Discover the rich, gooey flavor of Maple Sticky Buns with Pecans—a breakfast treat that perfectly balances sweet, nutty, and buttery goodness. These buns are soft, fluffy, and drenched in a luscious maple glaze that clings to every bite, while crunchy pecans add an irresistible texture and warmth. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy weekend breakfast or a special occasion, Maple Sticky Buns with Pecans transform your morning table into a celebration of flavor and comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unforgettable Flavor Combination: The harmony of maple syrup’s natural sweetness paired with toasted pecans creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
Perfect Texture Contrast: Soft, pillowy dough meets sticky glaze and crunchy nuts, delivering a delightful bite every time.
Breakfast Showstopper: These buns fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas that promise a special start to any day.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Using pantry staples and fresh pecans makes this recipe both approachable and impressive.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Easy to prepare in advance, perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that each play a special role, whether it’s building structure, adding sweetness, or bringing toasted richness to the dish.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the perfect foundation for soft, tender buns with great rise.
Yeast: Ensures your buns become fluffy and light with just the right amount of chew.
Warm Milk: Activates yeast and contributes to a moist, rich dough texture.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb in the buns.
Maple Syrup: The star sweetener that gives the sticky buns their signature flavor and shine.
Brown Sugar: Enhances sweetness with a deep molasses note, boosting the caramelized topping.
Pecans: Toasted for a crunchy, nutty contrast that’s simply irresistible.
Eggs: Help bind the dough and contribute to a golden color and soft crumb.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice that pairs beautifully with maple and nuts.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the buns.

Variations for Maple Sticky Buns with Pecans

Feel free to personalize your Maple Sticky Buns with Pecans to suit your palate or dietary needs; this recipe is easy to tweak without losing its classic charm.

Pecan Substitute: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different but equally delicious crunch.
Maple and Brown Sugar Glaze: Add a hint of vanilla or a sprinkle of sea salt for depth and complexity.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blends to make this recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities.
Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk and egg substitute.
Extra Spice Kick: Add nutmeg or ginger to the dough or glaze for a warm, spicy twist.

Why Maple Sticky Buns with Pecans Are Irresistible

How to Make Maple Sticky Buns with Pecans

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by warming your milk and activating the yeast, then combine with flour, sugar, eggs, butter, salt, and cinnamon to create a soft dough. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes, then let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Sticky Maple Pecan Topping

While the dough rises, mix maple syrup, brown sugar, and melted butter, then stir in your toasted pecans. Pour this sticky topping evenly into the bottom of your baking pan.

Step 3: Roll Out and Fill the Dough

Once risen, roll the dough into a rectangle and brush lightly with melted butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 4: Form the Buns

Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into equal pieces. Arrange the pieces atop the pecan and maple mixture in the pan.

Step 5: Second Rise and Bake

Allow the arranged buns to rise again briefly before baking at the recommended temperature until golden and sticky, with bubbly syrup seeping around the edges.

Step 6: Cool Slightly and Invert

Let the buns cool for a few minutes, then invert the pan onto a serving plate so the sticky maple and pecans coat the buns beautifully.

Pro Tips for Making Maple Sticky Buns with Pecans

Perfect Yeast Activation: Ensure your milk is warm but not hot, around 110°F, to wake the yeast without killing it.
Toast Pecans: Lightly toast pecans before adding to maximize nutty aroma and crunch.
Don’t Skip the Second Rise: Letting the dough rise twice guarantees soft, fluffy buns with great volume.
Use Real Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup offers unmatched rich flavor compared to imitation syrups.
Grease Your Pan Well: Prevent sticking and make inverting the buns easy with a well-greased baking dish.

How to Serve Maple Sticky Buns with Pecans

Garnishes

Top your buns with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzling of extra warm maple syrup for added sweetness and flair.

Side Dishes

Pair these sticky buns with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a side of creamy yogurt to balance the rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve warm out of the pan on a rustic wooden board or individual plates, perhaps accompanied by a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai for a cozy breakfast experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Maple Sticky Buns with Pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness and softness.

Freezing

Wrap buns tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm individual buns in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or heat the whole batch covered in foil at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to revive that gooey texture.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts make great alternatives if you prefer a different flavor or need a nut substitution.

Is maple syrup necessary in Maple Sticky Buns with Pecans?

Maple syrup is key to the signature flavor, but if needed, you can substitute with honey or a light caramel syrup for a similar sweetness.

How long does it take to make these buns from start to finish?

The entire process, including rising and baking, generally takes about two to three hours depending on your yeast’s activity and room temperature.

Can I make these buns vegan?

Yes! Swap dairy butter with plant-based margarine, use almond or oat milk, and replace eggs with flax or chia egg substitutes for a vegan-friendly version.

Do Maple Sticky Buns with Pecans freeze well?

They freeze very well and can be stored for several months, making them a convenient treat to prepare ahead.

Final Thoughts

Maple Sticky Buns with Pecans are truly a delight that brings warmth and joy to the breakfast table. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or indulging solo, these buns offer comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance that’s hard to resist. Give this recipe a try—once you experience that perfect sticky-sweet bite paired with crunchy pecans, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.

Maple Sticky Buns with Pecans

Print Recipe

Maple Sticky Buns with Pecans are soft, fluffy breakfast treats drenched in a luscious maple glaze combined with toasted pecans for a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and buttery flavors. Ideal for a cozy weekend morning or special occasions, these buns deliver a delightful texture contrast and irresistible aroma that transforms any breakfast into a comforting celebration.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 sticky buns 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 package)
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Sticky Maple Pecan Topping

1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup toasted pecans

Additional for Assembly

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing dough)
2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Begin by warming the milk to about 110°F (43°C) and activating the yeast by mixing it with warm milk. In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, salt, and cinnamon with the yeast mixture. Knead the dough thoroughly for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a warm spot and let it rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Make the Sticky Maple Pecan Topping: While the dough is rising, mix together the pure maple syrup, brown sugar, and melted butter until fully combined. Stir in the toasted pecans. Pour this sticky topping evenly into the bottom of a well-greased baking pan.
Roll Out and Fill the Dough: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. Brush the surface lightly with melted butter and then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon sugar for added flavor.
Form the Buns: Roll the dough tightly from one short end to the other to form a log. Cut the log into equal slices, about 1-1.5 inches thick. Arrange these slices cut-side down evenly on top of the maple pecan topping in the pan.
Second Rise and Bake: Cover the pan and let the buns rise again briefly for about 20-30 minutes until puffy. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling with sticky syrup visible around the edges.
Cool and Invert: Allow the buns to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes after baking. Then carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate so the sticky maple pecan mixture coats the tops of the buns beautifully. Serve warm.

Notes

Ensure your milk is warm but not hot (around 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
Lightly toast pecans before adding to maximize nutty aroma and crunch.
Don’t skip the second rise to keep buns soft and fluffy with great volume.
Use pure maple syrup rather than imitation syrup for the best flavor.
Grease your baking pan well to prevent sticking and make inversion easier.
For vegan options, substitute butter with coconut oil, milk with plant-based milk, and eggs with flax or chia egg substitutes.
Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a nut variation.
To add extra spice, incorporate nutmeg or ginger into the dough or glaze.
Gluten-free flours can replace all-purpose flour for gluten sensitivity.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bun
Calories: 320
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: maple sticky buns, pecans, breakfast rolls, maple glaze, sticky buns recipe, soft buns, cinnamon rolls with maple, nutty sticky buns