Description
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a Southern classic that combines the rich, nutty flavor of toasted pecans with a moist, tender crumb. This easy-to-make dessert bread is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet indulgence at home. The combination of brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla gives it a sweet, comforting flavor that pairs beautifully with the crunchy toasted pecans. Whether served warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
- 1 ½ cups self-rising flour
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, mix both the brown sugar and white sugar with the vegetable oil until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure the batter is smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing it evenly throughout the batter.
- Gradually add the self-rising flour and salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the toasted pecans by hand, using a spatula to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting it into squares. This allows the bread to set and makes for cleaner slices.
- Serve and enjoy! Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is delicious on its own, but it’s also fantastic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or drizzled with caramel sauce.
Notes
- Toasting the pecans: Toasting brings out the natural oils and enhances the flavor of the pecans. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and fragrant.
- Substitutions: You can substitute other nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for the pecans. For a lighter version, substitute half the oil with applesauce.
- Customizations: Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruits like cranberries, or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to customize the recipe to your liking.
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, it can be refrigerated for a week or frozen for up to 3 months.