From the moment I pulled the first batch of these Maple Pecan Sticky Buns from the oven, I knew I had stumbled onto a new kitchen winner. The smell alone had everyone wandering into the kitchen with happy curiosity—and the flavor? Sweet, gooey, with that perfect crunchy bit from the pecans that made it impossible not to dive right in. These Maple Pecan Sticky Buns quickly became a must-make treat in my weekly rotation, especially when I wanted something that felt both cozy and special.
What really gets me is how these Maple Pecan Sticky Buns fit into the everyday foodie life. They’re soft, sweet rolls that somehow manage to step up a regular breakfast or brunch into something memorable. Baking them feels like a little gift to myself and anyone lucky enough to join me at the table. It’s that combination of homemade sticky bun dough, swirling with a rich maple syrup glaze, and the nutty crunch of pecan sticky rolls that just hits all the right notes. I love that these buns are approachable enough for an afternoon bake but fancy enough to share when friends stop by.
If you’re anything like me and love kitchen moments full of warm aromas and happy smiles, you’re going to want to give these Maple Pecan Sticky Buns a try. They’re seriously a crowd-pleaser, and nothing quite matches that ooey-gooey texture with a touch of maple sweetness. And if you’re curious about sticky buns recipe ideas, these Maple Pecan Sticky Buns are a fantastic spot to start—think soft sweet rolls climbing to a whole new level of deliciousness with that gorgeous maple syrup glaze shining through every bite. So, grab your apron, bring on the pecans, and let’s dive into the joy of baking bunches of these sticky buns together!
What You’ll Need:
This Maple Pecan Sticky Buns keeps the ingredient list totally approachable—because good food shouldn’t be complicated. Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
- 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast – you can find this in the baking aisle of any grocery store
- 1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F) – out of milk? Almond milk works great in this Maple Pecan Sticky Buns too!
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar – for that essential sweet base
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted – feel free to swap with vegan butter if you want
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 cups all-purpose flour – whole wheat flour can make these pecan sticky rolls a bit heartier without losing softness
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – this is what gives that deep caramel note to the maple syrup glaze
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened – perfect for rolling inside these soft sweet rolls
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon – a kitchen nugget that brings warmth to the filling
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans – you can toast them lightly for extra crunch and flavor
- 1 cup pure maple syrup – the star of the maple syrup glaze
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
This Maple Pecan Sticky Buns is kind to your wallet because most of these staples are usual suspects in my pantry, and the pecans go a long way once chopped.
Quick prep tip: set your milk and melted butter ready beforehand, so your homemade sticky bun dough comes together fast without fuss.
Leftovers? Store your sticky buns recipe leftovers tightly covered at room temperature up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave with a damp paper towel for softness restored.
Here’s my secret little upgrade: I always add a little extra pecans on top right before baking. That way, every bite gets a little crunch surprise.
Let’s Cook This Together:
Ready to make these Maple Pecan Sticky Buns with me? This sticky buns recipe comes together in about 2 ½ hours from start to finish, including all the rising time. You’ll feel so proud when those soft sweet rolls come out perfectly golden and sticky!
- In a large bowl, sprinkle active dry yeast over warm milk and add a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly—that’s your sign the yeast is awake and ready.
- Stir in melted butter, granulated sugar, salt, and eggs. Whisk together until evenly combined.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing after each addition. When the dough starts to pull away from the bowl, begin kneading by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size. While waiting, you can prep the maple syrup glaze by heating the maple syrup, heavy cream, and butter on low heat until melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches. Spread the softened butter on top, sprinkle with cinnamon, brown sugar, and chopped pecans, and then tightly roll it up from the long side.
- Cut the roll into 12 even slices and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, snuggly but with space to rise a bit.
- Cover again and let sit for 30-45 minutes to puff up. During this time, preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Brush the maple syrup glaze generously over the rolls just before baking—they soak up that sticky, sweet goodness as they bake.
- Bake your Maple Pecan Sticky Buns for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. If your rolls look a tiny dark around the edges, that’s totally fine—it means all that sugar is caramelizing to perfection.
Here’s a kitchen nugget: If you’re short on time, the dough can chill in the fridge overnight before shaping. Just remember to warm it for 15-20 minutes before rolling to make handling easier.
While the buns bake, pour yourself a little coffee or tea and enjoy the miracle of that maple syrup glaze scent filling every corner of your kitchen—it’s aromatic happiness in progress.
How to Serve & Savor It:
These Maple Pecan Sticky Buns are best eaten warm—you want that gooey maple syrup glaze still soft and the soft sweet rolls melting in your mouth. For me, there’s nothing better than serving them with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream for a brunch treat or alongside a simple cup of black coffee to balance out the sweetness.
They also make an incredible weekend breakfast or a sweet brunch centerpiece when friends come over. If you’re looking for a perfect side, a fresh fruit salad or even some crispy bacon creates a lovely contrast to these pecan sticky rolls’ sweetness.
Presentation-wise, keep it cozy—serve straight in the baking dish with a few extra pecans sprinkled on top and little ramekins of extra maple syrup for drizzling.
Leftover maple pecan sticky buns? No problem! Try slicing them and topping with cream cheese frosting for a dessert twist or even popping slices in a warm toaster oven for a quick morning pick-me-up.
Seasonal twist: I’ve tried adding a touch of pumpkin spice to the cinnamon mixture for fall, and it was a warm, soft crowd-pleaser. These soft sweet rolls easily adapt to whatever seasonal flavors you love.
If you want more everyday awesome food to pair with your sticky buns recipe vibe, check out my sticky honey garlic thighs—they bring savory to the party after a sweet start.
Your Questions, Answered:
Can I prep parts of this Maple Pecan Sticky Buns ahead?
Absolutely! You can make the dough and do the first rise the day before, then refrigerate it overnight. Next day, roll, slice, and bake fresh for the best texture.
What’s a good swap for pecans in this Maple Pecan Sticky Buns?
Walnuts or even toasted almonds are fab options. They give that nut crunch but bring their own flavor twist.
Can I make this recipe for fewer people?
Yeah! Just halve the dough ingredients and use a smaller pan. You still get all the soft sweet roll goodness minus the leftovers.
How do I store leftover maple pecan sticky buns?
Keep them tightly covered at room temp for a day or two or freeze individual buns wrapped well for up to 3 months. Reheat before enjoying to bring back that fresh-baked vibe.
Can I use store-bought dough for this sticky buns recipe?
For sure! If you’re in a pinch, using refrigerated dough works but I find homemade sticky bun dough gives you that unbeatable tenderness and flavor.
Is maple syrup glaze easy to make?
Super simple and way tastier than alternatives. Just melt maple syrup with butter and cream until smooth, then brush on. There’s a wonderful recipe on Butternut Bakery that’s similar if you want more ideas.
What’s the best way to cut the rolls evenly?
Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife. The floss gives clean cuts without squishing the rolls.
If you love sticky buns with a twist, you might enjoy the Maple Pecan Sticky Buns from Sally’s Baking Addiction, which inspired me in so many ways.
Final Foodie Thoughts:
These Maple Pecan Sticky Buns have a special spot in my foodie heart because they combine the joy of baking homemade sticky bun dough with the crave-worthy flavor of pure maple syrup glaze and rich pecans. The best part? They’re soft sweet rolls you can make in your own kitchen, sharing that feeling of warmth and satisfaction with anyone lucky to get a bite.
My Top Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Tips:
– Be patient with the dough rising—good things take time!
– Don’t skip the maple syrup glaze; it’s the sweet magic that makes these sticky buns pop.
– Toast your pecans to bring out the crunch and deepen the flavor.
I’ve loved mixing it up with additions like a pinch of cardamom for a unique spin, or swapping in vegan butter and milk to make it dairy-free. The classic version with extra pecans on top, though, seems to get the most requests when I bring these to brunch.
If you give this recipe a shot, make it your own. Maybe try a swirl of chocolate chips or a touch of orange zest! I hope you love mimicking that gooey perfection and feel proud sharing this with your crowd.
And if your baking ever needs a break for a savory fix, check out these sticky tofu bowls for a balanced everyday meal.
Now, grab those ingredients and let’s get baking—your kitchen is about to smell incredible with these Maple Pecan Sticky Buns ready to bring everyone to the table!
Looking for more indulgent treats? Don’t miss the Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake, another delicious way to celebrate the magic of pecans in dessert.
Maple Pecan Sticky Buns
Delight in these warm Maple Pecan Sticky Buns featuring a sweet maple glaze and crunchy pecans for a perfect breakfast treat or dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (for glaze)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs. Mix well and add the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add flour, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the dough and roll it into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the dough. Spread chopped pecans on top.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix maple syrup and melted butter and pour over the rolls.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and sticky on top.
- Allow to cool 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving platter so the sticky glaze is on top.
Notes
For an extra gooey texture, warm the sticky buns slightly before serving. Optionally, drizzle with cream cheese frosting for added richness.