Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread – Southern Flavor, Lightened Up

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a beloved Southern classic—rich, nutty, and irresistibly moist. This lighter version keeps all the warm, buttery flavor and crunchy pecan goodness, but with simple tweaks to make it more balanced for everyday enjoyment. Whether served as a dessert, a coffee companion, or a sweet snack, this easy quick bread will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Southern Taste – Toasty pecans and golden crust.
Simple, Better-For-You Ingredients – Uses light butter and applesauce to reduce fat.
Perfectly Sweet – Just enough brown sugar for deep flavor, without going overboard.
Moist & Nutty – Tender texture with a satisfying pecan crunch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup light butter (melted and cooled slightly)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine self-rising flour, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Stir to combine.

3. Add Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, melted light butter, applesauce, vanilla, and salt. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined—do not overmix.

4. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

5. Cool & Serve
Allow to cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing into 16 small bars. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)

Calories: 130
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 7g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Use Self-Rising Flour: It saves time and ensures the perfect lift and crumb.
• Toast Your Pecans: Lightly toasting the pecans before mixing enhances their rich flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir just until everything is combined to keep the bread soft.
• Add a Glaze (Optional): For a touch of indulgence, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze made with a splash of almond milk.

Why This Recipe Works

This version of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread delivers all the charm and sweetness of the Southern original with a few ingredient swaps to make it more everyday-friendly. Moist from applesauce, rich with pecans, and delicately sweet—it’s comfort food in slice form, minus the heaviness.

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is the perfect blend of old-fashioned flavor and modern sensibility. With wholesome ingredients and rich pecan crunch in every bite, this easy quick bread brings warm Southern comfort to your table—without overdoing it. Serve it with coffee, share it at brunch, or keep it on hand for whenever you need a cozy, homemade treat.