Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

$The main ingredients in Maple Pecan Sticky Buns create a soft and sweet treat. Here’s what you need: - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup whole milk - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup pecans - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for the filling) Each part plays a role in taste and texture. The flour gives structure. Sugar adds sweetness. Yeast helps the dough rise. Salt balances flavors. Milk and butter keep the dough soft. Eggs add richness. Pecan, brown sugar, and cinnamon create a flavorful filling. To make the sticky topping, you need: - 1 cup pecans (coarsely chopped) - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened) When selecting maple syrup, look for pure syrup. Avoid imitation syrup. Pure maple syrup has a richer flavor. It adds depth to the topping. Try to find one from a local producer. The quality can make a big difference in taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} To make the dough, start by mixing your dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt. This step ensures even distribution of the yeast and sugar. Next, in another bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Combine 1/2 cup of warmed whole milk, 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk this until smooth. Gradually pour the wet mixture into your dry mix. Stir with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms. Once you have your dough, transfer it to a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This is important for a nice rise later. After kneading, shape it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. You want it to double in size. While the dough rises, make the sticky pecan topping. In a medium saucepan, mix 1 cup of coarsely chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup, and 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter. Cook this over medium heat. Stir continuously until it melts and combines well. Remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. When your dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 16x12 inches. Spread 1/4 cup of softened butter over the dough. Then sprinkle a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar evenly on top. Now, start rolling the dough from one long edge to form a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange these slices snugly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Finally, drizzle the sticky pecan mixture over the top of the buns. Cover the dish with a towel and let them rise again for 30 minutes until they look fluffy. To make soft and fluffy buns, you need the right dough. Start with warm milk, around 110°F (43°C). This helps the yeast grow. Mix the dry ingredients well for even distribution. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth. The dough should feel soft but not sticky. If it is sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Rising is key. Place the dough in a warm spot, covered with a damp cloth. This keeps the dough moist. Let it rise for about an hour. It should double in size. You can test it by gently pressing your finger into the dough. If it springs back slowly, it's ready. For golden brown buns, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check them at the 25-minute mark. The tops should be golden, and you may see some bubbling syrup around the edges. To check for doneness, tap the top of a bun. It should sound hollow. If it doesn’t, bake for a few more minutes. Serve these buns warm for the best taste. Drizzle extra maple syrup on top for extra sweetness. Sprinkle additional chopped pecans for a nice crunch. Pair your sticky buns with whipped cream cheese for a rich treat. This adds flavor and creaminess. Enjoy the warmth and sweetness of these delightful buns! Pro Tips Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising. Check the expiration date and store it properly for best results. Let the Dough Rise: For the best texture, allow your dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area. This ensures a light and fluffy bun. Evenly Cut Rolls: Use dental floss to cut the dough into rolls. This method prevents squishing the dough and maintains its shape. Cool Before Serving: Allow the buns to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sticky topping set slightly, making them easier to handle. {{image_4}} You can change the nuts in this recipe. Try walnuts or hazelnuts for a new taste. You can also add chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra flavor. These small swaps make your sticky buns unique. For the filling, you could use almond paste or cream cheese. Each option gives a different taste to the buns. You can mix in spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a warm twist. If you need gluten-free buns, use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it is suitable for baking. You can also use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option. For a vegan version, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit until thick. Use coconut oil instead of butter for a rich flavor. If you want to lower the sugar, reduce the brown sugar or maple syrup. You can use stevia or monk fruit as sweeteners. These changes help make the buns fit your needs. To keep your sticky buns fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps seal in moisture. If you have a lot, use a large container or stack them in smaller ones. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap before placing them in a container. This gives extra protection. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. This will keep them good for about a week. When you're ready to enjoy your sticky buns again, reheating is key. The best way is to use an oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the buns on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This will warm them without drying them out. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Place one bun on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for about 15-20 seconds. To keep the bun soft, place a damp paper towel over it while heating. This helps restore some fluffiness. Enjoy your sticky buns warm for the best taste! If you have nut allergies or dislike pecans, you can try other nuts. Walnuts work well in this recipe. They have a similar crunch and flavor. You can also use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option. Both provide a nice texture without the nut taste. If you want a sweet flavor, try using chocolate chips or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries. These can add a fun twist to your sticky buns. Yes, you can make these sticky buns in advance! You can prepare the dough and let it rise. After the first rise, shape the buns and place them in the baking dish. Instead of baking, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, take them out and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. This gives you freshly baked buns without the morning rush. Yes, you can freeze these sticky buns! After baking, let them cool completely. Once cool, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This helps keep them fresh. You can store them in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. After that, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Enjoy your warm buns! Maple pecan sticky buns combine rich flavors and a delightful texture. We discussed key ingredients and their roles in creating this treat. You learned step-by-step instructions to prepare, bake, and serve these delicious buns. Tips helped ensure perfect results, while variations cater to different tastes and diets. Storing and reheating tips keep leftovers fresh. Now, you're set to impress with your baking skills. Enjoy each gooey, sweet bite!$

Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

Delicious sticky buns topped with a sweet maple pecan mixture.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 2

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to around 110°F (43°C)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed down
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for the filling)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt using a whisk to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a rough dough forms.
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Form the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and set it in a warm environment to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, make the sticky topping: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, maple syrup, and softened butter over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is melted and well-combined, then remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prepare for the rolls.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air, then roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 16x12 inches in size.
Evenly spread the softened butter for the filling over the rolled-out dough, and then sprinkle a mixture of ground cinnamon and the packed brown sugar on top.
Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough to form a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
Arrange the sliced rolls in the prepared baking dish, making sure they fit snugly together.
Drizzle the prepared sticky pecan mixture evenly over the top of the buns, distributing it carefully to coat them well.
Cover the baking dish with a towel and allow the buns to rise for another 30 minutes until they become fluffy and puffy.
Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and may have a hint of bubbling syrup around the edges.
Once baked, let the sticky buns cool in the dish for about 5 minutes before flipping them out onto a serving platter. Serve them warm for the best experience.

Notes

For a delightful finishing touch, drizzle extra maple syrup over the tops of the buns and sprinkle additional chopped pecans for an appealing look. Pair with a dollop of whipped cream cheese spread on the side for a luxurious treat!

Keyword dessert, maple, pecan, sticky buns