Fast Dessert RecipesFastDessertRecipes
Maple Pecan Sticky Buns
DessertsMedium

Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

Recipe by lounarecipes

From the Blog Author

This Maple Pecan Sticky Buns is one of my favorites because it turns a simple Sunday morning into a celebration of cozy sweetness. When I first tried this recipe after a long week, the warm aroma of maple syrup and toasted pecans floated straight into the kitchen, and it felt like a hug in a pan. What I love most is how the dough rises to a soft, fluffy rise yet still holds a slight chew, thanks to the leavening from fresh yeast. The nuttiness of the pecans pairs perfectly with the deep, caramel-like maple, and a splash of brown butter adds that buttery finish that makes each bite feel luxurious. I balance the sugar by adding a pinch of sea salt, which helps the flavors pop without becoming cloyingly sweet. A little tip: let the mixture rest for about ten minutes after stirring the maple and pecan mixture into the dough. That short pause allows the flour to hydrate fully, giving the buns a lighter texture and easier handling when you roll them out. If you try this, I'd love to hear about it—just drop me a line because sharing your success (or even any little hiccups) makes this recipe feel even more like a shared kitchen adventure.
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
2 hours 5 minutes
Servings
12
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped

Directions

1

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and eggs, mixing until a dough forms.

2

Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

4

For the filling, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.

5

Roll the dough into a 14x10-inch (35x25 cm) rectangle, spread with softened butter, and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

6

Roll the dough up tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal rolls.

7

For the topping, melt butter in a saucepan with brown sugar and maple syrup until smooth; stir in pecans.

8

Pour the pecan mixture into a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.

9

Arrange the rolls over the pecan topping.

10

Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.

11

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

12

Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

13

Invert the rolls onto a platter while warm so the pecan topping drips over them, and serve immediately.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt, Small Airfryer Digital Space Saving Compact, Bake, Reheat, Roasts for Quick Easy Meals, Mini Compact & Quiet, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket (Black)
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2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
• 20‑QT Capacity: Bake large batches for families—or desserts that last—saving prep time. • 10‑In‑1 All‑in‑One: Cook toast, bake, air‑fry, roast, dehydrate—one appliance, no clutter. • Clear Window: Watch golden crusts finish perfectly without opening the door. • Rotisserie Feature: Evenly roast fruit or treats for a moist, caramelized result. • Dehydrating Racks: Turn fresh fruit into sweet, snack‑size treats faster. Why We Love It: Its big capacity and rotisserie make family‑sized desserts effortless, and the dehydrating racks turn fruit into tasty, homemade snacks in minutes.
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3
Ninja | Air Fryer | 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity fits 9lbs of Wings | 6-in-1 Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate | Nonstick Basket, Crisper Plate & Recipe Guide | Grey | AF181
• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I prepare these Maple Pecan Sticky Buns?

You can make these sticky buns ahead of time! After assembling them in the pan, cover tightly and refrigerate them for up to 12 hours. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing them in the oven for the full 2 hours and 5 minutes of cook time.

What is the best way to store leftover Maple Pecan Sticky Buns?

Store leftover sticky buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days. For the best texture, reheat individual buns in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warm and gooey.

Can I substitute the pecans in this sticky bun recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute the pecans if needed. Walnuts are the most common and excellent alternative, offering a similar buttery crunch. For a nut-free version, you can use toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, though the overall flavor profile will change slightly.