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Sticky Pecan Focaccia

Sticky Pecan Focaccia

Sticky Pecan Focaccia is a delightful fusion of traditional Italian focaccia bread with a sweet, sticky, caramelized pecan topping. This soft and airy bread features a rich brown sugar glaze combined with buttery pecans for a perfectly balanced treat ideal for breakfast, dessert, or snacks. Easy to make yet impressive to serve, it offers a unique combination of textures and flavors that will quickly become a household favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

Sticky Pecan Topping

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Dough: Start by activating the yeast in warm water mixed with a bit of sugar. Once it’s bubbly and alive, combine it with flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  2. Shaping the Focaccia: Once risen, press the dough into an oiled baking dish, spreading it out evenly with your hands. Make little dimples all across the surface using your fingertips — this is the signature focaccia technique that helps the glaze settle beautifully.
  3. Adding the Sticky Glaze and Pecans: Create the sticky topping by melting butter and mixing it with brown sugar. Pour this over the dough, ensuring even coverage. Generously sprinkle the pecans over the top, pressing them lightly into the surface so they stay put during baking.
  4. Baking to Perfection: Bake your sticky pecan focaccia in a preheated oven set to 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden crust and bubbling sticky topping — that’s the perfect signal that it’s ready!
  5. Cooling and Serving: Allow the focaccia to cool for 10-15 minutes to let the sticky glaze set slightly. Then slice it up and enjoy the sweet, nutty delight warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth yeast activation and even dough rising.
  • Don’t skip the dimples; pressing fingers into the dough creates texture that holds the glaze perfectly.
  • Toast pecans lightly before using for an extra flavor boost.
  • Adjust sweetness to your preference by varying the brown sugar amount.
  • Let the focaccia rest before slicing to keep sticky topping neat and prevent oozing.

Nutrition

Keywords: sticky pecan focaccia, pecan focaccia, sweet focaccia, pecan bread, caramelized pecan bread, breakfast pastry, dessert focaccia, Italian bread