This Southern Sweet Pecan Bread is a moist, buttery, and indulgent treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. Packed with crunchy pecans, sweet coconut, and a hint of cinnamon, this easy-to-make recipe embodies classic Southern comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Moist: The combination of vegetable oil, eggs, and sugar creates a perfectly moist and flavorful bread.
- Packed with Flavor: Loaded with pecans, coconut, and a touch of cinnamon for a deliciously sweet, nutty taste.
- Versatile: Great as a dessert, snack, or even a quick breakfast treat.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a breeze.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a potluck, this pecan bread is always a hit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup coconut, shredded
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or two loaf pans.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the self-rising flour and cinnamon until fully incorporated.
- Fold in Add-Ins: Gently fold in the chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips (if using).
- Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish or loaf pans, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a nut-free alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free self-rising flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
- Dried Fruits: Mix in dried cranberries or raisins for added sweetness and texture.
- Lighter Version: Substitute half the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter option.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes! Simply add 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt for every 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
2. Can I substitute pecans with another nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts are great substitutes for pecans.
3. Is the coconut necessary?
No, you can leave out the coconut if you prefer or replace it with extra pecans or another mix-in.
4. Can I make this bread in muffin form?
Yes! Divide the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.
5. How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to grease the pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
6. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar by up to 1/3 without significantly altering the texture, but it may be less sweet.
7. Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, melted butter can be used, but it will give the bread a slightly different flavor and texture.
8. How can I ensure the bread stays moist?
Avoid overbaking, and store the bread in an airtight container to retain its moisture.
9. Can I add a glaze or topping?
Yes! A simple powdered sugar glaze or a drizzle of melted chocolate would pair beautifully with this bread.
10. Is this bread suitable for gifting?
Definitely! Wrap it in decorative parchment paper or place it in a gift box for a thoughtful homemade treat.
Conclusion
Southern Sweet Pecan Bread is a delightful combination of buttery richness, crunchy pecans, and sweet coconut with a hint of cinnamon. Easy to make and versatile enough for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Bake it for brunch, dessert, or a thoughtful homemade gift and enjoy every bite!
Print
Southern Sweet Pecan Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Southern Sweet Pecan Bread is a moist and rich dessert packed with nutty pecans, warm cinnamon, and a hint of coconut. Perfect for family gatherings or any special occasion, this easy recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Add-ins:
- 2 cups pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two loaf pans.
- Mix wet ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, self-rising flour, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet and dry:
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Add the mix-ins:
- Fold in the chopped pecans, chocolate chips, and shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve:
- Allow the pecan bread to cool completely before slicing. Serve as is or with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence!
Notes
- If you don’t have self-rising flour, substitute with all-purpose flour and add 3 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt.
- For a deeper flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the batter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern