Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

Featured in: Sweet Harvest Treats

These soft, fluffy buns combine a cinnamon sugar swirl with a luscious maple-pecan caramel topping. The dough is enriched with eggs and butter, kneaded to smooth elasticity, then allowed to rise twice for ultimate fluffiness. The pecan halves baked within the sticky topping add a crunchy contrast to the sweet, rich maple glaze. Perfect for a decadent breakfast or brunch, these buns deliver warm, comforting flavors with every bite.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:22:00 GMT
Soft maple pecan sticky buns drizzled with caramel, perfect for breakfast enjoyment.  Save
Soft maple pecan sticky buns drizzled with caramel, perfect for breakfast enjoyment. | pumpkinvale.com

Soft, fluffy buns swirled with cinnamon sugar, baked atop a luscious maple-pecan caramel, perfect for a decadent breakfast or brunch treat.

I love how these sticky buns fill the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that brings everyone running for a taste.

Ingredients

  • Dough: 3 1/2 cups (440 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet/7 g) active dry yeast, 1 tsp salt, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk lukewarm, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter melted, 2 large eggs
  • Maple Pecan Topping: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, 3/4 cup (180 ml) pure maple syrup, 3/4 cup (150 g) packed light brown sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 1/2 cups (150 g) pecan halves
  • Filling: 1/2 cup (110 g) unsalted butter softened, 3/4 cup (150 g) packed light brown sugar, 2 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 cup (50 g) chopped pecans

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Step 2:
Add lukewarm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 3:
Knead on a floured surface for 8 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4:
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 5:
For the topping, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add maple syrup, brown sugar, and salt stir until smooth. Pour into a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Sprinkle pecan halves evenly over the mixture.
Step 6:
Punch down the risen dough and roll out on a lightly floured surface into a 16x12-inch (40x30 cm) rectangle.
Step 7:
Spread softened butter over the dough. Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans.
Step 8:
Starting from the long side, roll up the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
Step 9:
Arrange buns, cut side down, over the maple-pecan topping in the baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 40 minutes until puffy.
Step 10:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30 35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 11:
Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving platter so the sticky topping is on top. Serve warm.
Fluffy cinnamon-swirled maple pecan sticky buns warming in a cozy kitchen.  Save
Fluffy cinnamon-swirled maple pecan sticky buns warming in a cozy kitchen. | pumpkinvale.com

This recipe always brings my family together around the table, sharing smiles and warm sticky buns each weekend morning.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, Saucepan, Rolling pin, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, Sharp knife or dental floss (for slicing rolls)

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (dairy), pecans (tree nuts). Always double-check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

Calories 420 Total Fat 22 g Carbohydrates 52 g Protein 6 g (per serving)

Golden maple pecan sticky buns topped with pecans, ideal for brunch gatherings. Save
Golden maple pecan sticky buns topped with pecans, ideal for brunch gatherings. | pumpkinvale.com

These sticky buns will delight your mornings with their perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

Recipe FAQs

How do I achieve a soft, fluffy texture?

Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, and allow it to rise fully before shaping and again after arranging in the pan for best fluffiness.

Can I prepare these buns ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the rolls overnight and refrigerate after shaping. Bring to room temperature before the final rise and baking.

What is the purpose of the maple-pecan topping?

The topping creates a rich, sticky caramel layer with nutty pecan halves that adds flavor and texture contrast to the soft buns.

Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?

Yes, though pecans provide a distinct flavor and texture, walnuts or almonds can be used as alternatives.

How should these buns be stored after baking?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

What beverages pair well with these buns?

Strong coffee or black tea complement the sweet and nutty flavors perfectly.

Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

Fluffy buns swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with maple-pecan caramel for a sweet start.

Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Time Needed
60 minutes
Created by Emma Wallace

Recipe Type Sweet Harvest Treats

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type American

Makes 12 Serving Size

Diet Information Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

Dough

01 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
04 1 teaspoon salt
05 1 cup whole milk, lukewarm
06 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 2 large eggs

Maple Pecan Topping

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter
02 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
03 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Filling

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
03 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
04 1/2 cup chopped pecans

How to Make

Step 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt until evenly distributed.

Step 02

Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add lukewarm milk, melted butter, and eggs to the dry mixture; stir until a soft dough forms.

Step 03

Knead Dough: Knead dough on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 04

First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise in a warm environment for 1 hour or until doubled in volume.

Step 05

Prepare Maple Pecan Topping: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add maple syrup, brown sugar, and salt; stir until smooth. Pour mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and evenly distribute pecan halves over the top.

Step 06

Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a 16x12-inch rectangle.

Step 07

Add Filling: Spread softened butter uniformly over the dough. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans.

Step 08

Form Rolls: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log and slice into 12 equal portions.

Step 09

Second Rise: Arrange rolls cut side down atop the maple-pecan topping in the baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 to 40 minutes until puffy.

Step 10

Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until rolls turn golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 11

Invert and Serve: Allow buns to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Carefully invert onto a serving platter so the sticky topping rests on top. Serve warm.

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Saucepan
  • Rolling pin
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Sharp knife or dental floss

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and ask a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (dairy), and tree nuts (pecans).
  • Verify ingredient labels for allergen safety.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

Details shown are for general guidance and aren't a medical substitute.
  • Caloric Content: 420
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Proteins: 6 g