Grandma’s Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread: Easy Sheet Pan Quick Bread Recipe

There’s something undeniably cozy about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the house. I remember when my grandmother would whip up her famous Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread on Sunday mornings. The scent of warm, nutty pecans mingling with the sweetness of brown sugar would fill the air, wrapping us in a comforting embrace. Today, I’m excited to share this family treasure with you, a recipe that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also nourishes the soul.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make, perfect for any skill level.
• Comforting homemade flavor that takes you back to simpler times.
• Made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
• Great for any occasion, be it family gatherings or a cozy night in.
• Always a crowd-pleaser—trust me, this one disappears fast!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread:

• 2 cups toasted, chopped pecans
• Toasting brings out their rich flavor—don’t skip this step!
• 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
• Saves time and ensures fluffy bread!
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• For that deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• Balances out the flavors and adds to the sweetness!
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• Keeps the bread moist and delicious.
• 4 large eggs
• To bind everything together beautifully.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A splash adds warmth and depth.
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Balances the sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.

How to Make It

Let’s get down to the lovely business of baking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to create your own Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread:

1. Preheat Your Oven
2. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Also, generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish—it’ll need a loving touch to prevent sticking.
3. Mix Sugars and Oil
4. In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat it all together until smooth—this is where the goodness starts!
5. Add the Eggs
6. Now, crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You want your batter to feel silky and velvety.
7. Incorporate Vanilla
8. Stir in the vanilla extract—ah, that heavenly scent! It’s like a warm hug for your kitchen.
9. Combine Dry Ingredients
10. Gradually fold in the self-rising flour and salt. Stir just until everything is mixed—overmixing can make your bread tough, and we certainly don’t want that.
11. Fold in the Pecans
12. Gently fold in those toasted pecans with a spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. You’ll love the crunch they add!
13. Pour and Bake
14. Pour the batter into your prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Just wait until you see it turn golden brown and your kitchen fills with that mouthwatering aroma! A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
15. Cool and Slice
16. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Slice into squares, then serve. This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is equally delicious on its own or elevated by a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel.

Kitchen Tips

• Time-Saving Trick: Toast a large batch of pecans and store them in an airtight container. They make a great snack or addition to other recipes too!
• Fix for a Common Mistake: If your batter ends up lumpy, resist the urge to overmix after adding flour. Just mix until combined for the best texture.
• Creative Twist: Love chocolate? Fold in some chocolate chips along with the pecans for an extra decadent treat!

Serving Ideas

This Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread shines in so many settings. Picture it at a family dinner, where each slice is passed around and enjoyed with laughter. It’s perfect for Sunday brunch with a fresh fruit salad or a warm cup of coffee. You could even serve it at holiday gatherings—imagine your loved ones’ smiles as they savor each bite! Top it off with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a scoop of ice cream for pure bliss.

Storing & Leftovers

• Refrigerating: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure it’s completely cooled first.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Perfect for a quick treat later!
• Fun Leftover Idea: Transform a slice into a delightful bread pudding by adding a splash of milk and some eggs, then baking until it’s warm and custardy—what a wonderful way to enjoy a classic!

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

A heartwarming and delicious pecan bread that combines the nutty flavor of toasted pecans with the sweetness of brown sugar, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 1.5 cups self-rising flour Saves time and ensures fluffy bread.
• 1 tsp salt Balances the sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.

Sugars and Oil

• 1 cup packed brown sugar For that deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• 1 cup granulated sugar Balances out the flavors and adds to the sweetness.
• 1 cup vegetable oil Keeps the bread moist and delicious.

Wet Ingredients

• 4 large eggs To bind everything together beautifully.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract A splash adds warmth and depth.

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups toasted, chopped pecans Toasting brings out their rich flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat it all together until smooth.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually fold in the self-rising flour and salt until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the toasted pecans until evenly distributed.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread it evenly.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cooling and Serving

1. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares.
2. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel.

Notes

For best results, avoid overmixing after adding flour. Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container for up to a week in the fridge, or frozen for up to three months. Transform leftovers into bread pudding for a unique treat.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Baking this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread brings back memories of joy, warmth, and togetherness. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a way to share love and create lasting memories with your family and friends. I hope you give this simple yet delightful recipe a try and make it your own, just like I did all those years ago. Happy baking!

More Resources

If you enjoyed this recipe, here are more tasty ideas and trusted kitchen reads to explore:

From SmartCookRecipes.com

• Try this Southern Pecan Praline Cake for a buttery-sweet twist – rich, moist, and full of pecan flavor with a luscious butter sauce you’ll adore.
• Whip up a moist Date Nut Bread next – packed with rich dates and crunchy nuts, it’s a nostalgic loaf perfect for tea time.
• Enjoy a slice of Birthday Cake Cookies magic – soft, sprinkle-filled cookies that bring party joy to every bite.
• Bake up comfort with Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs – creamy, savory, and perfect for a cozy night in.
• Bring Southern charm with Cornmeal Johnnycakes – crispy, golden, and oh-so comforting for any meal of the day.

Trusted Sources Around the Web

• Explore the health benefits of cauliflower – learn how this humble veggie supports your heart, bones, and digestion.
• This Food Network guide to cooking chicken thighs – expert tips to keep every bite juicy and flavorful.