I’m so excited to spill the tea on these Maple Pecan Sticky Buns that I just tried baking—and wow, they’re a total flavor explosion! Picture this: that first irresistible bite where sweet maple glaze meets buttery dough, crunchy toasted pecans add a nutty punch, and the whole thing is just oozing with that sticky, caramelized goodness. These Maple Pecan Sticky Buns aren’t just any sticky buns recipe—they’re a legit craving magnet that I can’t get out of my head!
It all started when I spotted some crazy drool-worthy Maple Pecan Sticky Buns photos scrolling through Instagram from a few bakery all-stars. The glossy maple glaze and the generous pecan topping had me hooked instantly. I needed to see if I could nail that perfect balance of sweet, sticky, and nutty right in my own kitchen. So, I set out to recreate those show-stopping pecan sticky buns with my own twist—and spoiler alert, these Maple Pecan Sticky Buns totally delivered.
I love how this sticky buns recipe combines soft, pillowy homemade sticky buns with that irresistible maple glaze that clings to every inch. Plus, adding pecans turns these into the ultimate sticky buns with nuts experience—a crunchy, maple-sweet hug in every bite. Seriously, they satisfy that comfort food craving in a way that hits all the right notes. If you’re all about maple and pecan magic, I promise you’ll want to make these.
If you’re curious how you can bring this maple pecan sticky buns moment to your kitchen, stick with me. I’ll take you through ingredients, steps, serving ideas, and answer all your burning questions. Also, if you want even more Maple Pecan Sticky Buns inspiration, check out these amazing versions from Sally’s Baking, Butternut Bakery, and In Bloom Bakery. Fellow foodies, let’s get this homemade sticky buns adventure started—your taste buds are in for a wild ride!
What You Need
These ingredients are what make these Maple Pecan Sticky Buns absolutely crave-worthy! Trust me, splurging on quality makes a huge difference in this recipe.
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (freshly sifted for fluffiness)
½ cup whole milk (warm, to feed the yeast)
½ cup pure maple syrup (go for the real deal for that authentic maple glaze)
⅓ cup unsalted butter (softened, plus extra for greasing)
½ cup brown sugar (dark works best for deep caramel flavor)
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (grab this from your international aisle or baking section)
2 large eggs (room temp for perfect dough)
1 teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups pecans (toasted lightly for that ideal crunchy contrast in your pecan sticky buns)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (this sticky buns recipe sneaks in warmth)
Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to boost maple notes
Pro tip: Use freshly toasted pecans instead of pre-packaged nuts. It gives this Maple Pecan Sticky Buns the crunch and flavor edge it’s craving. Also, whole milk ups the dough’s softness big time, but if you want to swap for a dairy-free version, almond milk works great too.
Store your pecans in an airtight container in the fridge to keep crunch fresh, and make sure your yeast is active by proofing in warm milk before adding. This sticky buns recipe gets even better when you prep ingredients like softening butter and warming milk beforehand—keeps the process smooth and efficient!
How to Make It
Get ready because this is where the magic happens with your Maple Pecan Sticky Buns! It comes together in about 2 hours, but every minute is worth it.
1. Activate the yeast by mixing the warm milk, a teaspoon of maple syrup, and yeast. Let bubble for 5-10 minutes until foamy—that smell alone is like a warm hug for your kitchen.
2. Mix the dough by combining flour, salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar in a big bowl. Add eggs, softened butter, maple syrup, and yeast mixture. Knead by hand or mixer for 8-10 minutes until soft and elastic.
3. First rise: Cover and let your dough rise until doubled in size—usually about 1 to 1.5 hours. It should feel pillowy and light.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
5. Prepare the maple glaze: Melt butter and maple syrup together. Stir in brown sugar until it forms a smooth sticky glaze. Pour this into a greased baking dish. This maple glaze is what makes those homemade sticky buns shine!
6. Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle toasted pecans and a little extra brown sugar.
7. Roll the dough up tight, slice into 12 equal rolls, and place them in the maple glaze pan, cut side up.
8. Second rise: Cover loosely and let buns rise for 30 minutes while you prepare yourself mentally for that next-level experience.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. The smell of this Maple Pecan Sticky Buns baking is seriously irresistible—it’ll have everyone asking when they can dig in.
10. Invert while warm: Right out of the oven, flip the pan to let the gooey maple pecan glaze coat the sticky buns. Let cool a bit before serving.
Pro cooking win: Don’t worry if your rolls look tight; they’ll puff beautifully in the oven. Also, I learned the best way to toast pecans is tossing them in a dry pan over medium heat for 5 minutes with a little stirring—makes the flavor pop.
For more recipe ideas with a similar sticky vibe, you have to peek at my sticky honey garlic thighs for a savory spin or some crispy maple carrot fries to pair with this sticky buns feast!
Serving This Up
These Maple Pecan Sticky Buns are meals all on their own, but wait until you see how I love serving them up! They pair like a dream with a cup of strong coffee or a rich chai latte to balance the sticky sweetness.
I usually whip up a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad to lighten up the meal, especially if I’m serving these Maple Pecan Sticky Buns for brunch. These buns also steal the show at cozy holiday breakfasts and weekend gatherings alike—they’re crowd-pleasers every time.
For the ‘gram, I pile them high on a white plate, drizzle extra maple glaze over the top, and add a few whole pecans sprinkled around. The photos come out mouth-wateringly gooey!
Leftovers? Oh, friend, warm them up gently in the microwave or oven, then try topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert twist.
Thinking of mixing it up? Adding a sprinkle of sea salt on the maple glaze before baking brings a lovely salty-sweet contrast that’s hard to beat. Plus, swapping out pecans for walnuts or adding a dash of espresso powder to the dough is a seasonal spin worth trying.
If you want more sweet sticky buns inspo, check out these drool-worthy pecan sticky buns recipes for new takes on the classic!
Your Questions Answered
I know Maple Pecan Sticky Buns raise some excited questions among fellow foodies, so here are a few gems from my kitchen adventures:
How do I make the Maple Pecan Sticky Buns extra flavorful?
Double the maple syrup in the glaze and throw in an extra ½ teaspoon of cinnamon—it makes the whole batch sing with cozy warmth.
Can I meal prep these Maple Pecan Sticky Buns?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and rolls ahead of time. Pop them in the fridge after the first rise and bake the next day. Let them come to room temp before baking for even rise and the best sticky glaze.
What’s the best way to reheat Maple Pecan Sticky Buns without losing quality?
Microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20 seconds or oven warm at 300°F for 10 minutes. Both keep them moist and sticky.
Can I use different nuts?
Totally! Walnuts, almonds, or even pecan-walnut mixes work great. Just toast them first for max crunch.
What if I don’t have maple syrup?
Use honey or golden syrup, though the maple glaze flavor shifts a bit. For total maple lovers, don’t skip it!
Are these buns freezer friendly?
Absolutely! Freeze after baking (wrapped tightly). Thaw overnight and warm as usual.
How do I get the buns to be super soft inside?
Use whole milk and don’t skimp on kneading. Letting the dough proof slowly in the fridge overnight also adds tender texture and deeper flavor.
If you’re craving more Maple Pecan Sticky Buns inspirations, you’ll find some delicious twists at Butternut Bakery and In Bloom Bakery that bring their own unique takes on these sticky delights.
Final Bites
So, why do these Maple Pecan Sticky Buns deserve a spot in your sweet rotation? Because they hit all the high notes: that sticky-sweet maple glaze, the buttery soft homemade sticky buns, and the crunchy pecan sticky buns texture that has everyone swooning.
My Foodie Tips:
– Use real maple syrup for glaze—fake stuff just misses the mark.
– Toast your pecans fresh before adding for next-level crunch.
– Don’t rush the dough rising—patience here pays mega flavor dividends!
Try swapping out pecans for walnuts or mixing in a little orange zest to bring a bright pop to your sticky buns with nuts. Or for a decadent treat, swirl in some caramel sauce before rolling. The classic maple pecan combo always gets the most love, but switching things keeps every batch fresh.
Remember, this is your Maple Pecan Sticky Buns adventure—customize with your favorite nuts and tweaks!
I am so pumped for you to make this recipe. Your kitchen will smell like a maple dream come true, and your friends will be begging for the recipe. Get ready to wow with these sticky buns that are totally drool-worthy and crave-worthy every time. Don’t forget to check out inspiration from some other amazing maple pecan sticky buns versions here: Sally’s Baking, Butternut Bakery, and In Bloom Bakery.
Now, grab your ingredients and let’s make these Maple Pecan Sticky Buns magic happen!
Maple Pecan Sticky Buns
Deliciously soft maple pecan sticky buns glazed with a rich, buttery maple syrup topping, perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/2 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 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add remaining flour to form a soft dough. Knead for 6–8 minutes until elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Roll dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Combine brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle evenly over buttered dough.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
- Roll dough tightly from the long edge and cut into 12 equal slices.
- Arrange rolls cut side up in the prepared pan.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter with maple syrup over low heat to make the glaze.
- Pour half the glaze over the rolls and reserve the rest.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven, immediately spoon remaining glaze over buns.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
For an extra indulgent touch, serve these sticky buns with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting or a dollop of whipped cream.