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There is something utterly irresistible about a warm, gooey treat fresh from the oven, and this Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe is exactly that kind of comfort food. Perfectly soft, tender dough swirled with a buttery pecan and brown sugar filling, all topped with a luscious maple glaze that seeps deep into every bite—these sticky buns are a dream come true for anyone who loves a sweet, nutty breakfast or snack. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a beloved favorite in any household.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture in your sticky buns. From the frothy yeast that helps the dough rise to the rich maple syrup that elevates each bite, every element is essential.
- Active dry yeast (1 packet/2 1/4 tsp): The magic ingredient that makes the dough rise light and fluffy.
- Warm milk (1 cup at 110°F/45°C): Activates the yeast and adds moisture for a soft crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/4 cup): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- Salt (1 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and enrich the dough.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): The foundation of the dough, providing structure.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): Adds delightful crunch and a nutty depth.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): For the sticky, flavorful filling that hugs every bite.
- Brown sugar (1 cup): Gives a caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
- Maple syrup (2 tbsp for filling; 1/2 cup for glaze): Infuses the buns with a warm, natural sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup for glaze): Creates a silky texture in the glaze.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and richness to the glaze.
How to Make Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by dissolving your active dry yeast in warm milk, about 110°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, which means the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on your dough.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, softened butter, salt, eggs, and flour. Stir everything together until a rough dough forms, ready for kneading.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
On a floured surface, knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic, which is key to achieving that perfect soft texture in your buns.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and find a warm spot for it to rise. After about an hour, it should have doubled in size, ensuring an airy, tender final product.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Once risen, punch down the dough gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 18 by 12 inches—this gives plenty of room for the filling to spread.
Step 6: Add the Filling
Spread the melted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle generously with brown sugar and chopped pecans. Drizzle the maple syrup on top for that trademark sticky sweetness everyone will adore.
Step 7: Shape the Buns
Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, creating a log filled with all those delicious layers. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal slices for perfectly sized sticky buns.
Step 8: Second Rise
Place the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spacing them slightly for expansion. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, allowing the buns to become even fluffier.
Step 9: Bake the Buns
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 25 to 30 minutes until they achieve a gorgeous golden brown color. If they start browning too fast, tent them with foil to prevent burning.
Step 10: Prepare the Glaze
While the buns bake, warm the butter, maple syrup, and heavy cream over medium heat in a small saucepan. Stir until everything melts and blends smoothly, then let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 11: Glaze the Buns
Once baking is complete, immediately pour the warm maple glaze over the sticky buns while they’re still in the pan. Let the glaze soak in for a few minutes, ensuring every bun is perfectly sticky and sweet.
Step 12: Serve and Enjoy
Invert the pan carefully onto a serving platter while the buns are warm to reveal their glossy, gooey underside. Serve them fresh and watch as smiles appear with every bite!
How to Serve Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a beautiful finishing touch. Consider a few fresh maple leaves nearby to elevate the presentation and celebrate the maple inspiration.
Side Dishes
These sticky buns pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or even a glass of cold milk to cut through the sweetness. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries also brighten the meal and add a fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch crowd, arrange the buns on a tiered serving tray to make them look extra special. You can also serve them alongside whipped mascarpone or cream cheese for dipping, elevating the indulgence factor for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover sticky buns tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay moist and delicious, making for great next-day treats.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap and then store in a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to three months and taste almost as fresh when thawed and reheated gently.
Reheating
For the best texture, warm the buns in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10-15 minutes or microwave them briefly covered with a damp paper towel. This revives that gooey maple glaze and soft dough perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds also work beautifully and provide a slightly different texture and flavor that still complements the maple glaze.
Is it okay to substitute regular sugar for brown sugar?
While you can use regular granulated sugar, brown sugar is preferred for the filling because it adds a rich molasses flavor that enhances the sticky buns’ classic taste.
How do I know when the yeast is active and ready to use?
Your yeast mixture should become frothy and bubbly within 5-10 minutes after being combined with warm milk and a pinch of sugar—this signals that it’s alive and ready to help your dough rise.
Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes! After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before rolling it out to continue with the recipe.
What’s the secret to getting that perfect sticky glaze?
The glaze is all about balancing butter, maple syrup, and cream—heating them gently allows the flavors to meld and thicken slightly, giving that luscious texture that clings beautifully to each bun.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe, it will become your go-to for cozy mornings and special gatherings. The way those sweet maple notes mingle with crunchy pecans, soft dough, and sticky glaze is truly a slice of heaven. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to share warm smiles and sticky fingers with anyone lucky enough to taste these buns!
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