Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

Featured in: Sweet Cozy Treats

These soft buns are crafted from a tender dough filled with cinnamon-sugar and rolled tightly before baking. A rich maple and pecan caramel sauce forms the base, infusing each bun with buttery sweetness and nutty warmth. Perfect for a leisurely breakfast or brunch, they offer a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Rising times and careful kneading ensure a fluffy, airy crumb that melts in the mouth. Serve warm to enjoy the full sticky and aromatic experience.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:03:00 GMT
Buttery maple pecan sticky buns drizzled with caramel, perfect for brunch gatherings.  Save
Buttery maple pecan sticky buns drizzled with caramel, perfect for brunch gatherings. | cloverhearth.com

Buttery, soft buns swirled with cinnamon sugar, baked over a luscious maple-pecan caramel, perfect for a decadent breakfast or brunch treat.

These sticky buns have become a family favorite and bring warmth to every morning we share.

Ingredients

  • Dough: 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour, ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast, ½ tsp salt, ¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk warm, ¼ cup (60 ml) water warm, ¼ cup (55 g) unsalted butter melted, 2 large eggs room temperature
  • Maple Pecan Topping: ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, ¾ cup (150 g) packed light brown sugar, ½ cup (120 ml) pure maple syrup, ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream, ¼ tsp salt, 1 ½ cups (150 g) pecan halves
  • Filling: ⅓ cup (75 g) unsalted butter softened, ½ cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large bowl (or stand mixer), combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Step 2:
In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, warm water, melted butter, and eggs. Add to dry ingredients and knead for 5 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3:
Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4:
Meanwhile, prepare the maple pecan topping: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, heavy cream, and salt. Simmer for 2 minutes until smooth. Pour into a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Sprinkle pecan halves evenly over the caramel.
Step 5:
For the filling, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl.
Step 6:
Roll out the risen dough on a lightly floured surface into a 16x12-inch (40x30 cm) rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
Step 7:
Starting from the long side, roll up tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
Step 8:
Arrange the buns, cut side down, over the maple pecan topping in the baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
Step 9:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 10:
Bake for 30 minutes, until golden brown and puffy.
Step 11:
Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving platter so the pecan topping is on top. Serve warm.
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These sticky buns are a treat that brings everyone to the kitchen, sharing smiles and stories over warm, sticky sweetness.

Required Tools

Stand mixer or large mixing bowl, Rolling pin, Saucepan, 9x13-inch baking dish, Sharp knife or dough scraper

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, dairy, and pecans (tree nuts). Always check ingredient labels for possible cross-contamination.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 420 per serving, Total Fat: 21 g, Carbohydrates: 54 g, Protein: 6 g

Warm, cinnamon-swirled sticky buns topped with pecans, ideal for a cozy breakfast.  Save
Warm, cinnamon-swirled sticky buns topped with pecans, ideal for a cozy breakfast. | cloverhearth.com

Enjoy these maple pecan sticky buns fresh and warm for the best experience.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I achieve a soft and fluffy texture?

Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, and allow it to rise until doubled in size for the best airy texture.

Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?

Yes, walnuts work well as an alternative, providing a slightly different but delicious nutty flavor.

What is the best way to warm these buns before serving?

Gently reheat in the oven at a low temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds to preserve softness.

How long should the dough rise before baking?

Allow the dough to rise for about one hour until doubled, and after shaping, let it rise again for 30 minutes before baking.

What pairs well with these buns?

Strong coffee or black tea complements the sweet and nutty flavors perfectly for a balanced morning treat.

Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

Soft buns filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with rich maple-pecan caramel for a sweet breakfast treat.

Prep duration
30 minutes
Cook duration
30 minutes
Overall time
60 minutes
Recipe by Clover Hearth Emily Dawson

Recipe type Sweet Cozy Treats

Skill level Medium

Culinary roots American

Servings made 12 Portion size

Diet preferences Meatless

What you'll need

Dough

01 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 3/4 cup warm whole milk
06 1/4 cup warm water
07 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
08 2 large eggs, room temperature

Maple Pecan Topping

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter
02 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
03 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
04 1/4 cup heavy cream
05 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Filling

01 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
03 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
04 Pinch of salt

How to make it

Step 01

Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt until evenly distributed.

Step 02

Incorporate wet ingredients and knead dough: Whisk warm milk, warm water, melted butter, and eggs in a separate bowl. Add to dry ingredients and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms.

Step 03

First rise: Cover the dough and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 04

Prepare maple pecan topping: Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, heavy cream, and salt. Simmer for 2 minutes until combined and smooth. Pour mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and scatter pecans evenly on top.

Step 05

Mix filling: Combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until well blended.

Step 06

Roll out dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the risen dough into a 16 by 12-inch rectangle.

Step 07

Spread filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon butter filling over the rolled dough surface.

Step 08

Shape buns: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces.

Step 09

Arrange and second rise: Place buns cut side down over the maple pecan topping in the baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.

Step 10

Preheat oven: Set the oven temperature to 350°F.

Step 11

Bake buns: Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

Step 12

Cool and invert: Allow buns to cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then invert onto a serving platter so the pecan topping is on top. Serve warm.

Equipment needed

  • Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
  • Rolling pin
  • Saucepan
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Sharp knife or dough scraper

Allergy details

Be sure to review every ingredient for potential allergies, and talk to a medical expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, dairy, and pecans (tree nuts).
  • Check ingredient labels for potential cross-contamination.

Nutrition information (each portion)

Only use this data as a helpful reference—it’s not intended to replace professional health guidance.
  • Calorie count: 420
  • Fat content: 21 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 54 grams
  • Proteins: 6 grams