Rustic Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe: A Southern Sweet Treat

Sinking your teeth into a slice of warm Alabama pecanbread, where southern comfort meets sweet indulgence.

Nutty aromas waft through the kitchen, promising a delectable treat that speaks to tradition.

Soft crumbs mingle with crunchy pecan pieces, creating a texture that dances between tender and robust.

Local bakers have perfected this recipe through generations of careful crafting.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen emerge with each delightful bite, transporting you to a world of cozy comfort.

Rich buttery notes complement the earthy pecans, making this bread more than just a simple snack.

Grab a cup of coffee and let this Alabama pecanbread become your new favorite morning companion.

Tips for the Best Alabama Pecanbread Texture

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir the batter gently until ingredients are just combined to ensure a tender, light texture without tough, dense bread.
• Toast Pecans for Rich Flavor: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty, deep taste and aromatic qualities.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Use the toothpick test to avoid overbaking; a clean toothpick with a few moist crumbs indicates perfect moisture and softness.
• Customize with Variations: Swap pecans for walnuts or add chocolate chips for a delightful twist on the classic Alabama pecanbread recipe.
• Cool Completely for Clean Cuts: Allow the bread to cool entirely in the pan to prevent crumbling and achieve neat, precise squares when slicing.

How to Keep Alabama Pecanbread Fresh and Tasty

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pecanbread in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Carefully place pecanbread slices in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. This helps restore the bread's soft, tender texture and brings out the rich pecan flavor.
• Moisture Tip: If bread seems dry after storing, brush lightly with melted butter or drizzle with honey before reheating to refresh its softness and enhance its taste.

Perfect Pairings for Alabama Pecanbread

• Pair with Smooth Bourbon: Sip a Kentucky bourbon like Maker's Mark that complements the rich, nutty pecan flavors and enhances the sweet undertones of the bread.
• Match with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Top a warm slice with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between the warm bread and cold, smooth dessert.
• Serve with Strong Coffee: Enjoy a hot cup of dark roast coffee or espresso, which cuts through the sweetness and brings out the deep, toasty pecan notes in the bread.
• Complement with Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the pecanbread to elevate its richness and add an extra layer of indulgent flavor.

Fun Ways to Switch Alabama Pecanbread Up

• Gluten-Free Southern Comfort: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can savor this classic Southern treat without compromising flavor or texture.
• Bourbon-Infused Pecan Dream: Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the wet ingredients for a rich, spirited version that captures the essence of Southern hospitality and enhances the nutty pecan profile.
• Chocolate Chip Pecan Paradise: Fold in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips alongside the pecans, creating a decadent blend of sweet chocolate and crunchy nuts that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Maple Pecan Sensation: Substitute 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with pure maple syrup, introducing a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the toasted pecans and adds complexity to the bread's flavor.

FAQs About Alabama Pecanbread

• What makes Alabama Pecanbread unique?

This Southern-style bread celebrates the rich pecan heritage of Alabama, featuring locally grown pecans that add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to a sweet, moist bread.

• Are pecans important to this recipe?

Absolutely! Pecans are not just a topping but a key ingredient that gives the bread its signature texture and authentic Alabama flavor. Native to the Southern United States, pecans bring a rich, buttery taste that makes this bread truly special.

• Can I use different types of pecans?

While any pecans work, native Georgia or Alabama pecans are ideal. If you can’t find local pecans, opt for fresh, high-quality halves or pieces that are crisp and have a deep, rich color for the best result.

• Is this bread considered a dessert or a snack?

Alabama Pecanbread beautifully bridges both categories – it’s sweet enough to be a dessert but light enough to enjoy as an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.

Why Alabama Pecanbread Is Sweet Southern Goodness

• Savor Southern Sweetness: Dive into a classic Alabama pecan bread that captures the rich, comforting flavors of traditional Southern baking with its perfect blend of sugars and nutty pecans.
• Master Easy Baking: Create a delicious dessert with minimal effort using simple ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that even novice bakers can confidently execute in under an hour.
• Enjoy Versatile Texture: Experience a moist, tender bread with crunchy pecan pieces that deliver a delightful contrast in every bite, making it ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert occasions.
• Celebrate Wholesome Comfort: Indulge in a homemade treat that brings warmth and nostalgia, perfect for sharing with family and friends during gatherings or quiet moments of sweet relaxation.

All the Ingredients in Alabama Pecanbread

• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a moist, tender texture with a rich caramel-like flavor.

• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a soft, moist bread with a tender crumb and helps prevent dryness.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together, add richness, and provide structure to the bread.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall sweetness of the bread.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the bread, providing structure and volume.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Pecans: Adds a crunchy texture, nutty flavor, and classic Southern touch to the bread.

How to Make Alabama Pecanbread from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with cooking spray or line with parchment paper for super easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Sweet Mixture

• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Vegetable oil

Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, silky blend.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, giving each a vigorous beating to create a fluffy, well-integrated mixture. Ensure each egg is completely mixed before adding the next.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Mix these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently and carefully – be careful not to overmix! Stop mixing as soon as everything looks beautifully blended.

Step 6: Add Flavor Boosters

Splash in vanilla extract and sprinkle in chopped pecans. Stir gently to distribute these delicious elements throughout the batter.

Step 7: Fill the Baking Dish

Pour the batter into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure a perfect, smooth surface.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. The bread is ready when a toothpick comes out clean and the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the pecan bread to cool completely in the pan. This helps it set and makes cutting easier. Slice into squares and serve to delighted friends and family.

Tip: This Alabama classic is perfect for breakfast, afternoon snack, or a sweet treat anytime! Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh and moist.

Alabama Pecanbread Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Comforting Southern classic, Alabama Pecan Bread, weaves sweet nutty magic into each delectable slice. Warm spices and rich pecan notes invite home cooks to savor a slice of traditional Southern hospitality.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (225 g) chopped pecans
• 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil

Sugars:

• 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

Seasonings and Extras:

• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 350F (175C) and ready a 913-inch baking vessel with grease or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Create a smooth base by whisking brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until thoroughly blended.
3. Introduce eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition to ensure a uniform texture.
4. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate container to eliminate potential lumps.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into the sugar mixture, stirring minimally to maintain a tender crumb.
6. Enhance the batter’s flavor profile by incorporating vanilla extract and roughly chopped pecans, ensuring even distribution.
7. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, carefully spreading to create an even layer.
8. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 3035 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and edges transform to a golden hue.
9. Allow the pecanbread to cool completely within the pan, enabling it to set and stabilize before slicing into delectable squares.
10. Serve at room temperature, savoring the rich, nutty essence of this Southern-inspired treat.

Notes

• Toasting pecans beforehand enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the bread, making each bite more complex and satisfying.
• Opt for room temperature eggs to ensure smoother batter incorporation and more consistent texture throughout the pecanbread.
• Use light brown sugar for a milder sweetness, or dark brown sugar for deeper caramel undertones that complement the pecans beautifully.
• For gluten-sensitive individuals, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to create an equally delicious version of this Southern classic.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 355
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg