Sweet Alabama Pecanbread Recipe
Sweet Alabama Pecanbread is a Southern-inspired moist and buttery treat, bursting with crunchy toasted pecans and a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. This easy-to-make dessert is dense and chewy, similar to a blondie, ideal for holidays, potlucks, or any casual snacking occasion.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-Ins
- 2 cups chopped pecans, toasted lightly for best flavor
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Butter: Melt the butter and let it cool slightly to ensure it blends smoothly without cooking the eggs during mixing.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy, ensuring good aeration for texture.
- Add Butter: Slowly pour in the cooled melted butter or vegetable oil while whisking continuously to combine evenly with the wet ingredients.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift or stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- Fold Together: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain the soft and chewy texture.
- Add Pecans: Fold in the toasted chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the pecanbread to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Toasting pecans before adding enhances their natural oils and flavor but is optional.
- Walnuts can be used as a substitute for pecans, though the flavor will be different.
- This recipe can be halved and baked in an 8×8-inch dish; reduce baking time to 25–28 minutes.
- Sweet Alabama Pecanbread is denser and chewier than traditional bread, resembling a blondie or nutty bar.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freeze wrapped slices in plastic and foil for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Variations include adding ½ cup chocolate chips, ½ cup shredded coconut, swapping some sugar with maple syrup, or adding cinnamon and nutmeg for a holiday twist.
Keywords: pecan bread, sweet pecan bread, Southern dessert, pecan blondies, pecan bars, nutty dessert, sticky pecan bread, homemade pecan bread