Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a rich, nutty, and sweet dessert with a soft texture and delightful crunch from the pecans. It’s a perfect Southern treat for family gatherings or just when you need a sweet snack. Simple to make with pantry staples, this bread can be baked into squares and enjoyed with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 15-20 squares

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecans, finely chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Sugars and Eggs: In a medium-sized bowl, use a wooden spoon to stir together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten eggs, and oil until smooth and well-combined.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Stir in the self-rising flour and vanilla extract until the mixture forms a batter.
4. Add Pecans: Fold in the finely chopped pecans, stirring until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Cut into 15-20 squares, depending on your preferred portion size, and enjoy this Southern classic!

Popular Questions

1. Can I substitute self-rising flour with all-purpose flour?
Yes! To substitute all-purpose flour, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt for every cup of all-purpose flour. This will give you the same results as self-rising flour.

2. How do I store Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap the squares tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

3. Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?
Yes! Some people like to add shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or even a hint of cinnamon to the batter for extra flavor. Just be sure not to overload the batter with too many add-ins.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the self-rising flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that has a 1:1 ratio. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to mimic self-rising flour.

5. How do I know when the bread is done?
The bread is done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The center should be firm but not dry.

Tips for the Perfect Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

• Use Fresh Pecans: For the best flavor, use fresh pecans and finely chop them. This ensures even distribution throughout the bread and a consistent texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the flour, as this can make the bread dense. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
• Let It Cool: Allow the bread to cool before cutting into squares to prevent crumbling.