Are you ready to meet the most irresistible bread you’ll ever bake? Sticky Pecan Sourdough Focaccia isn’t just bread—it’s dessert, comfort food, and your new favorite kitchen experiment all rolled into one delicious recipe. With its soft and airy sourdough base combined with a sticky, caramelized pecan topping, this recipe is everything you could want: indulgent, easy to make, and endlessly satisfying. Perfect for a lazy weekend bake that feels like a hug from the oven. Trust me, this sourdough focaccia is pure magic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sticky, Gooey Goodness: The caramelized pecan topping makes every bite buttery, sweet, and nutty. It’s almost too good to share (but you should anyway).
Sourdough with a Sweet Twist: Focaccia meets dessert in the most delightful way. It’s the perfect cross of bread and sticky buns.
Great for Make-Ahead Bakers: The slow rise lets you prep this dough the night before, so it’s ready to go when you are. No rush, no fuss.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need fancy tools or expensive ingredients to whip up something that tastes straight from a bakery.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need for this show-stopping sticky pecan sourdough focaccia. Let’s break it down!

For the Sourdough Base:

Sourdough Starter: This is the heart of your focaccia—adds flavor and fermentation magic. Make sure it’s bubbly and active!
Bread Flour: The higher protein content gives the focaccia structure and chewiness.
Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the dough for balance.
Warm Water: Helps activate the starter and kickstart the gluten formation.
Salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors—don’t skip it!

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

Butter: Melted for spreading over the dough and making everything rich and silky.
Brown Sugar: A sweet, caramel-like base for layering the sweetness.
Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic, and the perfect spice for pairing with pecans.

For the Sticky Pecan Topping:

Butter: It’s the foundation of the sticky topping. Use good-quality butter for the best flavor.
Maple Syrup: Adds a rich, deep sweetness that brings the caramel together.
Brown Sugar: Combines with the butter and syrup for that heavenly caramel layer.
Pecans: The star of the show! Toasty, nutty, and the definition of decadence.

Tip: Always toast your pecans lightly before using them for extra depth and crunch.

Variations

Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans and use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a crunchy topping.
Add Some Fruit: Throw in dried cranberries or raisins to the filling for a holiday twist.
Extra Spice: Add ground nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth.
Make It Vegan: Swap the butter for plant-based alternatives and use maple syrup entirely for sweetness.

How to Make Sticky Pecan Sourdough Focaccia

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Combine the warm water, active sourdough starter, brown sugar, salt, and bread flour in a bowl until it forms a shaggy dough. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Stretch and Fold

Every 30 minutes, perform a round of stretch and folds—this strengthens the dough without kneading. Do 2-3 rounds until it becomes smooth and elastic. Let the dough rise for 4-5 hours in a warm spot until it’s expanded by 50% and has visible bubbles around the edges.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar

Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt the butter, and pour some into a greased 9×13-inch pan.

Step 4: Fill and Fold

Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the rested dough. Fold it into thirds like an envelope, rotate it, and fold again. Place it into the prepared pan and let it rise for another hour or two until puffy.

Step 5: Make the Sticky Topping

In a saucepan, melt the butter for the topping. Stir in the brown sugar and maple syrup until smooth, then fold in chopped pecans. Pour the mixture evenly over the risen dough.

Step 6: Dimple and Bake

Use your fingertips to press dimples into the dough, allowing the topping to settle. Bake at 425°F for 30 minutes, checking near the end to avoid over-browning. Cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Let the Dough Rest Fully: Don’t rush the rise times—long fermentation creates better flavor and texture.
Use a Metal Pan: It helps the topping caramelize beautifully without burning.
Room Temperature Ingredients Help: Using warm water and room temp butter makes everything blend effortlessly.
Don’t Skip the Dimples: It ensures the topping seeps into every nook and cranny for maximum stickiness!

How to Serve

Sticky Pecan Sourdough Focaccia is both a dessert and a breakfast treat. Here’s how we love to serve it:

Morning Delight: Pair a warm slice with a cup of coffee or tea. Perfect start to your day!
Dessert Heaven: Serve it as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a show-stopping dessert.
Brunch Hero: Set it out alongside fresh fruit and savory dishes at a weekend brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool the focaccia completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Keeps well at room temperature for 2-3 days.

Freezing

Slice into portions and freeze in resealable bags for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then warm it slightly before serving.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes, or microwave briefly for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but the focaccia may be slightly less chewy. Bread flour is recommended for best results.

Do I have to use sourdough starter?
Absolutely! The sourdough starter is what gives the bread its signature flavor and texture. If you don’t have one, consider trying a basic focaccia recipe instead.

Can I make this recipe overnight?
Yes! After the first rise, place the dough in the fridge and let it come to temperature before continuing with the filling and the topping.

How should I prevent my topping from burning?
Use aluminum foil to tent the bread in the last few minutes of baking if the edges look too dark.

Final Thoughts

Sticky Pecan Sourdough Focaccia is one of those recipes that feels like an instant classic the moment you take your first bite. It strikes the perfect balance between sweet, buttery pecans and soft, airy sourdough. So get your hands sticky and give this recipe a try—you’ll absolutely fall in love! Happy baking!

Sticky Pecan Sourdough Focaccia Recipe