Imagine a warm, sunny afternoon in Alabama, where the scent of freshly baked pecan bread wafts through a cozy kitchen. This classic Southern treat is more than just a dessert—it’s a tradition that embodies the comforting flavors of the South. Sweet, nutty, and oh-so-moist, Alabama Pecanbread is the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in every bite. Whether it’s served at family gatherings, church potlucks, or simply as a midweek indulgence, this bread has earned its place as a cherished favorite. It’s no wonder why this recipe has been passed down through generations—it’s simple, satisfying, and has that irresistible homemade charm.
In my family, this recipe has become a staple for holiday breakfasts and Sunday brunches. The crunchy pecans, the tender crumb, and just the right hint of sweetness make it impossible to stop at just one slice. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up, even if you’re new to baking. Let’s dive into this timeless recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple Ingredients: You won’t need to run around looking for hard-to-find items. Most of these are pantry staples!
- Quick to Make: Perfect for last-minute desserts or when you want a quick sweet treat.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, a snack, or even as a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for family or friends, this recipe always impresses.
- Rich Southern Flavor: The pecans and buttery sweetness are a true celebration of Southern cuisine.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups of chopped pecans
- 1 stick (½ cup) of unsalted butter, melted
How to Make Alabama Pecanbread:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This small step ensures your pecanbread will come out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. The combination of these dry ingredients creates the base of the bread, giving it that tender yet sturdy texture.
Step 3: Stir in the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Slowly pour this mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—you want to keep the texture light!
Step 4: Fold in the Pecans
Here comes the star of the show: the pecans! Gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. The pecans give the bread its signature crunch and rich, nutty flavor.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with the warm, inviting aroma of toasted pecans and buttery sweetness—it’s truly heavenly.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let the pecanbread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature. Trust me, it’s delicious either way!
Helpful Tips:
- Toast the Pecans: For an extra depth of flavor, toast the pecans in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes before adding them to the batter.
- Cut Clean Slices: Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for perfectly shaped squares.
- Add a Topping: While this pecanbread is delightful on its own, you can elevate it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert or Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes:
- This recipe freezes beautifully. Simply wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then store them in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature for a quick treat.
- Want to make it gluten-free? Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~220
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 95mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes! While pecans are traditional, walnuts or almonds would also work well in this recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can bake the pecanbread a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I reduce the sugar?
If you’d like to cut back on sweetness, you can reduce the sugar slightly without compromising the texture. However, keep in mind that the brown sugar adds moisture and flavor, so don’t eliminate it completely.
Storage Instructions:
To store, place your pecanbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Warm up slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
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Conclusion:
There’s something magical about the simplicity of Alabama Pecanbread. It’s not overly fussy, yet it delivers big on flavor and comfort. Whether you’re sharing it with family, serving it at a gathering, or sneaking a piece with your afternoon coffee, this recipe is sure to bring a little slice of Southern charm into your life. So, grab your mixing bowl, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake some memories!
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Alabama Pecanbread
Description
Imagine a warm, sunny afternoon in Alabama, where the scent of freshly baked pecan bread wafts through a cozy kitchen. This classic Southern treat is more than just a dessert—it’s a tradition that embodies the comforting flavors of the South. Sweet, nutty, and oh-so-moist, Alabama Pecanbread is the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in every bite. Whether it’s served at family gatherings, church potlucks, or simply as a midweek indulgence, this bread has earned its place as a cherished favorite. It’s no wonder why this recipe has been passed down through generations—it’s simple, satisfying, and has that irresistible homemade charm.
In my family, this recipe has become a staple for holiday breakfasts and Sunday brunches. The crunchy pecans, the tender crumb, and just the right hint of sweetness make it impossible to stop at just one slice. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up, even if you’re new to baking. Let’s dive into this timeless recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household too.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups of chopped pecans
- 1 stick (½ cup) of unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This small step ensures your pecanbread will come out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. The combination of these dry ingredients creates the base of the bread, giving it that tender yet sturdy texture.
Step 3: Stir in the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Slowly pour this mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—you want to keep the texture light!
Step 4: Fold in the Pecans
Here comes the star of the show: the pecans! Gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. The pecans give the bread its signature crunch and rich, nutty flavor.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with the warm, inviting aroma of toasted pecans and buttery sweetness—it’s truly heavenly.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let the pecanbread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature. Trust me, it’s delicious either way!
Notes
- This recipe freezes beautifully. Simply wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then store them in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature for a quick treat.
- Want to make it gluten-free? Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.