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- 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, chopped - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup unsalted butter for filling To make Maple Pecan Sticky Buns, you need simple ingredients. The base is all-purpose flour, which gives the buns their structure. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while instant yeast helps the dough rise. Salt enhances flavors, and whole milk makes the dough rich. Unsalted butter adds moisture and flavor. The eggs bind the dough and add richness. Pecans bring a delightful crunch. Brown sugar and maple syrup form the sticky topping, giving these buns their signature flavor. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice. You’ll also need some softened butter for the filling, making the buns extra delicious. - Variations for nut use (e.g., walnuts, almonds) - Flavor substitutions (e.g., almond extract instead of vanilla) If you want to change things up, you can swap nuts. Walnuts or almonds work great instead of pecans. You can also use almond extract in place of vanilla for a different flavor. These swaps can create a new twist on this classic treat. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to mix the dry and wet ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these together well. In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup of warmed whole milk, 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir it until a dough forms. Next, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes. You want the dough to become smooth and elastic. When you finish kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. It should double in size. While the dough rises, prepare the sticky topping. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of maple syrup, and 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter. Heat it over medium heat. Stir until everything melts and blends well. Once it's ready, remove it from heat and set it aside. After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 16x12 inches. Spread the softened butter over the surface. Then, sprinkle a mix of 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon and more brown sugar evenly on top. Next, start rolling the dough tightly from one long side. Once you have a log, cut it into 12 equal pieces. Place the cut rolls snugly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the sticky pecan mixture evenly over the rolls. Cover the dish with a cloth and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes until puffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown. After baking, let them cool for 5 minutes before flipping them onto a serving platter. Enjoy your warm Maple Pecan Sticky Buns! To know when the dough has risen enough, look for it to double in size. This process usually takes about one hour. If your dough is soft and puffy, it's ready. When kneading the dough, use a floured surface. Knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks to your hands, sprinkle a bit more flour. When rolling out the dough, aim for a rectangle. Make it about 16 by 12 inches. This size helps in getting even rolls. Maple Pecan Sticky Buns taste best warm. Serve them fresh from the oven for a delightful treat. You can drizzle extra maple syrup over the top for added sweetness. For drinks, consider pairing these buns with coffee or hot chocolate. A side of whipped cream cheese spread adds a nice touch. One common mistake is over-kneading the dough. This can make the buns tough. If you feel the dough is too firm, stop kneading. Another mistake is not allowing enough time for rising. The dough needs time to puff up. Skipping this step can lead to dense buns. Always be patient for the best results. Pro Tips Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise and fluffy buns. If unsure, proof it in warm water with sugar before adding to the dough. Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and butter helps create a smoother dough and enhances the overall texture of the buns. Customize the Nuts: Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile in your sticky buns. Extra Sticky Topping: For an even stickier finish, increase the amount of maple syrup in the topping mixture for a more decadent treat. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your sticky buns easily. Try adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom for warmth. These spices give a nice twist to the sweet taste. If you want a creamier topping, swap the maple glaze for a cream cheese glaze. This change adds a rich, tangy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness. For those with dietary needs, there are great options. You can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Many brands make good blends that work well in baking. If you want to make these buns vegan, try using plant-based milk and butter. Also, replace eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. These swaps keep the buns tasty and fluffy. You can serve sticky buns in different ways. Individual sticky buns are fun and easy to grab. Just cut them into smaller pieces before baking. This way, each person gets their own. Alternatively, you can make a larger pull-apart version. This style is perfect for sharing at brunch or a family gathering. Just bake all the rolls together, and everyone can enjoy pulling apart their treat! To keep your Maple Pecan Sticky Buns fresh, place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to five days. If you notice mold or an off smell, it's time to toss them. Dry or hard spots also mean they have spoiled. You can freeze these sticky buns for later enjoyment. If you want to freeze the raw buns, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag and store for up to three months. To freeze baked buns, let them cool completely first. Then, wrap them well and store them. To reheat, bake the frozen buns at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. If you freeze raw buns, let them rise first, then bake as usual. This way, they stay soft and tasty. Maple Pecan Sticky Buns last about two days on the counter if covered. In the fridge, they stay fresh for up to five days. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months. Always check for spoilage before eating. Enjoy your tasty treats! To check if your buns are done, look for a golden color. You can also tap the top gently. If it sounds hollow, they are ready. The internal temperature should reach 190°F. Use a food thermometer for accuracy. Let them cool for five minutes before serving. Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge overnight. When you are ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling. If you need a nut-free option, try sunflower seeds. They add a nice crunch. You can also use walnuts or almonds for a different flavor. Chopped hazelnuts work well too. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference. You’ve learned how to make delicious Maple Pecan Sticky Buns from scratch. We covered the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions to guide your baking journey. Remember to knead the dough just right for the best texture. Explore flavor and dietary variations to make this recipe your own. With the tips and tricks provided, you can avoid common mistakes and serve these buns perfectly. Enjoy the sweet rewards of your hard work and share them with friends and family!

Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

Deliciously sweet and sticky buns topped with maple syrup and pecans.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours

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
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt, then whisk to blend.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the warmed milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
  • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  • While the dough rises, prepare the sticky topping: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, maple syrup, and softened butter. Stir until melted and combined, then remove from heat and set aside.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle, approximately 16x12 inches in size.
  • Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar mixture evenly on top.
  • Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
  • Arrange the cut rolls in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly.
  • Pour the sticky pecan mixture over the buns, ensuring even distribution.
  • Cover the dish with a cloth and allow the buns to rise again for about 30 minutes until puffy.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Allow to cool for 5 minutes before flipping the buns onto a serving platter. Serve warm.

Notes

Drizzle extra maple syrup over the buns and sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top for an eye-catching finish. Enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream cheese spread on the side!
Keyword dessert, maple, pecan, sticky buns