Description
Soft, buttery layers of bread coated in maple-cinnamon sugar and chopped pecans, baked until golden and drizzled with a sweet maple glaze. This luscious pull-apart bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or festive holiday gatherings, offering a delightful combination of warm spices and nutty crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tbsp milk, as needed
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt until combined. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Prepare filling: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, chopped pecans, and pure maple syrup. Mix well to create a spreadable filling.
- Shape bread: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×20-inch rectangle. Spread the prepared filling evenly over the dough. Cut the dough into wide strips, stack these strips, then cut the stack into squares. Arrange the stacks upright inside a greased loaf pan, creating the distinctive pull-apart layers.
- Second rise: Cover the loaf pan and let the assembled bread rise again until puffy and nearly doubled, about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 35 to 40 minutes, checking regularly and covering the top loosely with foil if it browns too quickly, until golden and cooked through.
- Glaze: While the bread is still warm, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm bread before serving to enhance sweetness and moisture.
Notes
- Best served warm to allow the layers to pull apart easily and showcase the buttery texture.
- For an extra crunchy topping, sprinkle additional chopped pecans over the bread before baking.
- You can assemble the loaf ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight; bake fresh in the morning for a convenient breakfast treat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Brunch / Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
