Maple Pecan Sticky Buns 🍁🌰
If you’ve ever walked into a luxury bakery and caught the intoxicating aroma of caramelized sugar, roasted pecans, and warm cinnamon, you know the magic of sticky buns. This recipe brings that gourmet experience right into your kitchen.
Perfect for holiday mornings, Sunday brunch, or a luxurious weekend treat, these sticky buns combine soft, pillowy dough with a rich maple-pecan caramel glaze that feels like a true indulgence.
Why You’ll Love These Sticky Buns
- **Bakery-Style at Home:** Professional-quality sticky buns made easily.
- **Premium Flavor:** Real organic maple syrup, farm-fresh butter, and toasted pecans.
- **Make-Ahead Convenience:** Prep the night before for a stress-free morning bake.
- **Irresistible Glaze:** Glossy, gooey, indulgent maple-pecan caramel topping.
🍽️ Ingredients
For the Dough (soft & fluffy)
- **4 cups** all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chew)
- **1 packet (2 ¼ tsp)** active dry yeast
- **1 cup** warm whole milk (about $110^\circ \text{F}$)
- **¼ cup** granulated sugar
- **2 large** eggs, room temperature
- **1 tsp** sea salt
- **½ cup** unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
For the Filling (sweet & spiced)
- **½ cup** unsalted butter, softened
- **¾ cup** brown sugar, packed
- **2 tbsp** ground cinnamon
- **¼ tsp** nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
For the Maple Pecan Topping (sticky & luxurious)
- **¾ cup** unsalted butter
- **1 cup** brown sugar
- **½ cup** pure organic maple syrup (use real maple for best results)
- **2 tbsp** heavy cream (for richness)
- **1 tsp** pure vanilla extract
- **1 ½ cups** pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Add eggs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand (or 5 minutes with a stand mixer dough hook).
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
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Step 2: Prepare the Maple Pecan Topping
- In a saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup over medium heat until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream and vanilla. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Pour topping into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle toasted pecans evenly over the glaze.
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Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough
- Punch down the risen dough and roll into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches).
- Spread softened butter over the surface.
- Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Roll tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 12 even rolls.
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Step 4: Assemble and Rise Again
- Place rolls cut-side up over the maple pecan topping in the baking dish.
- Cover loosely and let rise for 45–60 minutes, until puffy.
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Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Preheat oven to $350^\circ \text{F}$ ($175^\circ \text{C}$).
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving platter so the sticky maple-pecan topping drips down the buns.
Pro Tips for Perfect Sticky Buns
- **Use Bread Flour:** For that chewy, bakery-style texture.
- **Toast Your Pecans:** Brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- **Overnight Option:** After assembling (Step 4), refrigerate covered overnight. Bake fresh in the morning!
- **Drizzle:** Add extra maple syrup over the baked, inverted buns for an ultra-luxurious finish.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with a latte, cappuccino, or French press coffee for the ultimate gourmet breakfast.
- Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced brunch spread.
- Make them part of a holiday dessert buffet.