If you’re searching for a warm, indulgent breakfast treat, look no further than maple pecan sticky buns. These soft, buttery spirals of dough are baked in a sticky maple-caramel pecan glaze, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy weekend brunch or a special occasion, these sticky buns are guaranteed to steal the show. The incredible aroma, golden-brown color, and melt-in-your-mouth texture will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds.
The Origin of Maple Pecan Sticky Buns
The sticky bun, in various forms, has a long history, dating back to ancient times when sweetened doughs were enjoyed across Europe. The modern American version, especially the maple pecan sticky buns, is often linked to the American South and Midwest. While the exact origins are a bit hazy, maple syrup became a popular sweetener in North America during the 17th century. As maple syrup became more widely available, it started appearing in recipes for sticky buns and other sweet treats, lending them a rich and unique flavor. The addition of pecans in the topping only enhances the flavor profile, making it even more special.
What Are Maple Pecan Sticky Buns?
Maple pecan sticky buns are a delectable, soft, and chewy pastry typically served warm. These buns consist of yeast-leavened dough filled with cinnamon sugar and rolled into a spiral. What makes them extra special is the maple-pecan topping that the buns bake in. The result is a combination of sweet, sticky caramel with the slight crunch and nuttiness of toasted pecans. If you love rich, sweet, and comforting flavors, maple pecan sticky buns are an absolute must-try.
Ingredients for Maple Pecan Sticky Buns
The following ingredients will help you create the most irresistible maple pecan sticky buns. You’ll need:
For the Dough:
- ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 tsp salt
Maple-Pecan Topping:
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
- ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 cup (120 g) chopped pecans (lightly toasted for best flavor)
For the Filling:
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
Optional Maple Glaze (for extra indulgence):
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tsp milk or cream (to thin)
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to bring these maple pecan sticky buns to life. Follow these step-by-step directions to ensure your buns are as delicious as they are beautiful.
1: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl (or stand mixer), combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Add the remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour to the mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2: Prepare the Maple-Pecan Topping
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and cream.
- Stir the mixture for 2-3 minutes, bringing it to a gentle simmer until it’s smooth and glossy.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, then sprinkle evenly with toasted pecans.
3: Assemble the Rolls
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the butter.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log.
- Slice the dough into 12 equal rolls.
- Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish, cut-side down over the pecan topping.
4: Second Rise
- Cover the baking dish and let the rolls rise for 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy.
- Overnight Option: If you prefer, you can cover the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, let them rise at room temperature for 45-60 minutes before baking.
5: Bake the Sticky Buns
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If the tops brown too quickly, tent them with foil halfway through baking.
6: Invert and Serve
- Once the buns are baked, let them cool for about 5 minutes.
- Carefully invert the rolls onto a serving platter so the sticky maple-pecan glaze is on top.
- Spoon any leftover glaze from the pan over the buns to ensure they’re extra gooey and delicious.
Optional Maple Glaze
For an extra touch of sweetness, you can drizzle a maple glaze over the buns:
- Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a bit of milk or cream to achieve your desired consistency.
- Drizzle over the warm buns for that perfect finishing touch.
Variations of Maple Pecan Sticky Buns
While the classic maple pecan sticky buns are absolutely amazing on their own, you can always make a few tweaks to suit your preferences:
1. Nut-Free Version:
If you’re allergic to nuts or simply don’t like them, you can skip the pecans in the topping and use chocolate chips or dried fruit instead. The buns will still be sweet and indulgent.
2. Add Some Spices:
For an extra kick of flavor, try adding nutmeg, allspice, or cloves to the dough or filling. This will give the buns a warm, spiced note that pairs wonderfully with the maple syrup.
3. Vegan Maple Pecan Sticky Buns:
For a vegan version, replace the butter with vegan margarine and the eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg. Use plant-based milk in place of dairy milk, and make sure your maple syrup is pure and free from any additives.
4. Mini Maple Pecan Sticky Buns:
For a fun twist, you can shape the dough into mini buns. Adjust the baking time slightly, reducing it to about 20-25 minutes for smaller rolls.
FAQs
1. Can I make these sticky buns ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the buns the night before by assembling them and letting them rise overnight in the fridge. In the morning, just let them come to room temperature and bake.
2. Can I freeze unbaked sticky buns?
Absolutely! After slicing and assembling the rolls, you can freeze them for up to one month. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, and then let them rise for 45-60 minutes at room temperature before baking.
3. How do I store leftover sticky buns?
Store the leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
4. Can I use a different type of nuts?
Yes! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds for a different texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Making maple pecan sticky buns from scratch may seem like a labor of love, but the result is a delectable treat that’s worth every minute spent in the kitchen. The flaky dough, maple-pecan topping, and the indulgent cinnamon filling create a perfect combination that will leave everyone at your brunch table asking for more. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or with an extra drizzle of maple glaze, these sticky buns are a delightful way to start any morning. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just a cozy weekend treat, these sticky buns will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy!
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Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe: A Cozy, Buttery Delight for Every Morning
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
- Yield: 12 buns 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Maple pecan sticky buns are a delectable, soft, and chewy pastry typically served warm. These buns consist of yeast-leavened dough filled with cinnamon sugar and rolled into a spiral. What makes them extra special is the maple-pecan topping that the buns bake in. The result is a combination of sweet, sticky caramel with the slight crunch and nuttiness of toasted pecans. If you love rich, sweet, and comforting flavors, maple pecan sticky buns are an absolute must-try.
Ingredients
🧈 Dough
¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour (plus a bit more for kneading)
1 tsp salt
🍯 Maple-Pecan Topping
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
¼ cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup
2 tbsp heavy cream
1 cup (120 g) chopped pecans (lightly toasted for best flavor)
🍬 Filling
½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl (or stand mixer), combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Mix until combined.
Add flour gradually and mix until a soft dough forms (about 7–10 minutes of kneading).
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, until doubled in size.
2. Prepare Maple-Pecan Topping
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and cream.
Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until smooth (2–3 minutes).
Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle evenly with pecans.
3. Assemble the Rolls
Punch down dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
Spread softened butter over the surface. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll tightly from the long side into a log and slice into 12 equal rolls.
Arrange rolls cut-side down over the pecan topping in the pan.
4. Second Rise
Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.
(For overnight option: cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let rise 45–60 min at room temp before baking.)
5. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
If the tops brown too quickly, tent with foil halfway through.
6. Invert & Serve
Cool for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a platter (so the sticky pecan topping is on top).
Spoon any leftover glaze from the pan over the buns.
Notes
These indulgent sticky buns are perfect for cozy mornings or weekend brunch. Serve them warm with an extra drizzle of maple syrup or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible treat.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Maple Sticky Buns, Pecan Sticky Buns, Maple Cinnamon Rolls, Caramel Pecan Buns
