Gooey Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe

Sticky Maple Pecan Buns Recipe for Morning Sweetness

Warm, gooey maple pecan sticky buns send waves of comfort through any kitchen, tempting taste buds with their rich maple pecan flavor profile.

Sweet aromas waft through the air, promising a decadent breakfast treat.

Soft, pillowy dough swirls with crunchy pecans and deep amber maple glaze.

Buttery layers melt in your mouth, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

These buns aren’t just a pastry – they’re a morning celebration of indulgence.

Golden-brown edges and caramelized nuts guarantee a delightful start to any day.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and transform your breakfast into a memorable culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 11

What’s Needed For Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

For Dough Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and soft texture for pillowy rolls, select unbleached flour for best results.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Magical rising agent that helps dough expand and become fluffy, ensure it's fresh and not expired.
  • Milk: Adds richness and helps activate yeast, use whole milk for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and create a luxurious, smooth dough, choose large, room-temperature eggs.
  • Butter: Brings incredible richness and tender crumb, use unsalted for precise flavor control.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
For Sweet Filling:
  • Brown Sugar: Creates caramelized, deep flavor in filling, choose dark brown sugar for intense taste.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that complements sweet base, use freshly ground for maximum potency.
  • Softened Butter: Helps spread filling evenly and adds luxurious moisture to rolls.
For Maple Pecan Topping:
  • Pecans: Provides delightful crunch and nutty depth, select fresh, whole pecans for best texture.
  • Maple Syrup: Delivers authentic, rich sweetness, choose pure maple syrup for genuine flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Creates luscious caramel base with complex sweetness, darker varieties offer deeper taste.
  • Butter: Builds smooth, glossy caramel sauce that coats buns beautifully.

Gear Up For Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

  • Stand mixer or large mixing bowl: Essential for mixing and kneading the dough smoothly and efficiently.
  • Rolling pin: Perfect for rolling out the dough into an even rectangle.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Crucial for creating the sticky caramel base and baking the rolls.
  • Saucepan: Needed to create the rich maple pecan caramel topping.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Important for accurately measuring ingredients.
  • Pastry brush (optional): Helpful for spreading butter evenly on the dough.
  • Sharp knife or bench scraper: Great for cutting the rolled dough into even pieces.
  • Clean kitchen towel: Used to cover dough during rising periods.

Easy Instructions For Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

  • Dough Awakening

Warm milk meets yeast in a cozy bowl, creating a magical brewing ground for our sweet adventure. Let the mixture bubble and dance, signaling the start of something delicious. Blend in remaining ingredients, transforming them into a silky, smooth dough that promises delectable moments ahead.

  • Caramel Magic

Butter melts into a golden pool, welcoming brown sugar and maple syrup. This liquid gold gets poured into a waiting baking dish, creating a luxurious foundation sprinkled with crunchy pecans. The base whispers promises of sticky, sweet indulgence.

  • Rolling Transformation

Spread the dough into a generous rectangle, painting it with softened butter and a generous sprinkle of sugary cinnamon. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, slicing it into perfect rounds that nestle atop the caramel paradise.

  • Baking Finale

Slide the dish into a preheated oven, letting warmth work its transformation. Golden-brown buns emerge, their aroma filling the kitchen with irresistible sweetness. Flip the dish in one swift motion, revealing glistening treats crowned with caramel and pecans.

Helpful Tips For Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

  • Dough Perfection: Use instant-read thermometer to ensure milk is between 100-110°F for optimal yeast activation. Warm temperatures help dough rise perfectly without killing the yeast.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the rolls the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow gentle warming and rising.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum. Add extra moisture since gluten-free flours tend to absorb liquid differently.
  • Nut-Free Alternative: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for similar crunch and texture. For those with nut allergies, seeds provide a delightful substitute without compromising flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk, plant-based butter for filling and caramel, and ensure all ingredients are dairy-free. This version maintains the rich, decadent taste while accommodating dairy restrictions.

Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Serving Suggestions

  • Breakfast Brunch Centerpiece: Place these golden sticky buns as the star of your morning spread, creating a delightful focal point that will make everyone's mouth water.
  • Serving Companion: Pair these warm, gooey buns with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a cold glass of milk to complement their rich, sweet flavors.
  • Weekend Gathering Treat: Serve these sticky buns during family brunches or weekend get-togethers, letting everyone pull apart the warm, caramel-coated rolls and enjoy the sticky, nutty goodness together.
  • Dessert Alternative: Transform these buns into a decadent dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, creating a delightful mix of warm, gooey pastry and cool, creamy sweetness.

Storing Maple Pecan Sticky Buns The Easy Way

  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover sticky buns in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough and assemble the rolls the night before, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to allow the dough to come to room temperature and rise slightly.
  • Freezing Friendly: Wrap cooled sticky buns tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently in the oven at 300F for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Reheating Perfection: Revive day-old buns by warming them in the oven at 300F for 8-10 minutes. For a quick fix, microwave individual buns for 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overheat and dry them out.
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Gooey Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe

Gooey Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Maple pecan sticky buns combine classic Southern comfort with Canadian maple sweetness, creating a luxurious breakfast pastry. Gooey caramel and toasted pecans elevate these rolls, promising a delightful morning indulgence for you.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2.25 tsps (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 6 tbsps (85 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 tbsps (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
  • 2 tsps ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup (100 g) pecan halves
  • ½ cup (120 ml) maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Yeast Activation: Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Let the mixture foam and bubble, signaling active fermentation.
  2. Dough Preparation: Blend remaining sugar, eggs, softened butter, flour, and salt into the yeast mixture. Knead until achieving a smooth, glossy dough with perfect elasticity.
  3. First Rise: Place dough in a greased container, cover with a cloth, and rest in a warm, draft-free spot. Allow the dough to double in volume, approximately 1-1.5 hours.
  4. Caramel Creation: Melt butter in a saucepan, then incorporate brown sugar and maple syrup. Stir until the mixture transforms into a rich, bubbling caramel sauce.
  5. Caramel Base: Pour caramel into a baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle pecans across the surface to create a delectable foundation.
  6. Dough Rolling: Flour a work surface and roll the dough into a rectangular shape. Distribute softened butter, then generously coat with brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
  7. Shaping and Cutting: Roll the dough tightly from the longest edge, forming a cylindrical log. Slice into twelve uniform segments using a sharp knife.
  8. Second Rise: Position the rolls cut-side down on the caramel-pecan base. Drape with a light cloth and allow a second rising period of 30-45 minutes.
  9. Baking and Serving: Preheat oven to 350F. Bake until the buns turn golden-brown and emit a tantalizing aroma, approximately 25-30 minutes. Immediately invert onto a serving platter to reveal the luscious caramel and pecan topping.

Notes

  • Activate Yeast Carefully: Ensure milk is warm (110-115°F) to prevent killing yeast; too hot will destroy, too cold won’t activate properly.
  • Knead Dough Perfectly: Develop gluten by kneading 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic; prevents dense, tough buns and ensures soft texture.
  • Control Rising Environment: Place dough in warm, draft-free spot around 80-85°F; use oven with light on or cover with warm towel to maintain ideal proofing conditions.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottom: Line baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and to avoid caramel sticking; allows clean inversion and prevents potential burning.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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