Homey Southern Pecan Recipe: A Cheerful Sweet Treat
Southern kitchens buzz with warmth and nostalgia, where classic pecan delight recipe magic sparks joy in every bite.
Generations of cooks have perfected this beloved dessert with love and care.
Buttery, rich pecans dance with smooth caramel-like layers, creating a symphony of Southern comfort.
Each forkful tells a story of tradition and homemade goodness.
Creamy textures and nutty crunch make this sweet treat irresistible.
Simple ingredients come together to craft a dessert that feels like a warm Southern embrace.
Dive into this delectable recipe and let the deliciousness begin.
Serving This Dessert Warm or Room Temp
Cozy Coffee Companion: Serve warm slices alongside a steaming mug of rich, dark coffee for a delightful morning or afternoon treat that brings out the nutty pecan flavors.
Southern Brunch Centerpiece: Create an elegant dessert spread by pairing these sweet pecan squares with fresh whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and a side of fresh berries for a colorful presentation.
Nostalgic Ice Cream Pairing: Top a slightly warm slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, letting the cold creaminess contrast beautifully with the warm, nutty bread for a classic Southern-style dessert experience.
Gifting Goodness: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a rustic twine, making perfect homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers, or weekend hosts who appreciate a touch of Southern hospitality.
Storage Ideas for Sweet Southern Pecan Treats
Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pecan delight in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its soft texture and rich flavor.
Freezing Magic: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pecan delight stays delicious for 2-3 months, perfect for unexpected sweet cravings.
Room Temperature Freshness: Keep covered at room temperature for 1-2 days if planning to enjoy soon. Use a cake dome or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain softness.
Reheating Tricks: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly in a 300°F oven to restore that freshly-baked warmth and delightful aroma.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories: 346 kcal
Servings: 13
Sweet Southern Pecan Ingredient Rundown
For Base Ingredients:
Self-Rising Flour: Provides the essential structure and tender crumb, selecting fresh flour ensures optimal rising and texture.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor depth and balances the sweetness of the dessert.
For Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
Vegetable Oil, Buttermilk: Creates a supremely moist texture, with buttermilk adding subtle tanginess and softening the crumb.
Eggs: Binds ingredients together and contributes to rich, smooth consistency.
For Sweet and Flavor Enhancers:
Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Delivers complex sweetness, with brown sugar adding caramel-like undertones and moisture.
Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic essence that complements the nutty pecans.
Pecans: Provides delightful crunch and toasty richness, selecting fresh, crisp nuts elevates the entire dessert experience.
Tools That Make Southern Desserts a Breeze
Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet ingredients and creating smooth batter.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure perfect recipe consistency.
9×13-inch baking dish: Greased pan for even baking and serving.
Whisk or wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients thoroughly.
Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing center.
Cutting knife: Used for slicing the pecan delight after cooling.
Chopping board: Helpful for finely chopping pecans.
How to Bake a Southern Pecan Treat From Scratch
Heavenly Pecan Comfort
Oven Warmup Southern kitchens buzz with anticipation as the oven awakens to a cozy 350°F. A buttery whisper transforms the baking dish, ensuring nothing sticks.
Liquid Symphony Passionate stirring brings together sugars, eggs, golden oil, and creamy buttermilk into a silky dance of flavors. Each swirl creates delicious harmony.
Flour Magic Soft flour cascades gently into the liquid landscape, blending with a delicate touch. The mixture transforms, promising Southern comfort in every bite.
Nutty Embrace Fragrant vanilla waves its magic wand across the batter. Chopped pecans tumble in, creating delightful pockets of crunch and warmth.
Baking Bliss The velvety mixture settles into its ceramic home, spreading out like a welcoming blanket. Golden minutes pass as the oven works its transformative spell, around 30-35 minutes of pure anticipation.
Sweet Relaxation Let the golden treasure rest, cooling and settling into its delectable self. Slice into tender squares that whisper stories of Southern hospitality.
Tips for Toasting Nuts and Balancing Sweetness
Pecan Perfection Hacks: Elevate Your Baking Game
Toast Those Pecans: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to the batter for deeper, richer flavor that transforms the entire dessert.
Moisture Magic: Replace buttermilk with Greek yogurt for an extra tender crumb that stays incredibly soft and moist for days.
Glaze Glory: Drizzle a simple bourbon-vanilla glaze over the cooled bread for a decadent Southern-style finishing touch that adds incredible depth.
Nutty Alternatives: Swap pecans with walnuts or add a mix of different nuts to create your own signature texture and flavor profile.
Make-Ahead Marvel: This bread freezes beautifully for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container, perfect for unexpected guests or quick dessert cravings.
Homemade sweet southern pecan delight brings classic Southern comfort to your dessert table. Rich buttery layers and crunchy pecans create a memorable treat you’ll want to share with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups pecans, finely chopped
1 ½ cups (190 g) self-rising flour
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
1 cup (220 g) brown sugar
4 large eggs, beaten
½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Mixing Base: Whisk together sugars, eggs, oil, and buttermilk in a large bowl until smooth and well-blended, creating a silky liquid foundation.
Flour Integration: Gently fold sifted self-rising flour and salt into the wet mixture, stirring with light strokes to maintain a tender crumb structure.
Flavor Enhancement: Stir in vanilla extract and fold chopped pecans throughout the batter, distributing them evenly for consistent nutty flavor in every bite.
Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared dish, spreading to create an uniform surface, then bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns a rich golden-brown and a toothpick inserted near the center reveals minimal moist crumbs.
Cooling Stage: Allow the pecan delight to rest in the baking dish for 15 minutes, enabling it to set and stabilize before slicing into delectable servings.
Notes
Butter Baking Strategy: Generously coat the baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake removal without tearing.
Whisking Technique: Mix wet ingredients thoroughly until achieving a glossy, smooth consistency to create an even cake texture.
Pecan Precision: Chop pecans uniformly and distribute gently to prevent sinking and maintain balanced flavor throughout the cake.
Doneness Detection: Use the toothpick test near the center; a few moist crumbs indicate perfect baking, preventing dry or overcooked results.
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles
Oregon Culinary Institute
Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.
Jessica Martin
Recipe Developer & Food Writer
Expertise
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Oregon Culinary Institute
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.