama Pecanbread wafting through your kitchen. Imagine the scent of warm sugars mingling with the buttery aroma of roasted pecans filling the air, enveloping you like a cozy hug from a dear friend. This delightful treat is not just a dessert; it’s an experience – perfect for holiday gatherings, weekend brunch, or simply enjoying a moment of solitude with a cup of coffee. Each bite is a tender morsel that transports you to a charming Southern kitchen where laughter and joy abound, serving as a reminder of both simple pleasures and the sweetness of life.

As you gather around the table with your loved ones, the rich, golden-brown crust shimmering under the light invites everyone in for a festivity of flavors. The delightful crunch of pecans contrasts beautifully with the soft, moist texture of the bread, making it an instant favorite among both the young and old. This Sweet Alabama Pecanbread is a cherished family recipe, perfect for sharing memories or creating new ones, making every occasion feel a little brighter and a lot more special.

What You’ll Need

Creating your own Sweet Alabama Pecanbread is a rewarding experience that requires just a handful of ingredients and some basic kitchen tools. Let’s gather what you’ll need to bring this delectable treat to life.

Ingredients

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

Tools

Before you dive into the baking process, make sure you have the following tools ready: a large mixing bowl, a whisk, a medium mixing bowl for your dry ingredients, a baking dish (preferably 9×13 inches), a spatula for folding, and an oven mitt for safe handling. Don’t forget a cooling rack to let your pecanbread rest before slicing!

How to Make It

Baking the Sweet Alabama Pecanbread is a straightforward process that rewards you with mouthwatering results. Just follow these steps, and soon you will have a heavenly aroma filling your kitchen.

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to a warm 350°F (175°C). As it warms, take a moment to prepare your baking dish; either grease it generously or line it with parchment paper to ensure that your pecanbread slides easily out once baked. This step is essential, as it sets the stage for a beautiful golden crust that will form as your creation bakes.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and your eggs. With a whisk, beat them together until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. As you whisk, the rich, caramel-like aroma of the sugars will fill the air, making your mouth water in anticipation. This blend not only sweetens your bread but adds depth and richness that is simply irresistible.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Take a medium mixing bowl and gently stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. The fine particles of flour mix with the baking powder creating a light dust, while the salt awakens the flavors that lie ahead. This simple act of mixing dry ingredients ensures an even texture in your final bake, allowing for a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite.

Combine & Fold

Now, gradually introduce your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be mindful not to overmix, treading the delicate line between batter and dough. Fold in the vanilla extract, a fragrant note that adds a warm essence to your pecanbread. You’ll start to see a beautiful batter forming – thick and luscious, awaiting its hearty addition.

Add Pecans

It’s time to fold in the star of the show: the chopped pecans! The nutty fragrance that’s released as you mix them in is heavenly, creating layers of crunch within the soft batter. Take a moment to enjoy the contrast between the smooth batter and the inviting texture of the pecans. These bits of nature’s candy will lend a crunchy surprise to every bite of your Sweet Alabama Pecanbread.

Bake to Perfection

Spread the luscious batter evenly into your prepared baking dish, and slide it into the preheated oven. As it bakes, your kitchen will transform into a bakery, with the warmth of sweet, baked goods settling into every corner as the pecanbread rises. After 30 to 35 minutes, keep a close on it; it’s ready when the top turns a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The moment you pull it from the oven, let the anticipation build as you allow it to cool completely for easier slicing.

Cool & Serve

Once cool, cut the Sweet Alabama Pecanbread into generous squares. The slightly crisp crust gives way to a moist, tender interior, and a hint of steam might still escape with every slice. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm, paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. You may find that you can’t resist sneaking a bite or two before sharing!

Creative Twists

While the traditional Sweet Alabama Pecanbread is utterly delightful on its own, consider these fun twists to elevate your baking experience:

Spiced Variants: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice that complements the pecans beautifully, especially during the fall and winter months.
Chocolate Lovers’ Delight: Fold in some mini chocolate chips for a rich chocolate flavor that contrasts with the nuttiness of the pecans, creating an indulgent dessert.
Fruit Flavors: Incorporate dried cranberries or cherries for a tart, fruity accent that brings brightness and vibrancy to each bite, perfect for a summer gathering.
Glazed Finish: Whisk together powdered sugar and a splash of milk or orange juice for a simple glaze to drizzle over the top for added sweetness and shine.
Nutty Orange Zest: Brighten the flavor profile with a teaspoon of orange zest infused into your batter, bringing a fresh citrus note to your pecanbread.

Final Inspiration

As you take your first bite of the Sweet Alabama Pecanbread, let it envelop you in comfort and warmth, inviting you to savor each moment you share with friends and family. May this recipe become a cherished part of your gatherings, steeped in tradition and sweetened with love. So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and let the magic unfold; after all, nothing says “togetherness” quite like a homemade treat! Embrace the joy baking can bring, and don’t be surprised if this sweet delight becomes a staple in your seasonal rotation. Happy baking!

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