Save A decadent, soft loaf swirled with buttery cookie dough, crunchy pecans, and gooey caramel, perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
The first time I baked this loaf, the entire kitchen filled with the sweet scent of caramel and toasted pecans. Slicing through the golden crust to reveal the cookie dough layers always feels like opening a present.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g) for the loaf base, 1 cup (120 g) for the cookie dough swirl
- Baking powder: 1 ½ tsp for the loaf base
- Baking soda: ½ tsp for the loaf base
- Fine salt: ½ tsp for the loaf base
- Unsalted butter, softened: ½ cup (115 g) for the loaf, ½ cup (115 g) for the cookie dough swirl
- Light brown sugar, packed: 1 cup (200 g) for the loaf, ¼ cup (50 g) for the cookie dough swirl
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup (100 g) for the cookie dough swirl
- Eggs, room temperature: 2 large for the loaf
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 tsp for the loaf, ½ tsp for the cookie dough swirl
- Buttermilk, room temperature: 1 cup (240 ml) for the loaf
- Milk: 1 tbsp for the cookie dough swirl
- Mini chocolate chips: ½ cup (60 g) for the cookie dough swirl
- Caramel sauce: ¾ cup (180 ml) for swirling, plus extra for drizzling
- Toasted pecans, coarsely chopped: 1 cup (110 g)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for the loaf base.
- Cream Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Combine Batter:
- Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Make Cookie Dough Swirl:
- Beat butter with granulated and brown sugars until creamy. Mix in flour, milk, and vanilla until a soft dough forms. Stir in mini chocolate chips.
- Add Pecans:
- Fold half the chopped pecans into the loaf batter.
- Layer & Swirl:
- Pour half of the loaf batter into the prepared pan. Dot half of the cookie dough over the batter in small spoonfuls. Drizzle with half the caramel sauce. Swirl gently with a knife.
- Repeat Layers:
- Repeat with remaining batter, cookie dough, caramel, and pecans, swirling again.
- Bake:
- Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (avoid chocolate chips/caramel pockets for accurate testing).
- Cool & Serve:
- Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Drizzle with extra caramel before slicing.
Save Whenever my family gathers for movie nights, this loaf vanishes fast. It's always requested by my kids for birthdays and special occasions.
Required Tools
You'll need a 9x5-inch loaf pan, mixing bowls, an electric mixer or whisk, a rubber spatula, measuring cups and spoons, parchment paper, and a wire rack.
Nutritional Information
Each slice has about 410 calories, 22 g total fat, 52 g carbohydrates, and 5 g protein.
Notes
For a nut-free version, omit pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds. Serve warm for extra gooey texture, or chill for firmer slices.
Save Enjoy a sweet slice on its own or pair it with vanilla ice cream for a special treat.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → How do I make the cookie dough swirl?
Cream softened butter with sugars, then blend in flour, milk, and vanilla. Stir in mini chocolate chips.
- → Can I substitute pecans?
Yes, for a nut-free option use sunflower seeds or simply omit nuts entirely.
- → Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Store-bought caramel sauce works well; just ensure it's suitable for drizzling and does not separate.
- → What is the best way to test doneness?
Insert a toothpick in the loaf's center, avoiding chocolate chips or caramel pockets for an accurate check.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, refrigerate for longer freshness.
- → Is this loaf suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is vegetarian as it contains no meat products but does include dairy and eggs.