Maple Pecan Sticky Buns are the ultimate indulgence, combining soft, pillowy dough with a luscious maple-infused caramel topping and a nutty crunch of toasted pecans. This delightful pastry is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a satisfying dessert. If you’re looking for the best homemade sticky buns, this Maple Pecan Sticky Buns recipe will not disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor – The combination of maple syrup, brown sugar, and butter creates a rich, caramel-like glaze.
- Perfect Texture – The dough is soft and fluffy, balancing out the crunch of toasted pecans.
- Great for Special Occasions – Whether it’s a holiday breakfast or weekend treat, these buns are always a hit.
- Easy to Make – With a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have bakery-quality sticky buns at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s look at the ingredients required to make these delicious Maple Pecan Sticky Buns.
For the Dough:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
For the Filling:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Pecan Maple Topping:
- 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to make the best Maple Pecan Sticky Buns from scratch.
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add the egg, softened butter, and warm milk. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Pecan Maple Topping
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly at the bottom.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, then add brown sugar, maple syrup, and heavy cream.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the pecans in the baking dish. Let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon.
4. Assemble the Sticky Buns
- Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into an 18×12-inch rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered dough.
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Place the slices cut-side down over the pecan topping in the baking dish.
- Cover the dish and let the dough rise again for about 45 minutes, until puffy.
5. Bake the Buns
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the buns for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the buns cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter, allowing the caramel and pecans to drizzle over the buns.
- Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, sweet, and nutty flavors!
FAQs
1. Can I make Maple Pecan Sticky Buns ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them the night before, cover them, and refrigerate before baking. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
2. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but you need to proof it first in warm milk for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
3. How do I store leftover sticky buns?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
4. Can I freeze these sticky buns?
Absolutely! Wrap them individually and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
5. What can I substitute for pecans?
If you’re allergic to pecans or prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds are great alternatives.
6. Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes! You can substitute coconut sugar or dark brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
Conclusion
These homemade Maple Pecan Sticky Buns are a showstopper, combining the rich flavors of maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, and toasted pecans in a perfectly soft and fluffy dough. Whether you’re making them for a weekend treat or a special occasion, these buns will be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Follow this step-by-step recipe, and you’ll have bakery-quality sticky buns right from your own kitchen. So, grab your ingredients and get baking – your taste buds will thank you!