Sticky Pecan Caramel Twist Bread

A show-stopping spiral bread loaded with cinnamon-sugar layers and drenched in a sticky caramel pecan glaze. This sweet and nutty twist on classic sticky buns is perfect for holiday mornings, weekend brunch, or an indulgent dessert centerpiece.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sticky Pecan Caramel Twist Bread is a visually stunning and deeply satisfying baked treat. With a soft, buttery dough spiraled around layers of cinnamon and brown sugar, this bread brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. The rich pecan caramel topping adds both crunch and decadence, making each bite a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. It’s ideal for celebrations, gifting, or simply treating yourself to something special. Plus, the elegant twist shape is easier to achieve than it looks and always impresses.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

• active dry yeast
• warm milk (110°F)
• granulated sugar
• unsalted butter, melted
• large egg
• salt
• all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• brown sugar
• ground cinnamon
• unsalted butter, softened

For the Pecan Caramel Topping:

• chopped pecans
• brown sugar
• unsalted butter
• heavy cream
• pinch of salt

Optional Garnish:

• flaky sea salt

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. Stir in the melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4. Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
5. Spread with softened butter and sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
6. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Cut the log lengthwise into two equal halves.
7. Twist the halves together with the cut sides facing outward, then coil into a spiral shape. Place in a greased round baking dish. Let rise again for 30 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. In a small saucepan, melt the butter for the topping. Stir in brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture bubble gently for 1–2 minutes, then stir in the chopped pecans.
10. Pour the pecan caramel mixture over the shaped dough.
11. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and the caramel is bubbling.
12. Cool slightly before serving. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8–10 slices
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Calories: Approximately 410 kcal per serving

Variations

• Nut-Free Version: Omit the pecans and use the caramel topping as-is or add sunflower seeds for texture.
• Maple Caramel: Replace the brown sugar in the topping with maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Drizzle with a sweetened cream cheese glaze instead of caramel for a different twist.
• Mini Twists: Divide dough into smaller portions and create mini spiral buns for individual servings.
• Chocolate Chip Addition: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips with the cinnamon sugar for added richness.

storage/reheating

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds. For best results, avoid freezing the finished bread, as the caramel topping may change texture.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.

Do I need a stand mixer to make this recipe?

No, while a stand mixer makes kneading easier, the dough can be kneaded by hand.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, substitute the same amount and skip the proofing step—just mix it directly with the flour.

Can I use store-bought dough?

You can use a high-quality sweet bread dough, but homemade yields the best flavor and texture.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The top should be golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center should come out clean.

What if I don’t have a spiral pan?

A round cake pan or springform pan works well for shaping and baking the twist.

Can I add raisins or dried fruit?

Yes, sprinkle raisins or dried cranberries over the cinnamon-sugar layer for added sweetness.

Is this bread overly sweet?

It is rich, but the balance of cinnamon, nuts, and sea salt prevents it from being cloying.

How long does the bread stay fresh?

Best enjoyed within 2 days, though it can be stored longer in the refrigerator.

Can I serve this for dessert?

Absolutely. It makes a stunning dessert when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

Sticky Pecan Caramel Twist Bread is a luxurious, pull-apart bread that transforms simple pantry ingredients into an unforgettable treat. With its gooey caramel topping, toasty pecans, and tender spiraled layers, this recipe is perfect for gatherings, brunches, or simply spoiling yourself. It’s a celebration of indulgent baking made accessible and beautiful.

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