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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Featured in: Freshly Baked Breads

This simple Southern quick bread combines chopped pecans, brown sugar, and cane syrup for a moist, sweet treat. Takes 10 minutes to mix and 40 minutes to bake.
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Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:43:59 GMT
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread | recipesbyclare.com
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Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a compact Southern quick bread with a moist sour-cream crumb, brown-sugar depth, cane-syrup warmth, and pecans inside and across the top. It bakes in an 8-inch square glass pan and cools into nine sturdy squares.

The recipe takes 50 minutes, with 10 minutes of preparation and 40 minutes of baking. Stirring only until combined and cooling completely are essential for a tender texture and clean slices.

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Ingredients

Two eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, cane syrup, vanilla, self-rising flour, two portions of pecans, white sugar, brown sugar, and salt
Two eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, cane syrup, vanilla, self-rising flour, two portions of pecans, white sugar, brown sugar, and salt | Recipes by Clare
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For the wet mixture, measure exactly 2 large eggs, ¼ cup sour cream, ½ cup vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon Steen's cane syrup or light molasses, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

For the dry mixture, use 1 cup self-rising flour, 1½ cups finely chopped pecans divided, ⅔ cup granulated sugar, ⅔ cup packed light brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Exactly 1 cup pecans goes into the batter and the remaining ½ cup becomes the topping.

If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels.

How to Make Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Four stages showing wet ingredients whisked, dry ingredients combined, pecan batter in an eight-inch glass pan, and nine cooled bread squares
Four stages showing wet ingredients whisked, dry ingredients combined, pecan batter in an eight-inch glass pan, and nine cooled bread squares | Recipes by Clare
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  1. Heat the oven to 350°F and generously grease an 8-by-8-inch glass baking pan.
  2. Whisk the eggs, sour cream, oil, cane syrup or molasses, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. In a second bowl, mix the self-rising flour, 1 cup chopped pecans, both sugars, and salt.
  4. Pour wet into dry and stir gently just until combined. A few small lumps are fine.
  5. Spread batter evenly in the pan and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup pecans over the top.
  6. Bake for 40 minutes, until golden and a center toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool completely in the pan, then cut an exact 3-by-3 grid for 9 squares.

For food-safety guidance while cooking, use the USDA safe minimum temperature chart.

Use an Eight-Inch Glass Pan

Whisk the Wet Ingredients Smooth

Measure the Pecans in Two Portions

Pack the Brown Sugar Correctly

Combine the Dry Ingredients Evenly

Fold Wet Into Dry Gently

Spread and Top the Batter

Bake Exactly Forty Minutes

Moist golden Alabama pecan bread cut into sweet nutty squares
Moist golden Alabama pecan bread cut into sweet nutty squares | recipesbyclare.com
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Cool Completely and Cut Nine Squares

Storage and Freezing

Conclusion

At 350°F, grease an 8-by-8-inch glass pan. Whisk 2 eggs, sour cream, oil, cane syrup or molasses, and vanilla. Separately combine self-rising flour, 1 cup of the 1½ cups pecans, both sugars, and salt. Gently combine, spread in the pan, and top with the remaining ½ cup pecans. Bake 40 minutes, cool completely, and cut a 3-by-3 grid into 9 squares.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use light molasses instead of Steen's cane syrup?

Yes. Use 1 tablespoon of either Steen's cane syrup or light molasses.

→ How are the pecans divided?

Mix 1 cup into the dry ingredients and reserve ½ cup for the topping.

→ How long does the bread bake?

Bake in the 8-inch glass pan at 350°F for 40 minutes.

→ How many squares does it make?

Cool completely and cut a 3-by-3 grid for exactly 9 squares.

4.40 from 45 votes

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread

Preparation Time:
10 Minutes
Cook Time:
40 Minutes
Total Cooking Time:
50 Minutes
Number of Servings:
9
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
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Tender Southern quick bread loaded with pecans, brown sugar, and a touch of cane syrup for authentic Alabama flavor.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • Wet Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients

How to Make It

1.

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Heat your oven to 350°F and generously grease an 8x8-inch glass baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

2.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, cane syrup, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

3.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, stir together the self-rising flour, 1 cup of the chopped pecans (save the rest for topping), both sugars, and salt until evenly mixed.

4.

4. Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir just until everything is combined. Don't overmix - a few lumps are perfectly fine.

5.

5. Assemble for Baking: Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan, then sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans over the top for a beautiful, crunchy finish.

6.

6. Bake Until Golden: Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and set.

7.

7. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool completely in the pan before cutting into 9 squares (3x3 pattern). This helps it hold together nicely when sliced.

Extra Information

  1. This Southern-style quick bread has a tender, moist crumb thanks to the sour cream and oil combination.
  2. Steen's cane syrup is a Louisiana favorite, but light molasses works just as well for that deep, sweet flavor.
  3. Using self-rising flour makes this recipe super simple - no need to measure baking powder separately.
  4. The bread keeps well covered at room temperature for several days and freezes beautifully for longer storage.

Essential Tools

  • 8x8-inch glass baking pan
  • Two mixing bowls
  • Wire whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Toothpick for testing doneness

Allergy Warnings

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains dairy (sour cream)
  • Contains gluten (self-rising flour)
  • Contains tree nuts (pecans)

Nutrition Details (Per Portion)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein: 5 g