To Die For Maple Pecan Buns
Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Servings: 16 buns
Description
These indulgent Maple Pecan Buns are a delightful treat that are both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Soft, tender, and sweet, they combine the richness of maple syrup with the crunch of toasted pecans, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Best enjoyed within a day or two of baking, though they can easily be reheated in the microwave for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack. Whether you’re preparing them for a cozy brunch or a special occasion, these buns are sure to become a favorite in your home. The addition of raisins gives a fruity contrast that pairs beautifully with the maple and pecan flavors.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Warm water | 1/4 cup |
| Active dry yeast | 4 1/2 teaspoons |
| Granulated sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 4 cups |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Butter (for dough) | 1/2 cup |
| Butter (for filling) | 1/2 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Raisins (optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Butter (for maple pecan layer) | 1/2 cup |
| Brown sugar (for maple pecan layer) | 1 cup |
| Maple syrup | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract (for syrup) | 1 teaspoon |
| Pecan pieces | 1 1/2 cups |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 529.2 kcal |
| Total Fat | 28.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 78.5 mg |
| Sodium | 222.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 64.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g |
| Sugars | 36.6 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
-
Activate the Yeast
Start by pouring 1/4 cup of warm water into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar into the water. Stir gently to combine, then let the mixture stand for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes bubbly and frothy, which indicates the yeast is active. -
Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
While waiting for the yeast to activate, grab a medium-sized bowl and blend together 1 cup of sour cream, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir this mixture into the yeast mixture until everything is well combined. -
Add the Dry Ingredients
To the wet mixture, add 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir gently until the flour is absorbed, and a sticky dough starts to form. -
Knead the Dough
Add 1/2 cup of softened butter to the dough, and knead by hand until smooth and elastic—about 5 to 7 minutes. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky. -
Let the Dough Rise
Lightly grease a large bowl with butter, then place the dough in the bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Buns:
- Prepare the Work Surface
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Cut the dough in half and roll each piece into a rectangle approximately 9 by 12 inches in size, with a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
Prepare the Filling:
-
Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until smooth. If you’re using raisins, add 1/2 cup of raisins to the mixture. -
Spread the Filling
Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over both rectangles of dough. Be sure to cover all edges for maximum flavor. -
Roll the Dough
Carefully roll each dough rectangle lengthwise into a log. Make sure to keep the rolls tight to prevent gaps. -
Slice the Rolls
Cut each roll into 8 equal sections, creating 16 buns in total.
Prepare the Maple Pecan Layer:
-
Make the Maple Pecan Syrup
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 1/2 cup of butter. Once melted, stir in 1 cup of brown sugar and cook until the sugar dissolves completely. Pour in 1/2 cup of maple syrup and let the mixture cook for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. -
Prepare the Pans
Generously butter two 10-inch round cake pans. Pour the maple syrup mixture evenly into the bottom of each pan, and then sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups of pecan pieces. -
Place the Buns in the Pan
Carefully arrange the sliced buns in the syrup-covered pans. Try to distribute the buns evenly, making sure each one sits nicely in the syrup. -
Let the Buns Rise
Cover the pans with a clean towel and let the buns rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until they have puffed up and filled the pans.
Bake the Buns:
-
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). -
Bake
Once the buns have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center of a bun comes out clean. -
Cool and Invert
Let the buns cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Afterward, carefully invert the pans onto serving plates, allowing the sticky maple syrup to drizzle over the buns.
Serving Suggestions:
These Maple Pecan Buns are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Serve them as a decadent breakfast treat or an indulgent snack for any occasion. The combination of soft dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and gooey maple syrup is simply irresistible.
Pro Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling the night before. Simply cover the dough after kneading, place it in the refrigerator overnight, and then allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
- Storage: These buns are best eaten fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. If you want to enjoy them later, microwave them for 15-20 seconds to bring back their warmth and softness.
- Variations: If you prefer, you can omit the raisins and use chopped dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a different twist on this classic recipe.
Conclusion:
These To Die For Maple Pecan Buns are a comforting and delightful treat that are perfect for brunch, holidays, or any special occasion. The combination of rich maple syrup, crunchy pecans, and the soft, sweet dough will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you make them for a weekend breakfast or as a gift for a loved one, they are guaranteed to be a hit!
