The Sweet, Gooey Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe You’ll Adore

Warm maple syrup mingles with buttery pecans in these irresistible sticky buns that promise pure comfort.

The aroma alone will draw you from across the kitchen.

Pulling apart layers of soft, gooey dough studded with caramelized nuts.

Weekends deserve something special, and this recipe delivers pure morning magic.

Those first bites feel like a sweet, indulgent hug.

Crisp edges and tender centers make these buns impossible to resist.

We bet you’ll want to share—or maybe keep them all for yourself.

Tips To Get The Best Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Texture

• Yeast Activation Trick: Ensure your milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing the yeast, which can make your dough fail to rise properly.
• Dough Kneading Technique: Develop gluten by kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, creating a soft, tender texture in your sticky buns.
• Caramel Precision: Watch the caramel carefully while cooking to prevent burning, stirring constantly for a perfect glossy and smooth consistency.
• Rising Environment Hack: Place the dough in a slightly warm, draft-free area like a turned-off oven with the light on to help it rise evenly and quickly.
• Serving Suggestion: Invert the baking dish immediately after baking onto a serving plate to ensure the sticky caramel and pecans coat the top of the rolls perfectly.

How To Store Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Properly

• Refrigerate: Store cooled sticky buns in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, keeping them fresh and moist.
• Wrap Individually: Cover each bun with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out and preserve their soft texture.
• Reheat in Oven: Warm sticky buns at 300F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they regain their delightful gooey caramel and soft dough without becoming hard or crispy.
• Microwave Option: For a quick warm-up, heat individual buns for 15-20 seconds, checking to avoid overheating and maintaining their delicious maple pecan flavor.

What Goes Best With Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

• Pair with Nutty Bourbon Delight: Serve these sticky buns alongside a smooth bourbon cocktail that echoes the rich pecan notes, creating a luxurious flavor harmony that elevates the dessert experience.
• Match with Creamy Vanilla Coffee: Complement the sweet maple and cinnamon flavors with a velvety vanilla latte or cappuccino, which cuts through the richness and provides a delightful morning or afternoon treat.
• Enhance with Spiced Chai Warmth: A fragrant chai tea offers a perfect spicy counterpoint to the sweet sticky buns, with its aromatic cardamom and cinnamon notes dancing beautifully alongside the maple pecan caramel.
• Create a Breakfast Spread: Accompany the sticky buns with crispy bacon or a light fruit salad to balance the sweetness and add a savory or fresh element to the indulgent breakfast dish.

Ways To Switch Up Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

• Nutty Coconut Fusion: Replace pecans with shredded coconut and add a layer of toasted coconut flakes for a tropical-inspired sticky bun experience. Drizzle with a light coconut glaze for extra richness.
• Apple Cinnamon Comfort: Swap pecans for finely diced apples mixed with extra cinnamon. Create a warm, homey version that captures the essence of classic apple pie flavors in a soft, gooey bun.
• Chocolate Espresso Rush: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough and sprinkle dark chocolate chips in the filling. Add a strong espresso glaze on top for a sophisticated, coffee-lover's take on the classic sticky bun.
• Orange Almond Elegance: Mix orange zest into the dough and replace pecans with sliced almonds. Create a bright, citrusy caramel sauce using fresh orange juice and top with toasted almond slivers for a refreshing twist.

Questions About Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Answered

• Why are my sticky buns not rising properly?

The most common reasons are using cold milk, old yeast, or a drafty environment. Always use warm milk (around 110°F), fresh active yeast, and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot like a turned-off oven.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it do its first rise in the refrigerator. Just take it out 30 minutes before rolling to bring it to room temperature.

• How do I know when the dough is kneaded enough?

The dough should feel smooth, elastic, and spring back when you poke it. If it’s still rough or tears easily, continue kneading for a few more minutes until it becomes soft and stretchy.

• Is it necessary to use a stand mixer for this recipe?

Not at all! While a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can completely make these sticky buns by hand. Just be prepared for a good arm workout when kneading the dough manually.

Why Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Are A Morning Treat

• Indulge in Maple Magic: These sticky buns deliver an irresistible combination of sweet maple caramel and crunchy pecans that dance together in every single bite.
• Masterful Texture Adventure: The soft, pillowy dough contrasts beautifully with the crispy pecan topping, creating a delightful sensory experience that keeps you craving more with each mouthful.
• Quick Weekend Breakfast Triumph: Perfect for lazy weekend mornings, these sticky buns come together relatively easily and transform an ordinary breakfast into a special family gathering that everyone will remember and request again.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Classic: Guaranteed to bring smiles around the table, these maple pecan sticky buns offer a nostalgic warmth that connects generations through a single delectable pastry.

What You’ll Need For Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

• Milk, Warm: Activates yeast and helps create soft, tender dough. Whole milk provides rich flavor and tender texture.
• Yeast: Essential for bread rising and creating fluffy texture. Active dry yeast works best at warm temperatures.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
• Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind ingredients together.
• Butter: Adds flavor and creates tender, soft dough. Unsalted butter recommended for better control of salt.
• Flour: Provides structure and forms the base of the dough. All-purpose flour works perfectly.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast growth.

• Butter, Softened: Creates smooth, spreadable layer for filling. Room temperature butter spreads easily.
• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice flavor to the rolls. Freshly ground cinnamon provides best taste.

• Butter: Creates rich caramel base for sticky buns. Unsalted butter preferred.
• Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup: Develops deep, complex caramel flavor. Pure maple syrup recommended.
• Pecans: Provides crunch and nutty flavor. Toasted pecans enhance overall taste.

How To Make Maple Pecan Sticky Buns From Scratch

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

In a cozy mixing bowl, blend warm milk, active yeast, and a sprinkle of sugar. Let the mixture bubble and dance for 5-10 minutes until it looks wonderfully frothy.

Step 2: Create the Magical Dough

• Remaining sugar
• Eggs
• Softened butter
• Flour
• Salt

Knead the dough until it transforms into a smooth, silky dream. By hand, work it for 8-10 minutes or use a stand mixer for 5-6 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a soft towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Craft the Luscious Caramel Base

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and maple syrup, cooking until the mixture becomes a glossy, bubbling delight. Pour this golden caramel into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Scatter pecans evenly across the caramel landscape.

Step 4: Roll Out the Deliciousness

• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon

Step 5: Shape and Prepare the Rolls

From the long side, roll the dough into a tight log. Slice into 12 equal pieces, nestling them cut-side down into the caramel-pecan bed. Cover with a towel and let the rolls puff up for 30-45 minutes.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350F. Bake the sticky buns for 25-30 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 7: The Grand Reveal

Remove from the oven and immediately flip the baking dish onto a serving platter. Let the caramel cascade over the rolls, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure joy!

Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible maple pecan sticky buns promise comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, delivering warm, gooey goodness with each delectable bite. Maple-glazed pastries will transport breakfast lovers to a sweet morning paradise where indulgence meets home-baked perfection.

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Ingredients

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Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (about 110F/43C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 cup (100 g) pecan halves
• ½ cup (120 ml) maple syrup

Wet and Binding Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Awaken the yeast by combining warm milk, yeast, and a portion of sugar in a mixing vessel. Allow the mixture to become frothy and bubbly, indicating active fermentation.
2. Incorporate remaining sugar, eggs, softened butter, flour, and salt into the yeast mixture. Knead the dough thoroughly until achieving a smooth, elastic consistency with a glossy surface.
3. Transfer the dough to a greased container, drape with a clean cloth, and position in a draft-free, warm environment. Let the dough expand and rise until its volume doubles.
4. Craft the maple pecan caramel by melting butter in a saucepan. Introduce brown sugar and maple syrup, stirring until the mixture transforms into a silky, bubbling liquid.
5. Pour the caramel into a prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Scatter pecans across the caramel surface, ensuring uniform distribution.
6. Dust a work surface with flour and roll the dough into a rectangular shape. Spread softened butter evenly, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture across the entire surface.
7. Carefully roll the dough from the longest edge, creating a tight cylindrical log. Slice the log into twelve equal segments.
8. Arrange the rolled sections cut-side down atop the caramel and pecan base. Cover with a lightweight cloth and allow a second rising period.
9. Preheat the oven to 350F. Bake the sticky buns until they develop a rich, golden-brown exterior, approximately 25-30 minutes.
10. Remove from the oven and immediately invert the baking dish onto a serving platter, allowing the caramel and pecans to drape over the buns.

Notes

• Activate yeast with warm milk just above body temperature to ensure proper fermentation and maximum rise.
• Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating a soft and stretchy texture that results in tender sticky buns.
• Let dough rise in a draft-free, warm environment like near a preheated oven to accelerate yeast activity and improve volume.
• Cover rising dough with a damp cloth to prevent surface from drying out and forming a crusty layer.
• Use room temperature butter when spreading filling to ensure even distribution and easier spreading across the dough.
• Cut rolls with a sharp serrated knife or dental floss for clean, precise slices without squishing the delicate dough.
• Allow sufficient resting time between rising stages to develop complex flavors and achieve optimal texture.
• Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center of the buns – it should come out clean with no raw dough.
• Invert baking dish immediately after baking to prevent caramel from hardening and allow sticky sauce to coat buns evenly.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg