The first time you sink your fork into a warm square of Alabama Pecan Bread, you’ll understand why this recipe has stood the test of time in Southern kitchens. It’s soft, nutty, buttery, and perfectly sweet—everything you want in a classic dessert that feels like home. Whether it’s served at a family gathering, tucked into a church potluck spread, or plated up as part of your holiday baking lineup, this humble treat embodies the charm of Southern Dessert Recipes at their best.
What makes Alabama Pecan Bread so beloved isn’t just its flavor—it’s the nostalgia baked right into it. Recipes like these remind us of Grandma’s handwritten cards tucked into recipe boxes, the scent of toasted pecans wafting through the kitchen, and the comfort of Traditional Southern Comfort Foods that feel like a warm hug.
Alabama Pecan Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecans, finely chopped lightly toasted if desired
- 1 ½ cups self-rising flour or see notes for substitution
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 4 large eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten eggs, and oil until smooth.
- Fold in the self-rising flour and salt until the batter is fully blended.
- Add vanilla extract and stir to combine.
- Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares.
Notes
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love This Alabama Pecan Bread
A Nutty Star That Shines
This bread isn’t shy about letting pecans take center stage. Pecans add crunch, richness, and that earthy sweetness that makes every bite irresistible. As one of the best Pecan Bread Recipes, this dessert puts those golden nuts front and center, delivering the kind of texture that makes you want “just one more slice.”
Perfect for Any Occasion
Think of this as the ultimate Easy Potluck Dessert—no fancy equipment, no complicated steps, just pure comfort food. It’s just as welcome at Thanksgiving dinner as it is on the dessert table at Easter or as part of your Christmas baking rotation. In fact, many Southern families keep this in their lineup of Holiday Baking Ideas year after year.
Nostalgic but Never Outdated
Recipes like Alabama Pecan Bread carry a sense of tradition, which is why it’s often listed alongside Old-Fashioned Baking Recipes. It’s one of those bakes that reminds you of slower days, long afternoons in the kitchen, and the joy of sharing something homemade.
Crowd-Pleasing Sweetness
When you need something guaranteed to disappear fast at a party, this is it. It slices clean, serves easily, and hits that sweet spot of chewy-meets-crunchy. Add a dollop of whipped cream, and suddenly it feels like one of those Nutty Dessert Recipes that could grace a bakery window.
Ingredients Breakdown (And Substitutions)
Alabama Pecan Bread is about keeping things simple and flavorful. Here’s a closer look at what goes in:
- Pecans (2 cups, finely chopped): Toast them lightly beforehand if you want a deeper flavor. Walnuts can be substituted, but pecans give the authentic Southern flair.
- Self-rising flour (1 ½ cups): The magic shortcut that saves you from adding baking powder and salt separately. If you only have all-purpose flour, mix in 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder + ¼ teaspoon salt per cup of flour.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Balances the flavor and adds structure.
- Brown sugar (1 cup): Brings in that warm molasses sweetness. You can use all granulated sugar, but you’ll miss that caramel note.
- Vegetable oil (1 cup): Keeps the bread moist and tender. Melted butter works too but makes it a little denser.
- Eggs (4 large, beaten): Act as binders and bring richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the sweetness with a cozy, aromatic finish.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sugars and highlight the pecans.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to bring this bread to life:
- Preheat & Prep: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Wet Base: In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and oil. Stir until smooth.
- Add the Dry: Fold in the self-rising flour and salt. Mix until the batter is fully blended.
- Flavor It Up: Add vanilla extract for that warm, sweet aroma.
- Fold in Pecans: Stir in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Bake: Pour batter into your pan, spread evenly, and bake 30–35 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool & Slice: Let cool 15 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Creative Variations & Serving Ideas
- Holiday Twist: Sprinkle with powdered sugar for Christmas, or drizzle with caramel sauce for Thanksgiving.
- Southern Breakfast Treat: Serve warm with a pat of butter alongside your morning coffee—just like our Moist Pumpkin Bread.
- Dressed-Up Dessert: Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
- Mini Versions: Bake in muffin tins for bite-sized pecan bread treats—perfect for brunch buffets.
If you love playing with flavors, check out Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites or Baked Cranberry Brie Bites for more festive ideas.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temp: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Store up to 5 days for maximum freshness.
- Freezer: Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and warm before serving.
This makes it one of those timeless Easy Potluck Desserts you can prep ahead without stress.
FAQs About Alabama Pecan Bread
1. Can I make Alabama Pecan Bread without self-rising flour?
Yes! Use all-purpose flour and add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder plus ¼ teaspoon of salt per cup. It works just as well and keeps the bread fluffy.
2. What’s the best way to chop pecans for this recipe?
Use a food processor for quick, fine pieces, but avoid over-processing (you don’t want pecan meal). Hand-chopping gives more texture.
3. Can I reduce the sugar for a less sweet version?
Absolutely. You can reduce both sugars by ¼ cup each without affecting texture. For a deeper flavor, keep the brown sugar and reduce the white.
4. How do I know when the bread is done?
A toothpick should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking will dry it out, so check at the 30-minute mark.
Wrapping Up the Sweet Southern Magic
There’s something deeply comforting about recipes like Alabama Pecan Bread. It’s not just about the ingredients—it’s about tradition, memory, and sharing food that brings people together. Whether you’re exploring Southern Dessert Recipes for the first time or adding another gem to your collection of Old-Fashioned Baking Recipes, this bread deserves a place in your kitchen.
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